Lake Tahoe residents protest tourism impact as master plan update faces scrutiny

Concerns over tourism's impact on local quality of life dominated the recent Douglas County Board of County Commissioners meeting, as residents voiced their frustrations about increasing visitor numbers and related issues. Lynn Muzzy, a local resident, highlighted the growing discontent among lake area residents, who staged protests at major intersections to express their grievances about traffic congestion and disrespectful tourist behavior. Signs reading "Go home" and "Welcome to a COVID hot spot" underscored the community's frustration with the influx of visitors, particularly in light of recent COVID-19 case spikes.

The meeting also addressed the need for a comprehensive update to the county's master plan, with Kelly Waller advocating for an extension of the Wood Rogers completion deadline beyond December 2020. Waller emphasized that a thorough update is crucial to accurately reflect community needs and goals, which are essential for effective planning.

In a related discussion, concerns were raised about the accuracy of population growth projections presented by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Critics argued that the data used was biased and did not account for the significant number of new residential units approved in the area, which could lead to a much higher population increase than suggested.

The meeting concluded with a call for a more balanced approach to growth management, urging the commissioners to reconsider policies that may favor unchecked development at the expense of community well-being. As tensions rise over tourism and development, the future of Douglas County's master plan remains a critical topic for local leaders and residents alike.