MAP E-Newsletters

Stay up to date with Mountain Area Preservation by signing up for our Monthly E-Newsletter. MAP News highlights are featured below and our past monthly e-newsletters can be accessed on our Archive Webpage.

Save The Date | 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner Tickets On Sale June 20th! 
The 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner will return to the magical Mitchell’s Meadows on Friday, August 15th, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. This August marks MAP’s thirty-eighth year as a grassroots environmental advocacy non-profit and the Sierra Forage Dinner is our largest fundraiser to support MAP’s mission-driven work. This year, the dinner will feature a multi-course family-style dinner with wine pairings, live music, a silent auction, a live auction, live painting, and a match and pledge fundraising opportunity. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20th, for individual and table sales. Stay tuned for more event details next month!

Sponsor the 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner

If you are a business, organization, or individual who believes in the power of grassroots advocacy and enjoys MAP’s signature events, then you should consider sponsoring the 15th Annual Sierra Forage Dinner this year. Sponsors are not just supporters, they are integral to the success of the event, helping us host and elevate the dinner each year. Each sponsor level includes perks and opportunities, showcasing your brand and company to Truckee Tahoe advocates and stewards. Learn more about Sponsorship on our website and be part of the magic that makes MAP happen at the Sierra Forage Dinner! 

SAVE THE DATE | Wild & Scenic – On Tour

FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING | SEPTEMBER 25TH

Save the date for our rescheduled free community event, Wild & Scenic—On Tour, hosted by MAP on Thursday, September 25th, from5:30-8:00 p.m. at theMartis Valley Education Foundation. MAP will screen nine films and host a raffle to support our priority conservation efforts. Be sure to add this fun and free event to your calendar to kick off the new school year. Thank you to the Martis Valley Education Foundation for hosting our event at 9765 Schaffer Mill Road in Truckee. As we get closer to the event we will have more details on our raffle and a RSVP form to claim your free seat.

MAP Project Mixers | Register Now for Our Mixer in Incline Village, NV

Wednesday, June 25th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm 

Join Mountain Area Preservation (MAP) next month on June 25th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Tunnel Creek Cafe in Incline Village, NV, for our second MAP Project mixer of the year. We will focus on our history and land use advocacy for the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Coming to Project Mixers is a great way to learn about MAP, our environmental advocacy and how you can get involved in speaking up for the environment and community. Sign up HERE and kick-off summer by being part of a movement to protect what you love, Truckee Tahoe!

MAP Summer Outreach Events | Come and Volunteer with Us! 

Summer is here, and we’re hitting the streets to share MAP’s work with our community. We’re looking for volunteers to help support our outreach efforts.

Our summer events are about to kick off with the Lost and Found Gravel Ride in Portola, put on by our friends to the north, Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship. We’ll also be at Truckee Thursdays for three weeks in July and popping up at the Truckee and Tahoe City Certified Farmers’ Markets in July and August. Outreach events are a great way to get involved and help others learn about MAP. Contact Marissa Rudder, MAP Membership & Outreach Director (Marissa@mapf.org), to learn more about our summer outreach schedule and upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Membership Spotlight | KMI Wealth Business Member 

We’re proud to highlight KMI Wealth Advisors, owned and operated by Kristen Mayer. Kristen is a dedicated supporter of MAP and an advocate for responsible growth in our region. She served on MAP’s Board of Directors from 2020 to 2024 as treasurer and vice president. Her favorite MAP conservation victory is helping to support the protection of 290 acres in eastern Truckee known as Canyon Springs. Her commitment to MAP reflects the values guiding her work at KMI, where she helps clients grow their wealth through sustainable investing rooted in long-term financial planning and environmental responsibility.

Want to become a MAP Business Member? Learn more on our website and join the businesses who back environmental advocacy for present and future generations. Learn More.

Cultivating Community Update

The TRPA’s current land use planning process, Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin, continues to move forward with the recent release of its Growth Management System Briefing Book. This document is intended to outline some of the Tahoe Basin’s biggest challenges when it comes to providing workforce and affordable housing, along with potential policy solutions. At MAP, we are just diving into the Briefing Book, but we will be sure to keep the community updated with key takeaways as we process this information. The outlined policy considerations will be discussed on June 22nd and 23rd during the Tahoe Living Working Group's small work sessions. These meetings will be held at the TRPA office in Stateline and are open to the public, so if you’re curious, please join us and we will send out an Action Alert before the sessions with more details. 

The TPRA is also hosting a webinar this upcoming Monday, June 2nd, at 2:00 pm on Stormwater Management and Housing at Lake Tahoe. Participants will learn the fundamentals of stormwater management and how it shapes development in the Tahoe Basin. Register to learn more.

Barton Hospital Project - Scoping Comments Due June 6th

Projects in South Lake Tahoe aren’t usually our focus, but this one has the potential to set a precedent for the entire lake, so we’re paying attention. The Barton Hospital Project would be located on the old Lakeside Inn and Casino property, across Highway 50 from Barton’s Nevada campus. The project includes the relocation of some existing services from their California campus as well as the expansion of hospital uses. 

Among other concerns, issues include an increase in height from 56’ to 80’, a lack of compatibility with neighboring uses, and impacts on noise and water quality. An environmental impact statement is being prepared to analyze the potential effects. The scoping period for the project has been extended to June 6th, so if you’re interested, review the project here and send comments to bartonproject@trpa.gov.

Check out our News Blog

We’re launching a new blog series to help keep our supporters informed and engaged in the issues that matter most, both here at home and beyond. A key aspect of our work is providing timely updates on land use policy, environmental concerns, and development activities in our region. We’ll post regularly to highlight key topics and encourage community dialogue. We also extend our sincere thanks to our local media partners. Your on-the-ground reporting keeps our community connected and informed. We’re grateful for your work.

Check out our NEW news blog on our website.

Make Every Day Earth Day

While April is known as Earth Month, we strive to make every day count towards taking care of our environment and community. Through grassroots advocacy, MAP’s work has helped to create a positive impact since 1987. By using our voices and organizing the community, we’ve been able to create change for our natural environment and the community of Truckee Tahoe for three decades and counting. 

By standing up, organizing, and collaborating, MAP’s work has helped to protect more than 7,000 acres from the threats of poorly-planned growth, while advancing critical community needs such as workforce housing, policies for smart growth, environmental justice, and resource conservation. Join us in making a pledge to make each day count, and be a steward in your own community and backyard.

9th Annual Wild & Scenic | An Inspiring Weekend at the Fox Cultural Hall 

Thank you to our festival guests, who joined us at the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach, CA on April 4th and 5th. We had two nights and nine films debuted at the Fox, with many MAP supporters, festival sponsors, community members, and new friends we made at the festival! We want to give a special thank you to Protect Our Winters and Emily Tidwell for being with us both nights and introducing her film, Saving Silence. Through sponsorship, ticket sales, the first festival raffle, MAP membership, merchandise and bar sales MAP raised $23,586 to help fuel our mission driven work. 

Thank you again to the 250 festival guests, National Partners, Sponsors, Raffle Donors, Volunteers, MAP Stewardship Committee, Fox Cultural Hall and Wild and Scenic Staff of the South Yuba Rivers Citizen Action League (SYRCL) for helping MAP host this year’s festival; we could not have done it without you! 

MAP is Hiring a Summer 2025 Environmental Policy Intern

Mountain Area Preservation seeks to hire a dynamic summer intern to support our advocacy program and inform policy positions. This is an exciting opportunity to work for a successful grassroots environmental non-profit organization and learn about land use, advocacy, and environmental stewardship. Applications are due May 19th. 

Learn More and Apply Today!

Rise & Get Activated | Become a MAP Member 

When you give to MAP, you’re a member. Simple as that. In a time of growing climate anxiety, membership is a powerful, tangible way to take action at the local level. Member support helps MAP advocate for responsible development and protect the wild places that make Truckee Tahoe special. Join MAP at the $50 membership level in April and receive a limited edition Klean Kanteen Rise Low Ball insulated cup (pictured above) as a thank-you gift.

Become a MAP Member TODAY!

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Refresh LLC 

Tiffany Connolly opened her first Refresh Station inside Good Anya Plant Shop in Truckee to help shift how our community thinks about everyday consumption. As a refill station for bath, body, and home products, Refresh offers simple, low-waste alternatives that make it easier to reuse and reduce waste. Tiffany’s values align with MAP’s mission to protect open space and advocate for intentional community planning. Her favorite MAP conservation victory is Johnson Canyon, where she hikes, bikes, and reconnects with nature. Thanks to MAP’s advocacy, the area remains open and wild instead of being developed into a Caltrans Facility.

MAP’s business members fuel our work. The business community's support is a critical part of our outreach efforts, helping us connect with community members and visitors alike who value MAP’s advocacy efforts in Truckee Tahoe. Interested in learning more about how your business can support MAP? Reach out to Marissa Rudder, Membership & Outreach Director (marissa@mapf.org).

TRPA Phase 3 | Cultivating Community & Conserving the Basin. 

What is Happening in the Public Process? 

If you have been following land use planning in the Tahoe Basin, you are likely confused. The TRPA Phase 2 Amendments were approved at the end of 2023 and are now being adopted in Area Plans around the Basin. MAP challenged those planning amendments and ultimately settled in 2024 based on negotiations that Phase 3 would be structured to incorporate important policy considerations. Phase 3, now called Cultivating Community & Conserving the Basin, is currently underway. 

Among other things, MAP’s settlement guarantees that this phase will include crucial discussions about an income cap for achievable housing, incentives and programs to unlock existing housing stock rather than focusing entirely on new construction, and criteria to address site-specific impacts on public safety and wildfire evacuation. The settlement also makes TRPA legally obligated to complete a robust environmental impact statement as part of Phase 3. The next meeting for the important Cultivating Community process is scheduled for Monday, May 19th. Stay tuned for more info as the meeting approaches.

Want to Get Involved? Become Land Use Literate at our MAP Mixer on May 22nd

Now is the perfect time to learn more about Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin and find out how you can get involved in community planning in the Tahoe Basin. Join MAP at our Project Mixer on May 22nd, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Bear Belly Brewing in Kings Beach. Project Mixers are FREE to the public and hosted by MAP. 

We will break down all things TRPA, help you understand why it is crucial to get involved, and most importantly, give you the tools to effectively participate in the process. You’ll discover how to look up agendas, how to submit public comments and find out why your voice matters when it comes to civic engagement and stewardship! 
So save the date and join us for a beer on May 22nd and become land use literate! P.S. MAP members’ first drink is on us. Hope to see you there!

Placer Discover and Discuss | TONIGHT from 5:00 - 7:30 pm

Do you have questions or comments about Placer County’s 2050 General Plan Update? What about Dollar Creek Crossing? Or other topics like emergency preparedness, housing programs, and summer infrastructure updates? Then join Placer County TONIGHT from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach to ask your burning questions, provide important feedback to staff, and get up to speed on any outstanding items. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided. Hope to see you there!

April 30th Discover & Discuss Event

Truckee Town Council Meeting on May 13th | 2nd Budget Workshop and Release of Organizational Assessment

The long-awaited Town of Truckee Organizational Assessment is finally scheduled to see the light of day at the Town Council meeting on May 13th. Initiated almost a year ago, this process aims to identify Town inefficiencies and challenges in order to determine proactive steps for improvement. Originally anticipated for a January release date, the delay of the assessment sparked controversy earlier this year, with members of the community questioning the rationale for postponement. Whatever the reason, it seems the report is finally ready for primetime and we’re sure curious to see what it says. 
Join the Town of Truckee on May 13th for the unveiling of the assessment and for a second budget workshop. If the first budget workshop held in April was any indicator, the Council has some big questions to sort out before final budget adoption in June.

Housing Needs Assessment Survey 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)  is partnering with the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation (TTCF) and other regional partners to complete an updated assessment of the region’s housing needs. Partners request survey responses from individuals who live and work in the region, including local residents, seasonal workers, commuters, and those experiencing homelessness. Learn more about this next survey and please take it if you are part of the Truckee Tahoe workforce; it takes 5-10 minutes.

A Closer Look at Housing in the Basin  

Housing in Lake Tahoe has always been a challenge. Eli Ramos of the Tahoe Daily Tribune covers the housing landscape and crisis in Lake Tahoe, and the many groups and counties who are tackling the issues. Read more here. 

TRPA Must Prioritize Transparency and a Carrying Capacity Study for Lake Tahoe 

Niobe Burden Austere is a Lake Tahoe advocate who follows land use planning in the basin. She and many others have been questioning the true transparency behind the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) analysis on their own environmental thresholds and the carrying capacity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, straddling two states and five counties. Read more here. 

Local Leaders Call For Restoration of Federal Funding 

Sierra Region leaders met with Congressman Kevin Kiley to advocate for the United States Forest Service (USFS) funding for fuels reduction projects in Truckee Tahoe, and beyond, along with funding to support our parks, campgrounds, trails and staffing needs for our publicly-managed lands. Read more here. 

2050 Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan Open for Public Comment

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency recently released Connections 2050: Regional Transportation Plan. Updated every four years, this document outlines the vision for the Basin’s transportation system over the next 25 years. The plan, along with its associated environmental review document, are open for public comment until May 13th. Go to this webpage to learn more and weigh in. 

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated 

Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

Wild & Scenic at the Fox in Kings Beach Only 8 Days Away 

Wild and Scenic is coming to Tahoe in just eight days, so reserve your seat at the 9th festival hosted by MAP on Friday, April 4th, and Saturday, April 5th, at the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach, before we sell out! We have nine epic films to share with the community, and we will also have POW with us, MAP merch for sale, a raffle to benefit our advocacy efforts, FREE popcorn, and drinks for everyone at the MAP bar! Stay tuned for another film spotlight in our upcoming event communications this weekend. 

Watch the festival trailer and buy your tickets today!

Without the support of sponsors, hosting Wild and Scenic would not be possible for MAP. Thank you to our 2025 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, OARS, Impact Capital, Cabona’s, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Alison Bermant, Roxanne Duffield & Hans Wain, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Tahoe Forest Health System, Shute, Mihaly, and Weinberger, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT), Alpine Charm, Bear Belly Brewing Co., Range of Light Services, A Single Track Mind, Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, Carolyn Corley Photography, Locals Creative, Mountain Thyme Events, and 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio. 

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship Closes on 3/31 at Midnight! 

The MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship application period closes in FIVE Days on 3/31 at MIDNIGHT. This year, we are granting $2,500 to a 2025 graduating senior with the desire and passion to make a positive impact in a future environmental career or profession. Our scholarship is awarded to a North Tahoe-Truckee graduating high school senior attending a two- or four-year college or university and pursuing a degree in the environmental sector. Learn More about the MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship program. 

For donors who want to help MAP foster Truckee Tahoe’s youth to become future changemakers in the environmental sector, learn more about our youth environmental scholarship fund and make a tax-deductible donation on our website. All donations received are restricted to MAP’s TTCF Scholarship fund to ensure we can continue making scholarships over the next ten years. Want to learn more about our fund contact, Alexis@mapf.org

MAP Snowfest Beneficiary Events A Success! 

MAP partnered with Tahoe Gifting Co. and River Ranch in the 43rd Annual SnowFest for North Lake Tahoe, participating in just two of many events over two weekends in March. Thank you, Tahoe Gifting Co., for showcasing the MAP bandana by Bryn Merrell at the shop and having it embroidered for shoppers at the Christmas Tree Village Block Party event. Through your support and collaboration, $300 was raised for MAP’s mission-driven work through banana donations. Thank you, Darya, Chelsea, Matt, and Bob! 

At the 37th Annual River Ranch Snowfest Contest, MAP competed against non-profit partners for $2,000 in cash prizes for snow sculpting. MAP was the first runner-up among seven nonprofits and won $400 for our MAP Sunshine Sculpture. Thank you to our staff, volunteers, judges, and community members who came out for a fun day on the deck at River Ranch, soaking up the sunshine and supporting the community.

We look forward to next year and bringing more light to the event!

MAP Business Member Spotlight | Mo, Jo & Zoe and Gallery 5830’

Gallery 5830’

Gallery 5830’ in Historic Downtown Truckee is a family and artist-owned business run by Sara Dube and Curtis Blassingame. With backgrounds in education, the arts, and environmental stewardship, they’ve created a gallery showcasing exceptional artists from the Truckee-Tahoe region and beyond. Their passion for fostering creativity and community shines through every aspect of their business.

Mo, Jo & Zoe 

For 15 years, mother-daughter duo Jo-Anne and Melinda have brought quality fashion and unique jewelry to Historic Downtown Truckee, inspired by their matriarch, Zoe. MAP members since Ladies Night 2024, we’re grateful for their commitment to protecting open spaces and preserving Truckee’s mountain character.

MAP’s business members fuel our work. The business community's support is a critical part of our outreach efforts, helping us connect with community members and visitors alike who value MAP’s advocacy efforts in Truckee Tahoe. Interested in learning more about how your business can support MAP? Reach out to Marissa Rudder, Membership & Outreach Director (marissa@mapf.org)

Sophia Heidrich, MAP Advocacy Director on Outside Lake Tahoe 

MAP Advocacy Director Sophia Heidrich went on the Tahoe Tonight Show on Outside Lake Tahoe this month to share with viewers about MAP, our mission, and the upcoming Wild & Scenic Film Festival coming to North Lake Tahoe at the Fox Cultural Hall in early April. Check out the interview.

TRPA Cultivating Community | March Update

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s housing project, Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin, is marching along with the recent adoption of the project’s overall vision and intended outcomes. At MAP, we continue to voice concerns about these goals, as reiterated in our most recent comment letter. The intended outcomes will shape the policies and codes ultimately proposed later this year. Also on the horizon for this project is a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the cumulative impacts of the as-yet unknown proposed changes, along with all the other changed conditions that have occurred since the last EIS was completed in 2012.  

We know that the project's main vision is to modify TRPA policy and regulations to help meet the region’s housing needs while maintaining the conservation and protection of Lake Tahoe. How exactly TRPA will go about this is still very much up in the air, so now is the time to get involved! MAP will host a project mixer later this spring where you can ask questions and learn more about Cultivating Community. We’ll keep you posted!

Dollar Creek Crossing Update | April 1st Placer Board of Supervisors Hearing

It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard any news about Dollar Creek Crossing, but the community is about to get an update. Join us at Tuesday, April 1st, at the North Tahoe Event Center to get a project status report from Placer County staff. Please note that you can watch the hearing online, but in a disappointing move, Placer County is no longer allowing verbal public comments through Zoom. 

As a quick reminder, in 2023, Placer County and its consultants proposed a site plan for Dollar Creek Crossing (an 11.4-acre site located across from the 7-11 on Dollar Point) that included an undefined mix of affordable (income-restricted) and achievable (local-worker-restricted) housing. In 2024, Placer County completed a construction cost estimate and financial feasibility analysis to help determine the mix of various housing units that would ultimately be proposed. At the meeting next week, staff will review the outcomes of the analysis and recommend a plan moving forward. If you’re as curious as we are about the future of this site, we hope to see you there!

Two Truckee River Revitalization Catalyst Sites Move Forward

For decades, the community has envisioned a vibrant and celebrated Downtown Truckee River corridor. This vision contrasts with Truckee’s historical land uses north of the river, which include a variety of commercial, manufacturing, and industrial uses. In an effort to move the community’s vision forward, in 2023 the Town of Truckee initiated the River Revitalization Steering Committee, a collaboration of landowners, business owners, public agency representatives and other stakeholders to focus on revitalization efforts for this key area. 

Fast forward to the present and one of the key findings from the committee is that there are a number of significant barriers and a lack of certainty around redevelopment and relocation of those traditional industrial and commercial uses. In an effort to build momentum, the committee recommended that the Town select several “catalyst” sites where the property owner is interested in relocation or redevelopment. The Town would partner with these landowners to provide technical assistance in hopes of demonstrating several river revitalization successes. This week, the Town finalized memorandums of understanding with two landowners to help move their projects forward. This is an exciting step toward river revitalization and we’ll keep you updated as the projects progress. Take a look at the recording of this week’s Town Council meeting to learn more.

LA Fires A Poignant Reminder for Lake Tahoe 

In February, Governor Gavin Newsome signed a new executive order aimed at home hardening and wildfire mitigation efforts. Find out what this means for Lake Tahoe in this article from the Sierra Sun.

Tahoe Biltmore developer defaults on $82m loan—again

Promises to redevelop the old Tahoe Biltmore have circulated for almost two decades. Despite settlement agreements, permits and changes in ownership, the project has sat at a standstill. Now, for the second time this year, the owners have defaulted on their loan leaving us all to wonder about the Biltmore’s uncertain future.

South Lake Tahoe's ban on short-term rentals has been overturned

In 2018, voters in the City of South Lake Tahoe opted to ban short-term rentals in residential areas, save for an exception allowing “permanent residents” to rent their homes up to 30 days per year. The El Dorado Superior Court overturned the measure this month. The City now has 60 days to determine whether they’ll appeal the decision.

A Missed Opportunity for Compassion and Understanding

Nevada County District 5 Supervisor, Hardy Bullock, reflects on the failed Hope Ridge House project in his recent Moonshine Ink My Shot.

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated

 Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

9th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival | Tickets on Sale March 4th!

Next week, tickets will go on sale for the 9th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival hosted by Mountain Area Preservation, on Tuesday, March 4th, 9 am, online only. We are thrilled to bring two nights of inspiring films to the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach on Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 5th. Don’t forget, MAP members will receive an early invitation to purchase tickets! 

Thanks to our Wild and Scenic Sponsors!

Without the support of sponsors, hosting Wild and Scenic would not be possible for MAP. Thank you to our 2025 Wild and Scenic National Sponsors and MAP Sponsors: Earthjustice, Sierra Nevada Brewing, Tangled Bank Studios, OARS, Impact Capital, Cabona’s, Martis Fund, Martis Camp, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Alison Bermant, Roxanne Duffield & Hans Wain, Truckee Donner Public Utility District, Shute, Mihaly, and Weinberger, Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT), Bear Belly Brewing Co., Range of Light Services, A Single Track Mind, Tahoe Truckee Waldorf, Carolyn Corley Photography, and 101.5 Truckee Tahoe Radio. 

MAP Youth Scholarship Applications Open | Apply Now!  

Each year, MAP awards an Environmental Scholarship through the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Scholarship Program. This year, we are granting $2,500 to a future 2025 graduating senior with the desire and passion to make a positive impact in a future environmental career or profession.  

Our scholarship is awarded to a North Tahoe-Truckee graduating high school senior attending a two- or four-year college or university and pursuing a degree in environmental science and studies fields. Special focuses can include natural resource management, planning, law, policy, engineering, sustainability, and environmental justice. Learn more about the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation Scholarship Program and MAP’s Environmental Scholarship.  

MAP Youth Environmental Scholarship

MAP Business Member Spotlight 

Gratitudes | White Buffalo | Bespoke  

Downtown Truckee is the heart of our community, and local businesses help shape its character. MAP is proud to partner with hardworking business owners who share our commitment to protecting open spaces and preserving mountain character.

Gratitudes Gifts & Home Decor – A beloved shop since 1996, founded by mother-daughter duo Julie Huck and Sue Moule. Their support for MAP and local events helps protect the mountain environment we all cherish.

White Buffalo – A Downtown staple since 1989, offering handcrafted Native American jewelry, art, and home goods. Owners Jerry and Donna Wood prioritize responsibly sourced Indigenous artwork, keeping Truckee’s cultural heritage alive.

Bespoke – Owned by Heather River and Brian Hess, their thoughtfully curated shop celebrates local and regional makers, by supporting local and regional makers they are creating a more resilient local economy while preserving Truckee’s mountain character.

MAP was supported by 38 business members in 2024, including 14 new members. Business partnerships help us expand our outreach and spread the word about MAP’s advocacy efforts through collaboration. Want to align your business with conservation? Join MAP as a business member today!

SnowFest Events with MAP 

Christmas Tree Village Block Party with Tahoe Gifting Co. MAP Support!  

MAP is excited to participate and partner with the business community on two SnowFest Events coming up! Embroider a limited edition Bryn Merrell, Wildflowers of the Sierra Bandana with Tahoe Gifting Co. at SnowFest! On Saturday, March 8th, from 1 to 6 pm, you can join Tahoe Gifting Co. and many other businesses in Christmas Tree Village in Incline Village, NV, for a Snowfest Block Party!  

Embroider a bandana as a gift or for yourself and support grassroots environmental advocacy for Tahoe! $15 per bandana includes your custom embroidery with proceeds supporting MAP’s grassroots environmental advocacy work to protect open space in Truckee Tahoe. Be sure to get to the shop early, there are only 30 Bryn Merrell, Sierra Wildflower Bandanas! 

37th Annual River Ranch Snow Sculpture Contest 

Sunday, March 9th, Noon to 3 pm  

Come see the MAP staff, and Board carve up the snow for a chance to win prizes and $2k cash at the River Ranch on Sunday, March 9th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.  MAP will be competing with four other nonprofits at the 37th Annual Snow Sculpture Contest, so come have drinks and food after skiing and root for MAP!

TRPA Cultivating Communities Update 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s housing project, Cultivating Community, Conserving the Basin, is in full swing with recommended approval of the project’s intended outcomes by the Regional Planning Committee just yesterday (read MAP’s comment letter here). The vision and outcomes will be voted upon by the Governing Board on March 26th, with draft policies, codes and a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) coming later this year. As a quick reminder, this is the third and final phase of the TRPA’s housing initiative that began in 2021. The details are still fuzzy, but we know the overarching goal is to make housing more accessible for local community members. How exactly that happens will be determined as the process moves forward, so this is a crucial time for Tahoe Basin stakeholders to get involved. 

As part of the process, TRPA will be hosting a webinar on growth management on March 24th at 2:00 pm. Save the date! Also, keep an eye out for upcoming information on a MAP project mixer in North Tahoe where we will dive into the Cultivating Community project, break it all down and provide an informal opportunity to learn more and get engaged. Stay tuned!

Placer 2050 General Plan Update

The Placer 2050 General Plan update is underway! This will be the County’s vision for how to address critical community concerns and outline the blueprint for development and conservation through 2050. The first round of visioning workshops are coming up in the next few months. Save the date for a virtual workshop on Saturday, April 5th from 10 am - 12 pm or the in-person workshop at the North Tahoe Event Center on April 30th from 5 - 7:30 pm. Learn more about Placer 2050 and the upcoming workshops here. This is your chance to share your hopes, wishes and concerns for Placer County. We hope to see you there!

Town of Truckee’s Priorities for 2025

The Town of Truckee met earlier this month for their yearly strategic planning session. This year, they reaffirmed their existing focus areas, including Housing, Sustainability, Community Cohesion, Emergency Preparedness, and Infrastructure and Connectivity. Among many topics, council members discussed staffing and budget needs, potential expansion of TART Connect, Town outreach and engagement efforts, homeless support services, biomass, and housing programs. Of particular note is that the Town will launch the Housing Element Update this year, where they will assess current state housing requirements for Truckee and identify parcels to upzone in order to meet those requirements. Stay tuned for more information as the process moves forward. 

Barton receives cease and desist notice at new hospital site

Following a breach of permit requirements for effective best management practices (BMPs) that maintain stormwater on site, Barton was issued a cease and desist notice from the TRPA for its new hospital site. Last summer, Barton completed the demolition of the Lakeside Inn and Casino along Kahle Drive in South Shore to prepare for their proposed hospital expansion. The project’s BMPs failed during a heavy storm event last month, leading to the cease and desist order. Learn more in this article.

Are We Willing to Accept Unreasonable Fire Risk in Tahoe?

Former Placer County District 5 Supervisor candidate, Wayne Nader, paints the picture of dire wildfire risks in Eastern Placer County. He reminds the community that the Placer County Board of Supervisors will be taking up a request from Palisades in the next few weeks for an exemption to the State Minimum Fire Safe Regulation requiring more than one ingress and egress for emergency access. Read the article and learn about how you can take action. 

Tahoe Inn planned to come down sooner than expected 

 In an unexpected turn of events, as part of the Homewood Master Plan Amendments last month the TRPA (as supported by MAP and other organizations) required the owners of the resort to complete the long-awaited demolition of the Tahoe Inn during the next phase of development (rather than in 2028, as proposed). This demolition has long been promised and is a win for the community.

Nevada County pulls Hope Ridge House Project

The hope for the Hope Ridge House Project has been dashed. Nevada County had leased a home in the Armstrong neighborhood in Truckee to provide five supportive housing units. After significant public feedback, the County decided to pull the proposal. Learn more in this article from the Sierra Sun.

Private citizen funds Washoe County Evacuation Study

 A generous individual recently donated $185,000 to Washoe County for a countywide evacuation study. This is a need long recognized by many Incline Village community members as well as county staff. Stay tuned for more information as this moves ahead.

Become a Monthly MAP Member & Lets Climb Uphill Together!

 Protecting open spaces and preserving Truckee-Tahoe’s unique character is a collective effort, and our members are at the heart of that. Monthly support fuels our work, from preserving open space to advocating for our community’s future. Join or up your commitment with MAP to $20/month and receive a limited-edition MAP hoody featuring local artist and MAP Business Member Bryn Merrell’s stunning artwork as a thank you! Come along for the climb and let’s protect Truckee-Tahoe for future generations. 

 With important decisions ahead, your support will help MAP advocate for land use choices and development that reflect the values of those who call this place home. Protect Our Mountains! 

 Become a Monthly MAP Member Today! 

Follow MAP on Social Media & Stay Activated

 Staying connected and informed is one of the best ways you can be a steward of Truckee Tahoe while also helping to elevate MAP’s mission and work! By showing up to a hearing in person or via Zoom, joining us at a mixer, signing a petition, or becoming a member by following one of our social channels, we will keep you connected to land use and conservation efforts in Truckee Tahoe. 

What’s Ahead for MAP Advocacy in 2025

As we look ahead in 2025, we are embarking on significant open space advocacy in the Martis and Tahoe watershed, and diligently monitoring development in the Truckee and North Lake Tahoe area by participating in land use reviews for 18 projects, many of which we have been tracking for several years. 

Our involvement in the TRPA’s Tahoe Living Working Group, a multi-year planning effort for the Tahoe basin, demonstrates our commitment to advocating for future workforce housing. This planning phase not only creates new local housing opportunities but also marks the first new basin-wide environmental analysis since 2012. With your support, we can implement policy considerations from our TRPA settlement on the Phase 2 housing amendments. This is a crucial planning effort for all Tahoe lovers, and we invite you to be part of it!
This spring, we will be working with our contractor, Prosser, Building & Development, on the shade structure at Trout Creek Pocket Park. This long-awaited community benefit will soon be a reality, enhancing the downtown Truckee area just in time for summer. Our long-term commitment to conservation and smart land use is a testament to our dedication to the community and the environment.

Members Make MAP Happen | Powered by 895 Supporters in 2024

This past year, 895 supporters fueled MAP’s organizational and advocacy efforts. Whether you supported our Summer Membership campaign, Monthly Membership, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Sierra Forage Dinner, Advocacy Planned Giving, or Give Back Tahoe, you made MAP happen. Not only did our donor base grow to support our priority conservation and land use efforts, but we also had sold-out signature events and 425 petition supporters backing our TRPA advocacy. 

Thank you to all of our 2024 supporters. We are counting on our members, followers, and business supporters to join us in our advocacy efforts for 2025. Your participation is crucial in making a positive impact. We look forward to your involvement!

9th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival | Save The Date + Sponsorships! 

MAP is thrilled to bring the Wild and Scenic Film Festival back for the 9th year, expanding the festival for two nights in North Lake Tahoe, at the Fox Cultural Hall in Kings Beach. Our staff is busy working on bringing the community an amazing festival experience through awe-inspiring films meant to get you activated and involved in your community! 

 Be sure to save the dates for April 4th and 5th, and mark your calendars for tickets going on sale on March 4th. MAP is seeking sponsors to help us host Wild & Scenic, so if you are part of a like-minded business that wants to help inspire environmental stewardship, be sure to check out our Sponsorship Opportunities! 

Learn About Wild & Scenic Sponsorship 

MAP Business Member Spotlights | Truckee Downtown Merchants 

We are grateful for our business members who value the importance of supporting MAP’s local advocacy efforts. Over the last four weeks we have shared stories of MAP business members through our social media. These committed members are also members of Truckee Downtown Merchants Association. Our downtown merchants are vital to our unique mountain character that MAP advocates to protect. 

 Cabona’s- Truckee’s oldest downtown retailer since 1906 offers timeless and casual elegant apparel that fits Truckee’s funky mountain flair owned by Founder and Board Director, Stef Olivieri

Tahoe Sports Hub -  Owned by Wrenn & Robb Cavallo provides the best gear and gear maintenance to get out and enjoy the Sierra in every season. 

Riverside Studios - Riverside Studios is run by four amazing women artists who transform raw materials into beautiful functional art. Their gallery features their own artwork and other local artists who tie nature into their craft.

CA 89 - Family owned and operated by Lisa Gotts and her two children Ethan and Bella.  They have donated their event space for MAP Mixers and apparel collaborations like their Into the Woods clothing line. 

Interested in becoming a business member in 2025? Reach out to Marissa Rudder, marissa@mapf.org, Membership & Outreach Director to learn more!

Homewood Master Plan Approved

Last week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s Governing Board approved the Homewood Master Plan amendments, which include changes in project layout, architecture, and phasing. The meeting marked a win for the community with strong commitments to public access and enforceable mechanisms for noncompliance. Additionally, Homewood Mountain Resort has long promised the demolition of the blighted Tahoe Inn, but the proposed construction timeline punted it to 2028. In the final part of the hearing, the Governing Board required the demolition of the Tahoe Inn during the first phase of construction. Finally, some good news!

Town of Truckee Launches the Downtown Railroad Pedestrian Crossing Feasibility Study

The Town of Truckee is embarking on a process to understand the feasibility of adding a pedestrian/bicycle railroad crossing in Downtown Truckee, between the Depot to the east and McIver crossing to the west. Options up for consideration include an at-grade crossing, above-grade bridge crossing, and below-grade tunnel crossing. As part of the study, a Community Review Committee has been established as a mechanism for soliciting input from a variety of stakeholders. MAP will participate on the committee, which is set to meet for the first time on February 5th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm at Town Hall. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities to get involved. 

SR28 Corridor Plans Move Ahead 

Another 1.8 miles of trail are on the horizon for Tahoe’s East Shore (so long as federal grant funding stays in play). The trail is a major component of the plan, which also includes additional parking and transport options, all part of a goal to improve public safety and trail access in the SR28 Corridor. Learn more in this article.

New design for Truckee Regional Library unveiled

The Friends of Truckee Library, in collaboration with the local jurisdictions, recently released new schematic designs for the Truckee Regional Library. Based on input from community members and an advisory task force, the designs focus on accommodating Truckee’s growing population and creating a welcoming space for literature and community engagement. Visit the Friends of the Truckee Library website for more project information.