Scientists Study Tahoe Wildfire Impacts

Scientists say wildlife living in pockets of forest scattered throughout urbanized areas around Lake Tahoe appear to be thriving. Experts also say studies following a wildfire at South Lake Tahoe two years ago indicates substances that encourage algae growth in the lake increased dramatically in the fires aftermath.

But other studies suggest chemical treatment successfully could cause some of the smallest dirt particles now polluting Tahoe to adhere so they can be more easily removed before entering the water.

Those were some of the findings discussed during a three-day symposium that began Monday at Crystal Bay.

Scientists are discussing a variety of topics ranging from how smog affects Tahoe´s forests to what can be learned from ancient trees found rooted 120 feet beneath the surface of nearby Fallen Leaf Lake.