The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the first stage of the Zephyr Cove stables upgrade project this week.

Existing facilities, trails and utilities will be upgraded to meet current building code and accessibility standards. Erosion control measures will be put in, too.

The first stage, which will last through mid-July, will include construction of stormwater infiltration basins, and a new driveway and parking area.  Under an agreement with Douglas County, a bike path will be constructed from the stables to Warrior Way to improve pedestrian safety and access. This will also decrease impacts to the meadow and Zephyr Creek.

The next step will be to replace the current buildings with one structure, which will include administrative office space, a ticket vending area, an enclosed storage area and public restrooms. Work on this phase of the project will likely begin at the end of summer or in early fall and is expected to be completed by the end of October, with some remaining work possible during summer 2017.

The stable will remain open during the regularly scheduled season, but there may be limited parking.