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Water Quality and Erosion Control Grant Program

The Water Quality and Erosion Control Grant Program provides funding for the implementation of Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) projects to restore and enhance the Lake Tahoe ecosystem on the Nevada side of the basin. The Fund to Protect Lake Tahoe was established in Chapter 514, Statutes of NV 1999 and authorized $56.4 million through the sale of general obligation bonds for environmental projects that protect the Lake Tahoe Basin. In 2009, the Nevada legislature extended the commitment to the EIP and authorized an additional $100 million over the subsequent 10 years. Proposed projects are evaluated by their benefit to the general public and whether the project will treat stormwater runoff that impacts surface water bodies or Lake Tahoe.

Current EIP projects funded through the Water Quality and Erosion Control grant program and in the planning phase are:

  • Third Creek Permanent Fish Management Structure: This EIP Stream Environment Zone restoration project with the Nevada Department of Wildlife will construct a permanent fish management structure on Third Creek that will enhance fish conservation efforts for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Construction is currently slated for Summer 2026.
  • Upper Third & Rosewood Creeks Water Quality Improvement Project: This project led by Washoe County will improve upon existing stormwater infrastructure for both Third Creek and the headwaters for Rosewood Creek by separating and treating the stormwater prior to entering the creeks. Planning and design are currently underway and project construction is planned for Summer 2026. 
  • SR28 Spooner Mobility Hub and AIS Inspection Station: This project will include design and construction of a transit mobility hub with 250 parking spaces and restrooms, an AIS inspection station, 0.5 miles of multi-use path and a pedestrian crossing from Spooner State Park to the junction of SR28 and US50 adjacent to transit mobility hub. Construction is currently slated for Summer 2026.
  • Spooner Meadow Restoration Project: Spooner Meadow is an important ecosystem along Tahoe’s east shore that provides cover, perennial water, and food resources for over one hundred species of wildlife. Historical water channelization, grazing, logging, and a lack of natural fire events have reduced its capacity to function as a normal, healthy meadow ecosystem. Restoration of Spooner Meadow will maintain its role as a vital wildlife nesting and migration corridor. Restoration implementation will begin in Summer 2026 and involve Nevada Division of State Parks in order to balance natural resource objectives with recreational opportunities.
Implementation of the Spooner Meadow Restoration Project will return the meadow to its pre-modified natural condition.

Current EIP projects funded through the Water Quality and Erosion Control grant program and in the implementation phase are:

  • Kahle Complete Street Project: This project by the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District will transform Kahle Drive, in Stateline, NV, into a “complete street” by improving stormwater drainage and treatment, upgrading an outdated water main and hydrants, and repairing wastewater infrastructure. Construction is planned for Summer 2025. https://ntcd.org/kahle-basin/
  • Marlette Creek Restoration and SR28 Crossing Improvement Project: This project near Thunderbird lodge on Lake Tahoe's east shore proposes to restore a portion of Marlette Creek to improve stream function, water quality, and fish habitat, and provide erosion control and stormwater treatment at directly connected outfalls from SR 28. Project is expected to be completed in Fall of 2025.
Newly-planted vegetation on the North Fork of the Marlette Creek Restoration and SR28 Crossing Improvement Project

 

Recent projects funded through the Water Quality and Erosion Control grant program are:

  • Lower Wood Creek:  Project includes planning, design, and construction of treatment basins, rock slope protection, and other BMPs in Incline Village to improve water quality and aid Washoe County in achieving Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) load reductions. (2023) https://www.washoecounty.us/csd/index.php
Culvert and bank stability improvements on Lower Wood Creek, Incline Village, NV.
Culvert and bank stability improvements on Lower Wood Creek, Incline Village.

  • Asian Clam Monitoring in Sand Harbor State Park: This project with the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Center will implement underwater surveys for Asian clams in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park at Sand Harbor to determine recolonization rate following treatment and delineate current extent of the invasive Asian clam populations. (2024) https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/research

UC Davis TERC diver conducts survey of Asian clams in Sand Harbor State Park.
  • Cave Rock Water Quality Improvement Project: Project will prevent walk-in visitor access through long-term fencing and repair of existing hillside erosion through a mix of slope stabilization and revegetation in the Cave Rock unit of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. The project will also enclose the existing Tahoe yellow cress (TYC) enclosure in the Park to protect the sensitive habitat from human use. (2024)
Protecting recently planted and restored hillside at Cave Rock State Park.

Grant Information:

For further information please contact Chris LaCasse at chris.lacasse@lands.nv.gov.

Contact Information
Chris LaCasse Water Quality Coordinator