Industry News
Brought to you by Tahoe Fund
Tahoe area ski resorts are joining forces to improve conservation, recreation, and stewardship education in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee River Watershed through the $1 for Tahoe program. Run by the Tahoe Fund and the Truckee River Watershed Council, this donation program enables guests of ski resorts and participating businesses to easily donate $1 to support environmental improvement projects when they purchase lift tickets or season passes, dine at restaurants, or play rounds of golf.
What is the $1 for Tahoe program, and how can visitors or guests contribute to this fund to assist in the conservation of Tahoe’s unique environment? The $1 for Tahoe program generates funding to support the efforts of the Tahoe Fund or the Truckee River Watershed Council as they work to restore Lake Tahoe’s water clarity, create healthier forests, improve transportation options for visitors, recruit and retain strong stewardship in the region, and expand sustainable recreation options for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests at participating businesses can make a $1 contribution to the program on their receipt or at check-out.
Funds from the $1 for Tahoe program have supported many projects throughout the Tahoe and Truckee region, including:
- Restoration of rivers, lakes, meadows, wetlands, forests
- Protection of fish and wildlife habitat
- Landscaping and trail re-alignment to prevent runoff
- Miles of hiking, biking, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible trails
- Open spaces for wildlife habitat and scenic views
- Boating and fishing access
- Signage and interpretive displays to guide visitors
Northstar, Kirkwood Ski Resort, and Heavenly Mountain Resort have contributed over $927,000 in guest donations to the Tahoe Fund through the $1 for Tahoe program. These contributions from Vail Resorts have supported the Lily Lake Trail project, a 2.1-mile multi-use trail on the Angora Ridge, the 72-mile scuba cleanup of Lake Tahoe’s entire shoreline, and the restoration of the 206-acre Johnson Meadow in South Lake Tahoe and much more.
Tom Fortune, VP and COO of Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Tahoe Region, said, “Through these dollar donations and our EpicPromise program, our guests make it easy for us to support the Tahoe Fund’s work to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy.”
Palisades Tahoe also participates in the $1 for Tahoe program and has given more than $290,000 in guest donations to the Tahoe Fund. This funding has been directed to various projects the Tahoe Fund supports, like Tahoe’s Nature for All Program. This program, run by the Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences (TINS), offers free nature experiences for people who experience anxiety and depression, survivors of abuse, and families who may not have access to nature for various reasons. Last summer, Palisades Tahoe hosted one of these nature experiences at High Camp for thirty individuals from Sierra Community House.
“Our employees and guests are passionate about doing all we can to inspire others to enjoy the outdoors. We realize the value of connecting with nature for an individual’s well-being and that of the greater community.”
– Dee Byrne, president and COO of Palisades Tahoe
Homewood Mountain Resort is another contributor to the $1 for Tahoe program and has raised over $19,000 for the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Tahoe region. The resort has made it easy for its guests to contribute to the Tahoe program by donating $1 or more when purchasing a season pass or lift ticket. Homewood is known in the Tahoe region for contributing to environmental causes and plans to continue this work. They have received multiple environmental awards for their work and achievements in the industry.
“We are so grateful to our local ski resorts for helping us improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy. Their guests $1 donations add up to a huge impact for Tahoe.”
– Tahoe Fund CEO Amy Berry
Businesses interested in joining the $1 for Tahoe program can visit https://www.tahoefund.org/ways-to-give/green-bucks or email info@tahoefund.org.
