Pacific Southwest Research Station

Scientific research to improve the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act called for scientific research and monitoring to inform efforts to restore Lake Tahoe and its watershed, including projects within the watershed Environmental Improvement Program Funding to achieve this mission has been set aside through Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA). Starting in Rounds 5 and 6 of the SNPLMA program, science projects in the Tahoe basin were supported by a variety of federal agency sponsors. To learn more about those projects, please visit the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit SNPLMA web site.

Starting with round 7, the Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) assumed responsibility for sponsoring science projects using SNPLMA funds. The PSW Station established a competitive grant award program with a rigorous peer review process coordinated by the Tahoe Science Consortium, a collection of universities and agencies with active research programs at Lake Tahoe.

Round 7

In 2007 (round 7), 15 targeted research projects were selected to address a variety of priority science issues. Using the drop-down menu below, you can view details and updates about these projects.

Round 8

In 2008 (round 8), 14 new science projects were selected. Read more about the round 8 selections:

• Round 8 - Selections Announcement
• Round 8 - List of Projects

Round 9

The round 9 request for proposals has been issued. It opened on September 2, 2008 and closes October 23, 2008 at 4:30 P.M., Pacific time. Proposals must be complete and follow the formatting requirements set forth in the Request for Proposal. The Proposal Template is provided for your use.

Science Issues

The Tahoe Science Consortium convenes a panel of scientists along with representatives of management agencies who collaboratively generate an annual list of research priorities, or science themes, ultimately approved by the Secretary of Interior.

• Round 7 (2006) Themes
• Round 8 (2007) Themes
• Round 9 (2008) Themes

Science Update Report

View the latest Science Update Report issued by PSW and the TSC. The report describes all of the projects funded under the program as well as agency needs relative to the Round 9 subthemes.

Process for Selecting Projects

• In the fall, the Secretary of the Interior approves the SNPLMA package.
• PSW submits a request for proposals to address the research needs.
• Researchers submit proposals to address the research needs.
• TSC peer review process (click here for more details):
• Independent scientists review the proposals for scientific merit and effectiveness.
• Representatives of management agencies evaluate the relevancy of the proposals to the environmental challenges that they face.
• The peer review committee recommends projects to be funded based upon scientific quality, relevancy, and funding availability.
• PSW funds projects based on recommendations from the TSC peer review committee.