Mission: Friends of the West Shore works towards the preservation, protection and conservation of the West Shore, our watersheds, wildlife and rural quality of life, for today and future generations. Learn more about the Friends of the West Shore.

TRPA REGIONAL PLAN UPDATE: In 1980, the United States Congress signed into law the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Compact. The Compact requires the TRPA to create a Regional Plan (RP). The RP, along with the region’s Transportation Plan, Conservation Plan, Recreation Plan, and Public Service and Facilities Plan are Lake Tahoe’s land-use blueprints. The RP outlines the extent and types of development and is a long-term general plan for the region. These developments must further the achievement and maintenance of Environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities and the goals of the Compact as stated in that document’s Findings and Declarations.

In late 2012, the TRPA Governing Board will vote on whether to approve the proposed RP Update (RPU). FOWS’ is working to ensure that the RPU complies with the Compact, protects Lake Tahoe’s environment, and will not forever change the character of our communities.

For more info: TRPA RPU Draft EIS Response by the League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Area Sierra Club and Friends of the West Shore.

Homewood Mountain Resort:  Court Halts Lake Tahoe Ski Resort Expansion – Flawed environmental impact report had rejected a smaller Homewood development.

Sacramento, CA – A federal judge has sent a proposed expansion of a Lake Tahoe ski resort back to the drawing board, ruling that the project’s Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIR-EIS) improperly analyzed the feasibility of building a smaller facility.  Read the Press Release.

Judge Shubb, United States District Court Eastern District of California: Memorandum and Order re: Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment. Read the full 114-page Document 69 filed January 4, 2013.

West Shore PIPE KEEPERS PILOT PROGRAM: Literally, hundreds of known and unknown outflow pipes along the shore of Lake Tahoe allow fine sediment and other pollutants to flow into the lake unfiltered. These pollutants are the number one cause of loss of lake clarity and near shore algae growth. FOWS is working with local community members to monitor these pipes and help reduce this pollution. For more info: Pipe Keepers Program or visit www.tahoepipeclub.com

Residents, Homeowner Associations or Groups: To preserve West Shore resident’s quality of life, for today and future generations, we would greatly appreciate hearing from residents, local homeowner associations, and Lake Tahoe groups. FOWS relies on our community members to shape our initiatives. We look forward to speaking with you and are happy to discuss relevant issues, community character, historical significance or sustainable communities. For more info: Please Get Involved

Using a S.H.A.R.E.S card when you shop at your local Save-Mart is an easy, no cost way to support the protection and preservation of the West Shore by supporting FOWS. Contact us to learn more about the S.H.A.R.E.S card