Best in Basin Award Winners Announced - Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
Published by: Sierra Rec Magazine | September 30th, 2024
Lake Tahoe, Stateline, Nev. — The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board recently announced the winners of the prestigious Best in Basin awards, recognizing nine exemplary projects that have made significant contributions to environmental design and stewardship in the Lake Tahoe region. This annual recognition highlights the importance of collaboration in preserving the unique balance between Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty and the communities that thrive within it.
For more than three decades, TRPA’s Best in Basin awards have celebrated projects that lead the way in environmental planning, sustainable design, and innovative execution. According to TRPA, the 2022-2023 award winners demonstrate outstanding contributions to forest health, water quality, sustainable recreation, affordable housing, and scientific innovation in the region.
“Best in Basin award-winning projects provide outstanding environmental benefits for Lake Tahoe while also symbolizing what can be achieved when we work together to harmonize the human and natural environments,” said TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan. “We applaud the hard work, innovation, and stewardship included in this year’s winning projects.”
Here’s a closer look at this year’s award recipients: Images of these projects are available in the Governing Board presentation. Best in Basin award recipients for 2022 and 2023 are as follows:
Image: 2024 Best in Basin award winners and project partners at the TRPA Governing Board meeting. Photo Credit: TRPA
Best In Basin Winners:
ECO-CLEAN Solutions: BEBOT – Beach Cleaning Robot (Nev./Calif.)
Awarded for Science and Innovation
This robotic solution, developed by ECO-CLEAN Solutions, is revolutionizing beach cleaning efforts, ensuring Lake Tahoe’s shores remain pristine while minimizing environmental disruption.
ECO-CLEAN Solutions won "Best in Basin" for Science and Innovation, for revolutionizing beach cleaning efforts around the Tahoe Basin: Pictured left to right: Kimberly Caringer (Deputy Director for TRPA), JT Chevallier (Chief Strategy Office of ECO-CLEAN Solutions), JB Harris (Chief Executive Officer of ECO-CLEAN Solutions), Katy Jo Caringer (Marketing Director of ECO-CLEAN Solutions, and Julie Regan (Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency).
Basin in Best Winners:
Spooner Lake Frontcountry Improvement Project (Spooner Lake Nevada State Park)
Awarded for Sustainable Recreation and Forest Health
Led by the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, this project focused on enhancing recreational access while ensuring forest health around Spooner Lake.
IVGID Effluent Export Pipeline (Nevada State Route 28)
Awarded for Water Quality and Watershed Restoration
The Incline Village General Improvement District, in partnership with Granite Construction, took on a major infrastructure project to ensure clean water management around State Route 28.
Slaughterhouse Meadow Restoration Project (Glenbrook, Nev.)
Awarded for Forest Health and Defensible Space
This initiative by the Glenbrook Homeowners Association restored a critical meadow while bolstering forest resilience and reducing fire risks.
San Bernardino Class 1 Bike Trail Project (Meyers, Calif.)
Awarded for Transportation and Sustainable Recreation
El Dorado County spearheaded the creation of a new bike trail in Meyers, providing a sustainable alternative for recreation and transportation.
Saxon Creek Aquatic Organism Passage Project (Corral Trailhead, Calif.)
Awarded for Water Quality and Watershed Restoration
The Nevada Tahoe Conservation District improved aquatic connectivity in Saxon Creek, benefiting local wildlife and water quality.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Facility (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Awarded for Science and Innovation
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care’s new facility is advancing wildlife rehabilitation efforts, providing much-needed care for injured animals in the region.
Saint Joseph Community Land Trust Riverside Homes (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Awarded for Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization
Addressing the region’s housing crisis, this project by the Saint Joseph Community Land Trust brings much-needed affordable homes to South Lake Tahoe.
Upper Truckee River and Marsh Restoration Project (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Awarded for Water Quality and Watershed Restoration
The California Tahoe Conservancy led a major restoration of the Upper Truckee River and Marsh, improving water quality and restoring vital habitats.
Honorable Mentions:
Several projects received honorable mentions for their contributions, including:
Desolation Hotel (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Tahoe Vista Recreation Area Improvements (Tahoe Vista, Calif.)
2nd Street and Barton Ave. Drainage Improvements (South Lake Tahoe, Calif.)
Looking Ahead
TRPA has opened nominations for the next round of Best in Basin awards, which will recognize projects completed in 2024 and 2025. Winners will be announced in September 2026. For more information on the nomination process, visit TRPA’s Awards Page.
With a wide range of initiatives covering everything from water quality to affordable housing, the 2024 Best in Basin award winners exemplify the power of collaboration in protecting the Lake Tahoe region for future generations.
Article: https://sierrarecmagazine.com/tahoe-regional-planning-agency-announces-best-in-basin-award-winners/