NTPUD announces new boat launch pricing and construction project updates
(Tahoe Vista, Calif.) Monday, May 15, 2023: The North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) will open the boat launch at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area (TVRA) for the first time in two years on Friday, May 26, 2023, pending water levels.
“Following this historic winter, we are excited to welcome the boating community back to Tahoe Vista.” explained Bradley A. Johnson, P.E., NTPUD General Manager/CEO. “Lake Tahoe water levels are rising daily and we are on track to open Memorial Day Weekend and have a great boating season here in North Tahoe.”
The Tahoe Vista boat launch will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., from May 26 through June 23. Beginning Saturday, June 24 the launch will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Operations beyond Labor Day Weekend will be dependent on weather, staffing, and demand.
2023 Launch Fees
Residents may purchase a one-time launch pass for $17. For non-residents the fee for a one-time launch pass is $60 ($17 launch fee and $43 environmental and facility impact fee). One-time launch fees may be purchased in-person at the TVRA boat launch via credit card only, no cash will be accepted at the launch ramp.
Residents may purchase a boat launch season pass (unlimited launches) for $170. For non-residents the boat launch season pass fee is $600.
Season passes can be purchased online in advance at www.ntpud.org, and in-person at the District’s main office in Tahoe Vista, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Verification of NTPUD residency is required to receive the resident rate. NTPUD residency is defined as a property owner who pays the District’s Community Facilities District (CFD) fee on their property tax bill. For renters, the owner of your property must assign resident benefits to you by completing the NTPUD Assignment of Benefits Form, prior to purchase.
More information about the District’s Resident Benefit Program is available online at www.ntpud.org.
No Commercial Activity
For 2023, the NTPUD will not sell a commercial boat launch pass and no commercial boating activity will be allowed at the Tahoe Vista ramp. Commercial activity includes, but is not limited to, such items as meeting guests, loading and unloading guests, training or instructing guests on vessel operations, supervising vessel operations, or conducting commercial business of any kind.
Aquatic Invasive Species Inspections
The Tahoe Vista Boat ramp will be open only to motorized vessels that have received a TRPA Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection prior to launch. Inspections will not be available at the ramp. For a list of inspection locations and hours, please visit www.tahoeboatinspections.com.
Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook and Trail Project
The District’s Lake Tahoe Scenic Overlook and Trail Enhancement Project is also underway at the TVRA. The scenic overlook and trail are closed to the public through the end of June. This project will enhance the scenic overlook and install a new ADA-accessible paved pathway leading to Lake Tahoe.
TVRA Dredging Project Update
The District has received all of the permits needed for the TVRA Dredging and Bulkhead Improvement Project, however, given the current snowpack and water level in Lake Tahoe, the TVRA boat ramp will operate for the Summer 2023 boating season without the need for dredging.
The higher water levels also increase the cost of dredging and littoral drift (movement of sand underwater), particularly over the winter months, which may re-establish a sand bar before the lake drops to a water level where the dredging benefits are realized. With those factors in mind, District staff have identified 2024 as the first opportunity to revisit the project with a focus on maximizing the value of the dredging, while minimizing the impacts on peak use of boat launch.
More information about the Tahoe Vista Boat Launch can be found online at – https://ntpud.org/.
###
The North Tahoe Public Utility District provides water, wastewater, and recreation service to the residents and visitors of Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Cedar Flat, and Agate Bay. The District’s boundaries span from the Nevada state line in Crystal Bay to Dollar Hill. The District maintains several public beaches in North Lake Tahoe and owns and operates the North Tahoe Regional Park, the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area, and the North Tahoe Event Center in downtown Kings Beach.