In what could be a forerunner of the eventual problems along the Parkway, the struggle between public and private use along the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the country continue, with the proposed plan, developed after many years of legal struggles, appearing to be a pretty good and balanced solution.
Pressure builds on Tahoe pier plan
By Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, December 31, 2006
The fate of Lake Tahoe's priceless shoreline could be decided in January, when planners consider a bid to allow construction of 230 new piers, most of them private.
A so-called shorezone plan will regulate not just piers but all development along the waterline of North America's largest mountain lake, including boat slips and launching ramps, floating docks and fences.
The plan also may allow 1,862 new boat buoys, a 42 percent increase over the existing 4,454.
Critics fear the plan will harm scenery and beach access at the popular lake.
"There's already enough hindrances to public access and more piers will certainly add to that," said Kevin Hickey, owner of Tahoe Adventure Co., which offers kayak tours at the lake. "Anything that limits public access on the beach or by water should be kept to a minimum or avoided."
The controversy over the past two decades has delayed writing of an overall plan for shoreline development.
Many lakefront property owners insist they have a right to build piers and control access to the shore. Environmentalists want regulations to protect scenery, habitat and public access.
