Located in a three-quarter mile area of Incline Village from Lake Tahoe Boulevard to the Lake Tahoe shoreline, the Third Creek Stream Environment Zone (SEZ) Restoration Project is aimed at improving the water quality of stream flows reaching Lake Tahoe. The Third Creek Watershed is designated as a "high priority" by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), and the project furthers the Incline Village General Improvement District's (IVGID) goals of restoring the Incline Park area to a more natural state and using Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality.
The project will reduce sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants carried into the lake by treating storm water runoff through wetland restoration and enhancement, and other improvements. The project was designed by the Incline Village General Improvement District, in consultation with conservation specialists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Components of the project include:
SEZ Restoration: Restore approximately 35 acres of SEZ by reconstructing wetlands; improving water flow to existing wetland by diverting water into currently dry stream channels; and building retention ponds to help trap sediment. The wetlands, both man-made and natural, trap sediment and filter water and provide wildlife habitat. These improvements will help offset the effects of constructing playing fields next to the middle school.
Pave Parking Area and Access Drives to Parking and Install Treatment Facilities: Paving a currently dirt overflow parking area across from Incline Beach will help reduce sediment. Installing oil/sand separators and retention ponds will treat the run-off from the parking areas and driveways.
Restore Flow to Dry Stream Channels: Water will be diverted into a series of channels that have been dry for over 30 years. This will occur in the area immediately south of Tahoe Boulevard and east of the Third Creek Stream channel. These features will enhance infiltration of run-off into the soil as well as improve the stream zone environment and wildlife habitat.
Environmental Education Program: Utilize the "Adopt-a-Stream" program to integrate watershed and stream ecology studies into the curriculum of local schools. The Third Creek project area will serve as an "outdoor classroom" for about 450 students in grades three through seven. The Nevada Tahoe Conservation District will provide assistance in developing the curriculum.