South Lake Tahoe, Calif. –The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is asking for public input on improvements proposed under the Historic Facilities Best Management Practices (BMPs) Retrofit project. The proposal would improve water quality and enhance sustainable recreational opportunities at the Tallac Historic Site on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore.

The Forest Service is proposing to implement a variety of water quality BMPs. These would include installation of infiltration basins, slope and fence stabilization along the shoreline, installation of a fence along Kiva Point Beach on the Taylor Creek Marsh border, installation of informational signs, removal of select user-created trails, and revegetation with native plants.

The project would improve site circulation by reconfiguring the three intersections along Highway 89 (Valhalla, Tallac, and Taylor Creek) into two entrances. A new road would connect the reconfigured intersections within the site, allowing visitors to enter the site and access all areas without returning to the highway. A new 120-space parking lot is proposed at the Tallac Site public parking area, as well as new parking spaces along Highway 89 near the Valhalla entrance. These additional parking areas are intended to offset the proposed reduction in roadside parking associated with Caltrans work along Highway 89.

The project also proposes the installation of a six-unit restroom at the Kiva Point parking area. Improvements to the volunteer RV area and the addition of 32 parking spaces at the Valhalla Estate parking area are also proposed to meet the changing needs of the site.

Project implementation and bathroom construction could begin as early as September 2013. The project is expected to be finished by 2015.

Comments are due by the close of business on Oct. 1, 2012. For more information on the proposal and how to submit comments, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/HistoricFacilitiesRetrofit or contact Ashley Sommer at (530) 543-2615 or email asommer@fs.fed.us.