Road construction, timber harvesting and recreational use have contributed to the degradation of the Lake Tahoe basin ecosystem. To guide watershed management, the US Forest Service sought a thorough assessment and restoration plan for the Tallac and Taylor Creek wetland adjacent to the lake. PWA was part of a consultant team hired to assess the Tallac and Taylor Creeks watersheds’ past, present and future conditions. Based on this, the team developed a conceptual design to restore the area’s hydrologic, geomorphic and wildlife functions.

The team’s geomorphic assessment focused on the watershed south of Lake Tahoe. PWA performed GIS-supported mapping and analysis of the historic Tallac and Taylor Creeks estuary the evolution of the stream channels over time in response to varying precipitation and lake level trends.

Recommendations for long-term site restoration considered recreational and ecosystem goals and address the interaction among soils, vegetation, ground water, surface water and sediment supply. Additional restoration opportunities, including the modification of existing infrastructure in the wetlands vicinity and the enhancement of stream, riparian and wetland habitats, were identified.