Demolition Begins This Summer to Restore a Critical Wetland and Protect Lake Clarity
By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine – July 2025 Conservation Issue
On a warm summer morning in South Lake Tahoe, a long-awaited restoration story begins—not on a trail or mountain peak, but in the demolition of a building that many locals know all too well. The once-busy Motel 6 and its adjoining restaurant, tucked just off Highway 50 near the Y, are being removed this month by the California Tahoe Conservancy.
This is not just another teardown. It’s the start of one of the most meaningful ecological makeovers in recent memory.
“It’s thrilling to be taking this next step in removing aging development from this site, something that we and our partners have looked forward to for many years,” said Jason Vasques, Executive Director of the Conservancy.
In 2024, the Conservancy—along with key partners including the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Tahoe Fund, and the League to Save Lake Tahoe—secured ownership of the 31-acre site known as Upper Truckee Marsh South. The goal? To return a paved-over portion of the Upper Truckee River floodplain back to its natural state and help heal the largest remaining wetland in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
A Big Win for Restoration in the Basin
This project marks a milestone in efforts to reverse decades of development that have damaged Tahoe’s fragile watersheds and reduced natural filtration that protects the lake’s famed clarity.
The former motel and restaurant buildings sit on nearly eight feet of artificial fill, disrupting both water flow and wildlife habitat. This summer, crews will begin by safely removing hazardous materials before demolishing the structures, tearing out concrete slabs, pulling up pavement, and grading the land to restore natural contours. Importantly, demolition contractors will recycle or reuse as much of the material as possible.
Work is expected to continue through the fall.
“We are thrilled to see the demolition phase of this project begin,” said Amy Berry, CEO of the Tahoe Fund. “This critical step brings us closer to restoring a functioning watershed that will benefit the Lake’s clarity and local wildlife.”
Why It Matters
The Upper Truckee River is Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary—and a key factor in controlling sediment and nutrient pollution. Restoring this stretch of floodplain means more natural filtration, better stormwater absorption, and healthier habitat for fish, birds, and wildlife.
This project also reflects the goals of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program, a decades-long collaboration to remove development from sensitive lands and protect the region’s ecological future.
Following demolition, the Conservancy will retire or transfer the site’s development rights, helping redirect growth toward designated urban centers and supporting efforts like affordable housing at Sugar Pine Village.
What Comes Next?
The Conservancy has already preserved surrounding meadow and wetland areas and has launched public engagement on the future of the site. Potential plans include wetland habitat restoration, improved public access, and nature-based recreation opportunities.
You can learn more about the project and provide feedback by visiting:
👉 tahoe.ca.gov/upper-truckee-marsh-south
A Symbol of What’s Possible
At its core, this transformation is about giving Tahoe’s landscape the room it needs to breathe again. A place once known for cheap beds and parking lots will become a functioning piece of the watershed—an investment not just in land, but in the future of Lake Tahoe itself.
As visitors and locals paddle the Upper Truckee, ride bikes through the marsh trails, or watch herons stalk the shallows, they’ll be seeing more than just scenery—they’ll be witnessing a restoration story still unfolding.
Project at a Glance: Upper Truckee Marsh South
- Location: South Lake Tahoe, near the Highway 50/Y intersection
- Size: 31 acres
- Property Type: Former Motel 6 and restaurant
- Project Lead: California Tahoe Conservancy
- Key Partners:
- Tahoe Fund
- California Wildlife Conservation Board
- Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
- League to Save Lake Tahoe
- CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
- Goal: Wetland restoration, improved watershed health, future recreation
- Timeline: Demolition begins July 2025, continues through fall
- Public Info: tahoe.ca.gov
