CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : SOUTH LAKE TAHOE : More Data Needed on Pier, Agency Says

State fisheries agencies have thrown a curve at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency by saying there is still not enough data to justify an easing of rules on Lake Tahoe pier construction. The comments from California and Nevada state biologists followed release of a $240,000 agency-sponsored study which concludes that piers do not seem to have a detrimental impact on Lake Tahoe’s fish. The biologists said that because the 16-month study took place while the lake was at a low level, more research is needed to study habitats that were dry during the drought. A draft ordinance change would allow piers to be constructed in areas mapped as fish habitat during summer months. Currently, no piers can be built in such areas, which cover 80% to 90% of the lake’s shoreline. Consultant Dena Schwarte, who represents many shoreline property owners, said she was disappointed with the biologists’ comments.