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Photo above: Counting the fertilized eggs headed to the hatchery.

2022 may be a pivotal year!

Decimated by overfishing in the 1930's we are  expecting the  Lahontan Cutthroat Trout's first return to Third Creek in 80+ years. 

We also: Work in assisting the stream study:

• Monitor stream condition
• build and maintain study tools
• Educate students and the public
• Observe and report on watershed events
• Website building 

Photo above: Confluence ofThird Creek & Lake Tahoe

Our volunteers: individuals on land and swimmers near shore, including the kayaking branch of the Tahoe American Association of University Women, assisted in monitoring "Near Shore" 2022 Algae blooms at the confluence of Lake Tahoe and Third Creek. Our report of a bloom initiated a 7 agency response with a Nevada Devision Environmental Protection assessment of the status of that North Shore bloom.

(It was good news and unrelated to Third Creek)

Photo above: 2022 FOTC volunteers, Catherine and Lauren collect native meadow seed to revegetate areas disturbed by meadow's restoration, done by US Forest Service. We FOTC monitor this meadow, which is a fork of Third Creek and includes source springs within its boundary.  The US forest service invited us, and we provided as many volunteers as they would allow. The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, (LTBMU) is scheduled to reconfigure this emerging meadow in 2023.

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Most do not know this, but 3rd Creek loses most of its summer water to the ranching world in Washoe Valley. This is based on water claims as old as 1908, but according to the Nevada Division of Water Resources; the diversion authorization was verified in 1977.

Here is the deal: Franktown water company from "Spring (?) through October 31st has the right to divert our North shore water from  Ginny Lake, several substantial artesian springs, and 3rd Creek to  Washoe Valley. Our volunteer monitors have observed several violations: Ginny Lake  the "seasonal dam" is not removed. Several large perinial artesian outflows are likewise NEVER returned to their natural paths and Lake Tahoe.

Call Nevada Division Of Water Resources: 775-684-2800 Mr. Shell is aware of these AVs (alleged violations) 

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USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Proposals :

• Over snow vehicle management proposal
• E-bike proposal
• Old incline Lake dam removal - ongoing
• Change Seven Springs Meadow to conform to LTBMU standards 2022-23 summer and fall.
• West Shore forest management proposal
• Urban forest thinning

Photo Above: East Branch Third Creek Source Spring at about 9500 elevation.

• How many tributaries feed Third Creek? 

A: 5

Rosewood Creek; 

Jennifer branch;

Ginny Lake branch;

Seven Meadows branch

 East fork to the summit.

• Can one fish on Third Creek?

A: No, not from the lake up to the Upper Fire station.  Fishing on 3rd Creek is only allowed above (North of) Mt. Rose Highway - State route 431, 

How long does the 3rd Creek Study last?

A; generally from March through June. 

A: The long term project should last a lifetime!