Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit; CA; Meeks Bay Restoration Project, 45875-45876 [2018-19682]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Forest Service

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 11, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45875-45876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19682]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 176 / Tuesday, September 11, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 45875]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit; CA; Meeks Bay Restoration 
Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 
(LTBMU) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 
Meeks Bay Restoration Project. The LTBMU proposes to conduct 
restoration and recreation enhancement work at Meeks Bay Resort, Meeks 
Bay Campground, and in Meeks Creek and Meeks Marina.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by October 26, 2018. The draft EIS is expected August 2019 and the 
final EIS is expected February 2020.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, 
35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Comments may also be sent 
via email to [email protected], or via 
facsimile to 530-543-2693. Project information will be posted to the 
project website https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/meeksbayrestoration. 
A public meeting will be held at Meeks Bay Resort, 7941 Emerald Bay 
Road, Meeks Bay, CA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gina Thompson, 530-543-2675, 
[email protected] or Denise Downie, 530-543-2683, 
[email protected].
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose and Need for Action

    The deteriorating condition of the existing marina infrastructure, 
concerns over aquatic invasive species, and concerns over degraded 
habitat for native species have prompted the need for action in Meeks 
Bay. The purpose of this project is to move the Meeks Creek stream 
channel and wetland/lagoon below State Route 89 (SR89) to a more 
natural condition where geomorphic and hydrologic processes support a 
functioning ecosystem while continuing to support sustainable 
recreation opportunities.
    There is a need to improve water quality in Meeks Creek; restore 
degraded aquatic, riparian, and wetland habitats and barrier beaches; 
provide high quality habitat that is resilient to a changing climate; 
improve fish passage through the SR 89 stream crossing; control or 
eradicate current populations of terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant 
species; maintain and enhance access to Lake Tahoe and National Forest 
System lands; provide sustainable recreation opportunities consistent 
with a functioning ecosystem; enhance educational and interpretive 
opportunities; enhance species of value to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada 
and California; and promote the Federally protected species Tahoe 
yellowcress (Rorippa subumbellata) and Lahontan cutthroat trout 
(Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi).

Proposed Action

    All project activities are proposed at the Meeks Bay Resort (7941 
Emerald Bay Road, Meesk Bay, CA), the Meeks Bay Campground (just south 
of Meeks Bay Resort on Emerald Bay Road), in the Meeks Marina located 
between the two recreation facilities, or in Meeks Creek.
    1. Aquatic Invasive Species Eradication: Control or eradicate 
aquatic invasive species (e.g., warm water fish, American bullfrogs, 
aquatic invasive weeds) from the proposed project area using manual 
(chemical free) methods. Treatment of aquatic invasive species is a 
multi-year effort and the threat of new infestations moving into the 
area post implementation is high. As a result, monitoring and continued 
control actions are a key element in long-term success.
    2. Remove the existing marina infrastructure: Existing marina 
infrastructure to be removed includes the concrete boat ramp, steel and 
concrete sewalls, boulder riprap, the marina office, and other various 
underground support structures for the marina infrastructure.
    3. Restore Meeks Lagoon in the location of the existing marina: 
Recontour the stream and marina banks to recreate lagoon topography 
similar to the lagoon that was present before Meeks Marina was 
constructed. Place natural materials resistant to erosion on the bank 
slopes. Remove trees up to 30 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) as 
needed for topography changes. Revegetate with native plant species 
appropriate to the site. Remove, store, and transplant after 
construction any Tahoe yellowcress (Rorippa subumbellata) populations 
as needed to protect plants from project activities.
    4. Restore Meeks Creek from the SR 89 crossing to the confluence of 
Lake Tahoe: Recontour stream banks and reduce stream forces that cause 
erosion (i.e., realign portions of the stream course). The stream banks 
would be reconstructed and revegetated with desirable vegetation and 
would be designed to be in a state of dynamic equilibrium (stream beds 
and banks are neither accumulating nor eroding excessively). Fell trees 
up to 30 inches dbh as needed and install large wood in the creek south 
of SR 89 to improve aquatic habitat. Logs would be anchored in position 
using natural materials. Install grade control structures that blend 
visually with the surrounding natural environment. Restoration 
activities would extend less than \1/4\ mile upstream from the crossing 
of Meeks Creek at SR 89.
    5. Install Utility Infrastructure: Construct infrastructure to 
secure the Tahoe City Public Utility District sewer line that crosses 
Meeks Creek. Relocate powerline infrastructure from within the 
restoration footprint. Relocate the USFS waterline from Meeks Creek 
bridge to under the scour limits of the restored Meeks Creek channel. 
Install or relocate necessary utility infrastructure either above or 
below ground for project activities, including water, sewer, electric, 
and communication lines.
    6. Implement Resource Protection Barriers: Install new barriers 
(natural or fenced) in areas of relocated Tahoe yellow cress (Rorippa 
subumbellata) communities. Natural barriers would include willows or 
other vegetation

[[Page 45876]]

screening, downed logs, boulders, or other natural materials.
    7. Wildlife Enhancement Actions: Install nest/perch structures for 
waterfowl, install bat boxes, and plant willow in select locations for 
willow flycatcher.
    8. Construct a Pier: Construct a pier at furthest south end of USFS 
property in Meeks Bay Campground. The pier would be 12-18 feet wide and 
accessible via small boats from Lake Tahoe and via a universally 
accessible walkway on land that would accommodate both day use and 
boat-in camping opportunities. The pier would allow temporary mooring 
of 10-20 boats and be up to 300 feet long. Utilities on the pier would 
accommodate electrical and water. The pier would be designed for access 
by a maintenance vehicle.
    9. Construct a Boat Launch: Construct a double-lane boat launch, 
marina office, and supporting infrastructure adjacent to the pier. The 
launch access would be designed to launch boats at water elevation 
level 6,223 feet and above. Support infrastructure would include an 
aquatic invasive species inspection station.
    10. Reconstruct Trailer Parking and Vehicular Circulation Routes: 
Construct a boat trailer parking area and vehicular circulation routes 
as needed within Meeks Bay Campground for the pier and boat launch. 
Reconstruct and realign day use parking areas and access roads as 
needed. The capacity of parking spaces dedicated for day use will 
remain within 20% of existing levels. The capacity of the boat trailer 
and vehicle parking will be sized to meet the capacity of the pier and 
boat ramp.
    11. Reconstruct Meeks Bay Campground: Reconstruct Meeks Bay 
Campground (south of Meeks Creek) to include utilities (water, 
electrical), host sites, restrooms, and a centralized waste dump 
station. The capacity of the camping units will remain within 20% of 
existing. Types of campging units constructed may include tent camping 
sites, full hookup sites, and/or yurt type sites or a combination of 
these. The campground facilities would be designed to function during 
the shoulder seasons (i.e. cold-resistant utilities at campsites and 
restrooms).
    12. Install Pedestrian Connectivity Routes: Construct a pedestrian/
bike bridge over Meeks Creek to connect Meeks Bay Resort to Meeks Bay 
Campground. The bridge would be sized to accommodate two-way pedestrian 
and bicycle traffic, as well as standard vehicle loading for 
maintenance vehicles. Install an accessible multi-use pathway 
connecting Meeks Bay Resort commercial core area to the Meeks Bay 
Campground and the new pier/boat launch. Construct accessible beach 
access routes using stable, non-eroding materials, from parking areas 
and access points to the beach that meet Forest Service universal 
accessibility standards.
    13. Install Interpretation Opportunties: Install interpretive 
opportunities along the lagoon area that highlight restoration 
activities, history of the Washoe Tribe in Meeks Bay, and species of 
concern to the Washoe Tribe.
    14. Construct Day Use Parking Areas: Construct a day use parking 
area in the location of the former trailer parking in Meeks Resort to 
accommodate approximately 20 vehicles and be designed to accommodate 
Washoe Tribal Elders and other persons with disabilities. Construct the 
day use parking areas and access routes in Meeks Bay Resort as 
described in the Meeks Bay Master Plan.
    15. Implement Shoreline Stabilization Measures: Remove and replace 
gabion walls and concrete wall along the north end of Meeks Bay with 
natural retaining structures that can accommodate beach wave run-up 
action.
    16. Install Best Management Practices: Install permanent Best 
Management Practices (BMPs) in the parking lot areas, restrooms, and 
along roadways to capture and infiltrate storm water. Permanent BMPs 
would be consistent with USFS, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), 
and Water Board requirements. BMPs would include, but not be limited 
to, installation of infiltration basins, re-contouring and repaving of 
the parking areas to ensure proper drainage of storm water off paved 
surfaces, drip-line trenches, or other means of directing and 
infiltrating storm water to prevent run-off into Lake Tahoe.

Possible Alternatives

    Possible alternatives based on existing public comment and agency 
input include an alternative that fully reconstructs the existing 
marina (including supporting infrastructure such as parking areas and 
utilities). Additional alternatives will be developed based on public 
comment received during the scoping period.

Responsible Official

    Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The responsible official will decide: (1) Whether or not to 
implement the project activities as described in the proposed action, 
(2) whether or not to implement the project activities as described in 
one of the alternatives analyzed in detail, (3) whether to implement a 
combination of alternatives analyzed in detail, or (4) whether to take 
no action.

Preliminary Issues

    Preliminary issues that have been identified are maintaining access 
to the existing recreation opportunities on the site, and the potential 
impacts to the character of Meeks Bay from restoration activities and 
the relocation of recreation infrastructure.

Permits or Licenses Required

    Permits for work in Meeks Creek would be required from the Army 
Corps of Engineers since the actions are executed in Waters of the US. 
Permits for project work from the local Water Board would be required. 
Project permits from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency would be 
required. County building permits for the aquatic invasive species 
inspection station may apply.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the EIS. A public open house for the project will be 
held at the Meeks Marina on October 10 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Entry to the 
Marina for the meeting will be through the Meeks Bay Resort, 7941 
Emerald Bay Road, Meesk Bay, CA. Project documents, information on the 
public meeting, and additional supporting information will be posted to 
the project website https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/meeksbayrestoration.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be 
accepted and considered, however.

    Dated: August 28, 2018.
Chris French,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2018-19682 Filed 9-10-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P