Kings Beach CA, Tuesday February 27, 2024 – Following a comprehensive public hearing where no attendees voiced opposition, the Placer County Board of Supervisors has officially endorsed the Resolution certifying the Sierra Nevada Olympic Winter Sports Museum (SNOW) Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act.
The EIR, meticulously prepared in collaboration with the SNOW Museum Foundation, signifies a pivotal moment after over 15 years of dedicated public study and planning. The SNOW Museum Foundation, a voluntary nonprofit organization established in 2007 whose mission is to preserve and share the winter sports and Olympic history of the region, has been instrumental in this initiative.
The planning process was an inclusive effort involving extensive community outreach, surveys, input gathering, evaluation of alternative sites, preliminary museum design, and a thorough examination of environmental impacts associated with the museum’s proposed location in Olympic Valley Park.
Key milestones in the process include the distribution of the EIR Notice of Preparation on March 18, 2022, and a subsequent Public Scoping meeting on March 28, 2022. The Draft EIR was made public on July 10, 2023, with notices disseminated to the Tahoe City and Truckee libraries, the County’s website, and featured in prominent publications such as the Sacramento Bee and Sierra Sun Newspapers. The Olympic Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) deliberated on June 8, 2023, followed by a public meeting held by the County Planning Commission on August 10, 2023. The Final EIR, inclusive of responses to all public comments, was released on February 9, 2024. A final EIR hearing on February 27 garnered solely positive comments from attendees.
With the adoption of the EIR, the SNOW Foundation now shifts its focus to collaborating with the County and Forest Service to address any remaining concerns regarding land use, securing necessary building and operating permits, and embarking on a capital fundraising campaign for museum construction.
Last summer, the Foundation unveiled a temporary museum at the Boatworks Mall in Tahoe City. This museum, open daily, showcases Olympic memorabilia, narratives of regional athletes, and the rich history of skiing and snow sports in the Sierra Nevada. Both locals and visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibits, with donations gratefully accepted.
The SNOW Museum Foundation welcomes volunteers on their Board of Directors and Advisory Board, especially individuals with expertise in marketing, hospitality and bookkeeping.
For information, contact snowsportsmuseum@gmail.com or to make a donation at https://www.thesnowmuseum.org/donate.
