Budget Trends and Highlights

Position Growth

• The department maintains 52.2 positions in FY 2024-25, showing a decrease from 60.5 positions in FY 2022-23.

Budget Fluctuations

• Total budget shows significant variation over three years:
  • FY 2022-23: $28.2 million
  • FY 2023-24: $56.3 million
  • FY 2024-25: $12.9 million
• Major funding sources include:
  • General Fund
  • California Environmental License Plate Fund
  • Lake Tahoe Conservancy Account
  • Federal Trust Fund
  • Various water and environmental protection funds

Major Projects and Initiatives

Land Management and Conservation

• Manages nearly 4,700 state-owned properties totaling over 6,500 acres
• Conducts bi-annual inspections of all parcels for forest health and maintenance needs
• Manages 11 recreational properties, including 6 public access beaches on Lake Tahoe

Environmental Improvement Program (EIP)

• Key implementing agency for Basin-wide environmental restoration
• Partners with California, Nevada, federal government, and local entities
• Focuses on comprehensive environmental goals achievement

Forest Health and Watershed Restoration

• Implements large landscape, multi-jurisdictional projects
• Improves forest diversity and resilience
• Protects wildlife habitats
• Applies beneficial fire management
• Addresses streambank erosion and floodplain connectivity

Urban Development and Conservation

• Promotes urban in-fill development
• Manages property exchanges and sales for environmental benefit
• Supports local area plans and town center objectives

Administrative Structure

Program Areas

1. Tahoe Conservancy (Program 2340)

   • Land management and maintenance
   • Forest health initiatives
   • Public access management
   • Partnership coordination

2. Acquisition and Site Improvement Projects (Program 2345)

   • Environmental land acquisition
   • Public access enhancement
   • Habitat preservation
   • Urban development support

Funding Allocation Process

Primary Funding Sources (FY 2024-25)

• General Fund: $32,000
• Environmental License Plate Fund: $4.5 million
• Habitat Conservation Fund: $500,000
• Lake Tahoe Conservancy Account: $1.2 million
• Federal Trust Fund: $2.9 million
• Reimbursements: $2.4 million

Project Selection and Implementation

• Focuses on multiple-benefit projects
• Prioritizes watershed restoration and forest health
• Emphasizes partnerships with local governments
• Provides grants for:
  • Storm drainage facilities
  • Sediment basins
  • Bike trails
  • Public access improvements
  • Environmental acquisitions