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II. The Cause for Concern Changes to the Landscape Known only to the Paiute Indians prior to its discovery in 1844 by General John Charles Fremont, Lake Tahoe came to public attention when the celebrated author Mark Twain described it as the "fairest sight the whole Earth affords". Since then, the lake has been subject to a series of major environmental disturbances. The first occurred between 1870 and 1890 when most of the basin forests were heavily logged for timbers to shore up the mine shafts of the Comstock Silver Lode. Figure 1 shows a dramatic picture of the historical logging practices that resulted in significant loads of sediment and nutrients entering Lake Tahoe. Beginning around 1900, the forests began a process of rejuvenation with the new vegetation helping to restore watershed health. Long-time residents speak fondly of Lake Tahoe's "Golden Age" during the period 1920-1950; a time of outstanding water quality. However, Tahoe's large size, its recreational opportunities, and its ease of access have proven to be a magnet for development. There has been a dramatic increase in population and extensive construction in the basin since World War II and the advent of gambling casinos in the mid-1950's. With convenient freeway routes from all regions of California, and nearby international airports, visitors are often five-six times the already large resident population. |
 Figure 1. Historic clear-cutting timber practices, circa 1876. | |
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