Science team to study basin’s natural and social environment

Friday, March 20, 1998 | 12:47 p.m.

The team, led by University of Nevada research biologist Dennis Murphy, will begin the $2.6 million study this year by reviewing existing research on the environment of Lake Tahoe and its watershed, and then identify gaps in the scientific record.

Each of the team's scientists explained the scope of the research, before fielding questions from an audience of nearly 100 at South Tahoe High School on Wednesday.

The questions made it clear that many are concerned about the cost to the basin's stagnant economy of environmental regulations and a $900 million improvement program.

"People are saying that you need to study the socioeconomic system at Lake Tahoe to complement the ecosystem study," said web designer Steve McQuinn, a Sacramento resident with a strong interest in Lake Tahoe.

He wasn't alone in questioning the scope of the scientific study that was approved by President Clinton at last year's Lake Tahoe Presidential Forum.

Dan Browne, a Meyers postal employee running for El Dorado County supervisor, urged the team to consider the costs of Lake Tahoe's complex planning regulations on local businesses.

"There is not one person (on the team) who is qualified to evaluate the effect of regulations we have had to put up with over the last 30 years," Browne said.

And Sue Abrams of South Lake Tahoe asked the scientists to examine the risk of fire from publicly owned urban lots bought with Santini-Burton funds and managed by the Forest Service.

Responding on behalf of the scientific team, senior Forest Service scientist Rowan Rowntree assured the audience that the basin's economy and social environment would be included as a part of the five-year study.

Murphy, the team's leader, said the goal of the research project is to provide the best science for decision makers in the basin to formulate plans and choose which environmental projects are most important.

"Our aim is to inform, not to decide," Murphy said.

As part of its program, the scientists will employ additional researchers to study specific areas, and appoint a public advisory group to provide comment and direction to the team's efforts.