Lake Tahoe Water Trail and Tahoe Adventure Company
Despite legislative delay, plans continue
By Joanna Hartman Sierra Sun September 5, 2007
The dream of a kayak and canoe trail around the shores of Lake Tahoe continues to move forward, despite recent delays in California legislation.
Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, scored an apparent victory in April when his Lake Tahoe Water Trail Bill, AB 1227, passed through the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
Sponsored jointly by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, the assembly bill would have authorized the creation of a kayak and canoe trail around the 72-mile perimeter of Lake Tahoe.
But the bill has since been waylaid and will likely be re-introduced by a new legislator next year, said Executive Director Patrick Wright of the California Tahoe Conservancy.
At a Tahoe City Public Utility District board of directors meeting Tuesday evening, Wright explained that even though a state mandate would have to wait another year, water trail plans are moving forward.
With or without enabling legislation, government agencies and interested parties have started to collaborate on how to establish the water trail.
What's a water trail? A water trail is mostly defined by public access points, officials say.
Not too different from the Tahoe Rim Trail, advocates want to see an official water trail around Lake Tahoe.
The designation gives it the extra footing it needs for tourism.
"The idea of easy access for portable boats to Lake Tahoe is one that has just exploded," said Sue Rae Irelan, recreation specialist with the California Tahoe Conservancy.
A map of public access points, campgrounds, lodging and points of interest already exists. It was created a few years ago by the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee - a group of volunteers dedicated to coordinating information about nonmotorized boat access points around Lake Tahoe.
But signage, directions and more official information would come with the water trail if mandated by the state.
"Kayakers as a whole are a pretty conscientious, respectful group of people. With a trail designated with where you can and can't go, kayakers, I think, would obey that," said Kevin Hickey, owner of Tahoe Adventure Company and a kayaker.
"I can't really see a reason not to have a [designated water trail]," he added.
Promoting sustainable recreation
Kayaking is exploding in popularity, the sport's advocates say, and a sanctioned water trail on Lake Tahoe would provide an opportunity to explore the shoreline with access points, resting places, campgrounds, lodging, points of interest and other facilities accommodating kayakers and canoeists.
Chesapeake Bay, Lake Champlain, rivers in Pennsylvania, and the San Francisco Bay are among the few places with designated water trails.
"It's one thing to have a trail network, it's another to have this designation," said Wright about the state legislation. "It makes all the difference to the tourism industry."
Kayaker Kevin Hickey, owner and director of Tahoe Adventure Company, agrees. "As kayaking itself has been growing as a sport, there are other water trails that exist and are very popular and successful as far as people using them," he said in a phone interview Wednesday. "We should be promoting sustainable recreation ... Getting out on the lake paddling is an awesome way to see Tahoe."
Advocates say that an organized trail with signage and directions would address anticipated problems between motorized and nonmotorized boats, although it wouldn't restrict either group's use of the lake.
"This is not an attempt to produce preference to one user group over any others," said Sue Rae Irelan, recreation specialist with the California Tahoe Conservancy. Additionally, a state designation can help significantly when it comes to funding, advocates say.
"If this is official through the state of California, it allows us to compete better for implementation money," Irelan said. "And it charges us to make sure we work with all the interest groups in the basin."
Beginning in 2003, volunteers formed a nonprofit organization, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, in an effort to coordinate information about nonmotorized boat access points around Lake Tahoe. They also produced in 2005 a trail map and trip-planning guide that are for sale throughout the region.
"A lake like Lake Tahoe is the perfect venue for a water trail - it's scenic, it's a lake whose water quality is threatened," Hickey said. "I think promoting nonmotorized recreation is certainly helpful for that cause."
- The Tahoe Daily Tribune's Adam Jensen contributed to this report.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
"The snowshoeing was fantastic. Nikki was our very knowledgeable and friendly guide. Everything that could have been thought of was. Great equipment. Amazing scenery. Highly recommended." -Chris Y.
"We had a great experience on our Kayaking trip to Sand Harbor! Our guide was so knowledgeable about the area and really made the trip enjoyable for us. I highly recommend going on one of their guided tours. The lake is so beautiful and you get to see so much more of it on the trip than just staying on the beach." -Melanie R.
Our group had a fabulous time on the Historical Tour to Truckee and the group that went to Squaw Valley both days enjoyed the history on the drive up there. Your hospitality truly made everyone feel welcome and we received many compliments of your knowledge of Lake Tahoe and your friendly service. Thanks again for a wonderful experience. -One Beacon Insurance
"We went on two trips with Tahoe Adventure Company: a sunset kayak trip, and a rock climbing trip. They were both superb. The guide for the kayak trip was knowledgeable and fun. The rock climbing guide, Chris Baumann, was outstanding. We have been on several other rock climbing trips, and Chris was hands down the best guide we have had (and we liked the others.) His relaxed, low-key approach was great for our group, but at the same time he was obviously very safety oriented. One of the members of our group, a 4th grader, became very frightened about halfway up the rock face. Without any fuss or drama, Chris mounted a rescue, and his cheerful, encouraging approach soon had the boy climbing again, with great enjoyment. We all had a great day" -Rachel P.
-- Rachel P.
"This was such a fun adventure for our family and friends! The guide was so kind and knowledgeable and put everyone at ease. Kayaking in Lake Tahoe was an amazing experience! We would absolutely do this again!" -Lisa L.
-- Lisa L.
I just wanted to let you know that we had THE BEST time last week while on our Mountain Biking adventure with Kevin. It was the highlight of our visit to Tahoe and an amazing day that our whole family will fondly remember. -Diane