Four parking lots planned for Tahoe beach users

Monday, March 15, 1999 | 9:44 a.m.

Most visitors who hike to the hidden beaches, including some that are clothing-optional, use shoulder parking along a 12-mile stretch of Highway 28 south of here.

But Nevada Department of Transportation planners said the hundreds of parked cars pose a safety hazard and detract from the area's natural beauty at peak summer times. In addition, off-trail hikers contribute to erosion and a decline in the lake's famous clarity.

Carson City Supervisor Kay Bennett said she thinks the parking lot improvements and an eventual elimination of roadside parking would reduce the problems.

"I think it's a major step forward in the protection of the lake," said Bennett, whose city's boundaries extend to the lake.

According to transportation department, the following work is planned next year:

- The $140,000 construction of a new 60-space parking lot between Secret and Skunk harbors, with a mile-long trail to the lake.

- The $90,000 expansion of a 31-space parking area just south of Chimney Beach by up to 15 spaces.

- The $190,000 expansion of a 20-space parking lot just north of Chimney Beach by 52 spaces.

- The $170,000 conversion of a helicopter landing area north of Secret Harbor into a peak-time-only parking area for 52 vehicles.

The work would be held in conjunction with $4.6 million in erosion-control projects slated along Highway 28 through 2001.

Amir Soltani, the department's chief hydraulic engineer, said roadside parking will not be eliminated until the parking lot improvements are completed.

The public is facing an April 4 deadline to submit comments on the plans, which now are undergoing the environmental review process.

Bennett said the project will not end parking problems along Highway 28 because it will provide only about 200 spaces. As many as 300 or 400 cars park along the highway at peak times, she said.

"We need to provide a reasonable alternative to parking on shoulders, and the answer to that is public transportation," she said.

Talks are under way to determine the carrying capacity of the lake's east shore, Bennett added.

"We may not be able to accommodate that many cars and then we'll have to make a determination as to what kind of public transportation service will help there," she said.

The parking lots will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service once completed.