Former hotel site in South Lake Tahoe to be demolished for ecological restoration
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- California Tahoe Conservancy begins demolition of former Motel 6 this month.
- Project removes structures, stabilizes soil, and restores sensitive wetlands.
- Demolition removes buildings and pavement to restore 25 acres of wetlands and meadow.
The California Tahoe Conservancy will begin demolition this month of the former Motel 6 and restaurant buildings in South Lake Tahoe as part of a broader environmental restoration project.
Located on the Upper Truckee Marsh South Property, the site is being cleared in partnership with the California Department of General Services. The demolition will remove hazardous materials, concrete slabs, and paved surfaces before crews stabilize the area to prevent stormwater runoff.
“It’s thrilling to be taking this next step in removing aging development from this site, something that we and our partners have looked forward to for many years,” said Jason Vasques, executive director for the Conservancy, in a news release. “We’re grateful to all our funding and project partners who have helped us get to this point.”
Beginning with the transport and recycling of hazardous building materials, the property will undergo the destruction of its vacant restaurant and hotel buildings. Building slabs and paved parking areas will be removed before disturbed soils are stabilized to prevent stormwater runoff.
The conservancy acquired the 25-acre parcel in 2024 to support the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program. The land includes wetlands, a mountain meadow and a portion of the Upper Truckee River, which drains nearly a third of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
According to the conservancy, the acquisition resulted in 96% of the lower Upper Truckee River area coming under public ownership. The site is also within the traditional stewardship territory of the Washoe Tribe.
The conservancy has not yet announced future plans for the property beyond its ecological restoration goals.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 3:35 PM.