Research coordination and utilization at Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Basin located in the Sierra Nevadas of California and Nevada is quite unique in that it brings together, many times in conflict, the snow, water, and people. With increased recreational demands and increased development, the spotlight has been on the Basin as the Tahoe Regioal Planning Agency has attempted to develop and enforce a General Plan which would allow planned growth and still adhere to environmental constraints. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lake Tahoe Area Council, through funding from the National Science Foundation, have developed and are jointly administering the Research Coordination Unit. The primary objectives of this project are to identify research needs, coordinate research efforts, and make results readily available to governmental entities making planning and management decisions. The Lake Tahoe Area Research Coordination Board is comprised of a Governing Board and Science Advisory Panel, both with representation from various governmental, educational, and citizen oriented entities, and a small permanent staff. The benefits of this project are increased and more efficient utilization of research by government, the public, and the researchers.