The Lake Tahoe Environmental Education Coalition (LTEEC) has teamed up with KOLO-TV News Channel 8 to present a new weekly series titled “The Lake Tahoe Report,” that will explore environmental issues at Lake Tahoe. Heather Segale, environmental education coordinator for LTEEC, has forged an agreement with Reno’s ABC affiliate to present 90-second environmental news segments weekly during the evening news. These segments, hosted by environmental reporter Shelly Purdy, will begin airing Tuesday, Feb. 4, during the 5 p.m. news broadcast.
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, in coordination with UC Davis, USDA Forest Service, and other member agencies of LTEEC has been working to put together information about what residents and visitors can do help protect the Lake. Each news segment will focus on a particular piece of Tahoe’s environmental puzzle. Basic explanations of watershed hydrology, water quality parameters, ecosystem management, and ways to reduce pollution will be featured through on-site shooting, interviews with Tahoe experts, graphic illustrations and other visual aids. During the first 12 weeks, segments will be introductory in nature, with more detailed and diverse content being presented later in the year. Information about Tahoe’s all-important Environmental Improvement Program will be included in many segments, with a focus on the collaborative efforts of many partners to control erosion in the Tahoe Basin.
The Incline office of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is researching the series of educational segments. LTEEC has gathered input on content and relevant scientific research from Tahoe Basin scientists, public information officers and from the LTEEC Steering Committee.
While the focus of this environmental education series will be the Lake Tahoe Basin, the viewing audience will include most of Western Nevada. Concepts pertaining to Lake Tahoe can be applied to neighboring watersheds. The goal is not only to increase the public’s understanding about how to protect Lake Tahoe, but also to share information about how these issues are relevant to all viewers. Increasing “grass roots” environmental literacy could lead to improved environmental protection throughout the region.
The problems facing Lake Tahoe affect viewers more than they may realize. Lake Tahoe serves as a main source of drinking water for the Tahoe Basin and the Reno/Sparks area. The lake also contributes tourism revenue to both the local communities and to the Western Nevada economy. Tune in weekly to learn more.
Lake Tahoe Report 001
Air Date: 2003.02.04
Segment Title: Introduction to Weekly Segments
Interviewees: Juan Palma (TRPA), Carl Hasty (TRPA), Ed Gee (USDA FS)