SIERRA WATCH WELCOMES CHASE SCHWEITZER TO CONSERVATION TEAM

NEW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE WORKING TO KEEP SQUAW TRUE

Squaw Valley, Calif. – In an effort to further grassroots efforts to Keep Squaw True, Sierra Watch has added Chase Schweitzer as its new Field Representative.

A life-long Squaw Valley snowboarder, Schweitzer brings proven experience in communications, publicity, and volunteer recruitment − as well as a deep personal commitment to North Tahoe − to the Sierra Watch team.

“This is home to me,” said Schweitzer, “so I am fired up to work toward protecting the values that make this special and unique place what it is.”

Pictured: Chase Schweitzer, Sierra Watch Field Representative

Pictured: Chase Schweitzer, Sierra Watch Field Representative

Massive development proposals have made the future of Squaw Valley the biggest development issue facing the Lake Tahoe region.

Denver-based KSL Capital Partners seeks a sweeping set of entitlements for development of a size, scale, and scope Tahoe has never seen.

Their proposal seeks permission to build a series of ten-story tall high rises, including an indoor water park with water slides, fake rivers, and indoor sky diving.  New buildings would include 1,583 bedrooms − as many as three of South Lake Tahoe’s Stateline casinos combined.

The project would be so big, KSL projects it would take 25 years to construct.

Sierra Watch is spearheading a strategic effort to turn back the current proposal.

“Our goal is to convince KSL to pull their current misguided project and, instead, work together on a responsible plan that we can all be proud of,” said Isaac Silverman, Sierra Watch Staff Attorney.  “Chase’s role in mobilizing meaningful public involvement in the planning process will prove fundamental in achieving a better outcome for Squaw, for Tahoe, and for the entire Sierra.”

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about KSL’s proposed development or ideas on how to better Keep Squaw True, feel free to contact Schweitzer via email at cschweitzer@sierrawatch.org or give him a call at (530) 448-1506.

About Sierra Watch

Sierra Watch works to protect great places in the Sierra Nevada.  Founded in 2001, the Nevada City based non-profit has built a remarkable track record in land preservation in Tahoe’s Martis Valley, on Donner Summit, and for other treasured Sierra landscapes.  For more information, visit www.sierrawatch.org.

Tom Mooers/Executive Director

Sierra Watch/www.sierrawatch.org