By Kathryn Reed

After wrapping up the first round just before midnight, the South Shore contingent was back at the National Bowling Stadium the next morning at 7 to compete in the national event.

Although it’s called the Men’s Nationals, women also are going after strikes.

The 10 locals didn’t fare as well as they had hoped last weekend, but those who went said it was a great experience.

National Bowling Stadium in Reno.

“We had a good time, but it was definitely a struggle,” Arlene Hailey said.

The Reno facility is designed just for tournaments — no leagues allowed. This means the lanes are geared for that caliber of competition.

“It’ a reverse block which means there is a lot of oil on the lanes so it’s harder for the bowling ball to react before it gets to the bowling pins,” Hailey explained. “You have to be more precise and accurate.”

Others from the South Shore who competed were George Alm, Joel Morris, Shannon Spivack, Scott Spivack, Mike Steward, Pat O’Connell, Ed Ledwig, Phil Harwood and Tom Otomo.

Most of them bowl in the Tuesday nigh league at Tahoe Bowl, but not on the same team.

“We got waxed,” Alm said of his team’s showing. Still, he said it was a fun experience. “A lot of houses only oil 20-27 feet. You want a drier end so the ball has more reaction.”

All bowling lanes are 60-feet long.

Alm explained that the lane conditions dictates which ball a bowler uses. The blocks inside the balls and the outer core shell make a difference for the balls that can cost $300.

The USBC Championships continue in Reno through July 5.

By Fly, Rod + Reel

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) released the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) today for the Paiute Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project. DFG certified the EIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. DFG and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) have jointly undertaken environmental review of the project. The Service will take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the Federal National Environmental Policy Act.

DFG and the Service, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, developed the project to restore the rare Paiute cutthroat trout to its historic habitat in California’s Alpine County, south of Lake Tahoe.

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A wind advisory has been issued for Lake Tahoe by the National Weather Service from 2-11pm Thursday.

Gusty northeast winds will produce choppy waters on lakes throughout the Tahoe-Reno area this afternoon and evening.

Expect white caps on Lake Tahoe Thursday afternoon. Photo/Kathryn Reed

A cold front will move across the region and bring a rapid increase in north and northeast winds this afternoon. The roughest lake conditions are expected along the West and South shores of Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake.

By Jeff Delong, Reno Gazette-Journal

A coalition of agencies will begin July 5 to eradicate populations of Asian clams invading Lake Tahoe’s bottom, mainly in the southeast corner but also in other areas, including Emerald Bay.

After tests last year that used plastic bottom barriers to kill clams by robbing them of food and oxygen, a larger effort will start in the summer.

Clam shells are being made into earrings. Photo/Kathryn Reed

“We’re moving forward with the bottom barrier approach. It’s effective enough,” said Jeff Cowen, community liaison for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. “We’re going to lay down enough to cover a whole acre.”

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Remember to wear green today, or be prepared to be pinched. Here is the ski report from Curtis Fong, the Guy from Tahoe.

Squaw Valley will again offer discounted season passes for next season.

Squaw is offering reloadable passes in keeping with its sustainability goals and to offer greater customer convenience. Current Squaw season passholders wishing to purchase a 2010-11 pass online can reload their 2009-10 pass with zero hassle. Those purchasing a Silver pass or higher prior to May 9 will also receive free Cable Car access for summer 2010.

For pricing details, click here.

By Reno Gazette-Journal

Defending their respective 2009 Silver Belt Banzai titles, brother and sister combo Daron and Shannon Rahlves provided repeat performances last weekend at Sugar Bowls’ 2010 Silver Belt Banzai, taking the top podium spots for a second year in a row.

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It’s spring skiing on the slopes of Lake Tahoe. Here is the ski report from Curtis Fong, the Guy from Tahoe.

Spring has arrived a little early to Lake Tahoe. Here is the ski report from Curtis Fong, the Guy from Tahoe.

Expanding the boat inspection program and changing the fee structure will be discussed March 24 by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Governing Board.

Lake Tahoe boat inspections may include an annual clean boating certification. Known as Blue Boating, it is designed to augment the current inspection program aimed at preventing the introduction of aquatic invasive species.

Even as engines become cleaner with newer technologies, TRPA is taking proactive steps to reduce the potential environmental impacts of boats on Lake Tahoe including engine emissions, dirty bilges, excessive noise and shoreline erosion.

Since 2007, mandatory watercraft inspections have been in place at all Lake Tahoe launch sites to prevent the introduction of potentially devastating mussel species. Last year, fees were introduced to pay for the inspection service and approximately 14,000 boats were inspected.

The proposed updated fee structure is designed to cover the costs of watercraft inspections for invasive species as well as other elements such as noise controls and proper bilge and sewage containment. A key change proposed from last year’s fee structure is conversion to an annual fee versus a per-inspection fee. The new fee would be scaled according to boat size, engine horsepower, and whether a boat is local or expected to travel to other lakes. Fees could range from $20 to $125 for an annual Blue Boating certification sticker and a full year of aquatic invasive species prevention services.

The inspection and certification process will include boater education and compliance with:

• Aquatic invasive species program

• Noise and no-wake-zone standards

• Clean bilge practices

• Wastewater management

• Engine tuning and propeller pitch

• Payment of mitigation fee

Those wishing to join the discussion or offer input on clean boating can send comments via mail or email or can attend a public meeting. The TRPA Governing Board meeting will be March 24 in Incline Village. Location and agenda information are available on the Meetings and Notices page.

For additional information, email jcowen@trpa.org.