INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Scientists said yesterday that the clarity of Lake Tahoe has improved, and more importantly, the rate of decline has slowed considerably in recent years.
In 2007, the waters of Lake Tahoe were clear to an average depth of 70.2 feet, a slight improvement from the 67.7 feet reading in 2006, according to a report by researchers with the University of California Davis.
Tahoe's clarity is measured by how far below the surface scientists can see a white, 10-inch plate known as a Secchi disk. In 1968, the lake was clear to 102.4 feet.
UCD researchers could cite no specific cause of the recent improvements, but they noted that the studies show that runoff of fine particles from urbanized areas and roadways around the lake are the primary factors that influence clarity. Fine particles scatter light and promote the growth of algae.
Associated Press
Senate OKs curbs on casino talks
SACRAMENTO – The California Senate voted yesterday to prohibit the governor from negotiating gambling compacts with Indian tribes that don't have federally recognized land on which the casinos would be located.
The measure by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, is a reaction to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiating last year to put a casino in Barstow for tribes from San Diego and Humboldt counties.
Schwarzenegger also recently signed a deal under which the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians could locate a casino along Highway 99 near Madera. The site is about 35 miles from the tribe's reservation in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The U.S. Department of the Interior rejected the Barstow deal. The North Fork Rancheria is awaiting federal approval of the Madera proposal.
Associated Press
