In 1980, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) was
charged with developing and attaining environmental threshold
carrying capacities referred to as Thresholds. Nine categories
of Thresholds were adopted in 1982:
Each Threshold category contains a number of specific
indicators and standards that are used to track, evaluate,
and report the status of each Threshold over time. Beginning
in 1991, the nine Thresholds are evaluated every 5 years
through assessment of the 36 Threshold indicators. Currently,
an extensive Threshold Update is underway (with anticipated
completion date in 2004), the results of which will set
TRPA´s direction and lay the groundwork for the
adoption of the next 20-year Regional Plan in 2007.
The environmental threshold carrying capacities are
vitally important to the overall TRPA program and Lake
Tahoe Basin restoration efforts. The Threshold Update
will lay the foundation for the 2007 revision of the 1987
Regional Plan. The Regional Plan, with a timeframe
of 20 years, is comprised of many parts and is an extensive
document that sets the stage for development and environmental
restoration in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Essentially, the
Regional Plan will lay the groundwork of actions needed
to promote Threshold attainment and Lake Tahoe restoration.
An ambitious Environmental Improvement Program (EIP)
support the long-term restoration of Lake Tahoe and attainment
of its Environmental Thresholds. The scope of the EIP
is vast and encompasses programs, projects, research and
monitoring efforts.
Resources:
2001 Threshold Evaluation
Report:
2001
Threshold Evaluation Executive Summary
2006
Draft Threshold Evaluation Page
2006
Threshold Update Environmental Assessment Page
