The "Martis Valley West" proposal by East West Partners and Sierra Pacific Industries has exposed the lack of any definitive standards by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency or Placer County for the protection of the area's scenic forested ridgelines. The ridgelines in the Lake Tahoe area are one of its most outstandingly beautiful features and are a primary basis for its popularity and economic health. The ridgelines offer recreational opportunities, a chance to view wildlife and experience nature, and of course unparalleled views of Lake Tahoe and Martis Valley; they are also increasingly rare homes to and open-space corridors for wildlife.

Most towns that have any kind of scenic value protect their ridgelines. There are many more than can be mentioned here, but they include Nashville, Tennessee; Sun Valley, Idaho; Park City, Utah;  Aspen , Colorado; and Santa Monica, California. If regulations banning ridgeline development exist in other areas, even those that don't have the outstandingly unique features of the Lake Tahoe area, why don't we?

The public has entrusted Placer County and the TRPA with protecting and preserving Tahoe's and Truckee’s irreplaceable natural beauty and mountain environment. Vague and unenforceable references in regulations to "consider" ridgeline protections clearly aren't enough. By signing this petition, we are requesting that you institute clear and enforceable protections for the Tahoe area's ridgelines immediately.