By Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Magazine
Today I had the privilege of attending my first-ever Lake Tahoe Summit—an annual convergence of leadership, community, and environmental vision held at the historic Valhalla Estate on the South Shore. The setting was unmistakably Tahoe: sun glinting off the lake, crisp alpine air, and towering pines shadowing the crowd. Hosted by Senator Adam Schiff, this year’s theme echoed a familiar yet urgent challenge—“Protecting Lake Tahoe: Balancing Sustainable Recreation and Conservation.”
Hundreds gathered, including lawmakers, tribal leaders, scientists, and even a Marvel superhero. But what unfolded wasn’t just ceremony and soundbites. It was a reminder that Lake Tahoe’s preservation is the result of relentless work by passionate people—many of whom weren’t standing on stage, but sitting in the crowd, manning booths, and walking alongside us every day.
Honoring Legacy, Inspiring Action
Senator Schiff set the tone early, inviting the Washoe Tribe to offer a traditional blessing before delivering his opening remarks:
“As we focus on the theme of balancing outdoor recreation and conservation, we recommit ourselves to the critical task of safeguarding Lake Tahoe… not just for ourselves, but for our children and their children.”
Schiff’s reflections were personal—sharing childhood memories of Tahoe and a recent solo kayak trip on the lake. But he also underscored the weight of stewardship and recognized the memory of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, whose imprint on Lake Tahoe remains unmistakable:
“Anyone who visits California sees the imprint of her work, whether they know it or not… her legacy is woven into the clarity of this lake and the strength of our public land protections.”
A Marvel Hero with a Message
Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner took the podium not as a celebrity, but as a Tahoe resident, mentor, and advocate for youth. Fresh from hosting his Rennervations summer camp in the area, he delivered a powerful call for unity and intergenerational responsibility:
“Lake Tahoe is more than a landmark—it’s a living, breathing symbol of natural beauty, balance, and interdependence… but it’s also fragile.”
Renner didn’t shy away from the hard truths: climate change, overdevelopment, and wildfire are eroding the region’s health. But his central message was deeply human:
“A healthy environment supports healthy communities… Together, we can move mountains—for our youth, and for this lake.”
Washoe Wisdom and Tribal Stewardship
Washoe Tribe Chairman Serrell Smokey grounded the day with a reminder of Tahoe’s original stewards:
“The health of the land is the health of the people… We’re working to bring the spirit of Lake Tahoe back through fire stewardship, cultural restoration, and teaching others the Washoe way.”
He spoke of Meeks Meadow, a once-vibrant ecological system now under restoration, and emphasized traditional ecological knowledge as a vital part of Tahoe’s future.
Senators Masto & Rosen: Policy, Passion, and a Plea for Federal Support
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto delivered a stark warning:
“Right now, the Forest Service has reported 3,400 layoffs… We cannot protect this lake without our federal partners.”
She celebrated the recent passage of the Explore Act, securing $300 million in funding over the next decade—but cautioned that without public voices and pressure, the system falters.
Senator Jacky Rosen followed with an emotional moment, inviting the crowd to close their eyes and “let Tahoe be the star that guides us all.” Her message was clear: federal policy may lead the charge, but public advocacy is the engine that drives results.
Governor Lombardo: Humor Meets Infrastructure
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo brought light-hearted energy to the summit, joking with Schiff about “outlawing paddleboard yoga,” but quickly pivoted to serious topics—like implementing 600-foot no-wake zones, creating safety corridors on the East Shore, and addressing overcrowded recreation areas.
“I want you to know—your voice matters. You’re here today, and that participation shapes real decisions.”
California’s Lieutenant Governor: Pragmatic Conservation in Action
California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis brought the conversation home with stories of skiing Homewood as a child and shared updates on critical projects:
- Upper Truckee Marsh Restoration
- Meeks Meadow Cultural Stewardship (in partnership with the Washoe Tribe)
- Tahoe for All grants expanding outdoor access for underserved Californians
“Conservation is one part of the equation. Management is another… We must figure out how to live around Tahoe, recreate responsibly, and make sure the next generation can do the same.”
A Lifetime of Legal Legacy: Honoring Clem Shute
The day closed with the presentation of the Dianne Feinstein Lake Tahoe Award to California attorney E. Clement “Clem” Shute. His career helped shape the legal foundation that enabled the creation and defense of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). His remarks were humble and impactful:
“Laws and policies are living agreements. They depend on people with vision and integrity to uphold them… and today’s problems—climate change, housing, traffic—are more complex than ever.”
He recounted decades of legal action, compromise, and collaboration, crediting “Team Tahoe” as the reason progress continues today.
My Reflections: Beyond the Stage
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was my first summit. Ceremonies like these often feel symbolic—full of promise, but lacking grit. But as I walked the rows of partner booths, listened to the passionate words of tribal leaders, watched youth programs being discussed, and shook hands with people working year-round on Tahoe’s toughest problems—I was reminded that the true heart of conservation isn’t in the speeches. It’s in the partnerships. The science. The stewardship. The community.
The Takeaway: Your Voice Matters
There are battles ahead: forest health, invasive species, water clarity, public access, and fire resilience. As one speaker said, “This isn’t a problem one agency or one person can solve.” That means we all have a role to play. Attend a planning meeting. Join a local project. Advocate for forest funding. Mentor a kid. Protect the lake.
Because the future of Lake Tahoe is not something we can afford to watch from the shoreline.
Stay tuned: A full video recap of the summit is coming soon to Sierra Rec Magazine.
Follow us as we continue to elevate the voices, places, and partners shaping the Sierra’s future.
