A commemorative sign was unveiled at the trailhead at 64 Acres in Tahoe City. From left to right, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Executive Director Julie Regan, Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) Board President Judy Friedman, Senator Feinstein’s granddaughter Eileen Mariano, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, and Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. Photo courtesy of Thea Schwartz, TRPA

TAHOE CITY, CA (MPG) - Local, state and federal leaders gathered on Aug. 7 in Tahoe City to honor the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein’s enduring environmental legacy in the Lake Tahoe Basin. In a special ceremony, the West Shore Trail was officially dedicated in her name as the Dianne Feinstein West Shore Tahoe Trail. 

The event featured remarks from U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) Board President Judy Friedman, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Executive Director Julie Regan, Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson, and Senator Feinstein’s granddaughter, Eileen Mariano. Each speaker shared their own personal and inspirational stories of Feinstein’s compassion, determination, and collaborative spirit in working with colleagues to achieve meaningful results.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff delivers remarks during the trail naming ceremony honoring the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein's Environmental Legacy. Photo courtesy of Thea Schwartz, TRPA

Senator Feinstein often reminisced about her childhood memories of biking around Lake Tahoe and shared a vision of one day creating a bike path that would encircle the entire lake. Following the dedication, over 30 attendees participated in a group bike ride down the trail to Hurricane Bay, celebrating both the occasion and the vision that inspired it.

“Dianne Feinstein was more than a senator,” said U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, “she was a trail-blazing leader, an admired friend and inspiration, and a trusted guardian of our environment.”

Feinstein’s early connection to Lake Tahoe grew into a lifelong commitment to its protection. Her leadership and advocacy over the decades played a vital role in preserving its natural beauty. As a founding member of the first Lake Tahoe Summit in 1997 alongside Senator Harry Reid, she championed substantial funding for the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program. Through this collaborative effort, more than 850 projects have been completed, including wetland restoration, bike trails, forest management, and measures to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Senator Feinstein's granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, delivers remarks during the trail naming ceremony honoring the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. Photo courtesy of Thea Schwartz, TRPA

“Senator Feinstein bestowed the name Team Tahoe on us—a partnership of federal, state, local, private, tribal, and public entities working together for the lake. She inspired us not only to reach higher, but to stay committed to one another,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. 

“Senator Feinstein understood the power of public-private partnership and was instrumental in her efforts to connect private philanthropy to help secure critical public funding. Her vision left a legacy that will benefit Tahoe forever,” said Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson.

Surrounded by the beauty of Tahoe, more than 100 attendees gathered to honor Senator Feinstein, and reflect on her tireless advocacy for the lake. The group unveiled a commemorative sign at the trailhead at 64 Acres, and then followed suit on bikes to honor Feinstein’s love of Tahoe’s great outdoors.

TCPUD Board President, Judy Friedman, delivers remarks during the trail naming ceremony honoring the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. Photo courtesy of Thea Schwartz, TRPA

The newly named Dianne Feinstein West Shore Tahoe Trail is owned and maintained by Tahoe City Public Utility District, and spans approximately 12 miles from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay. It functions as both a recreational resource and a sustainable transportation corridor that links communities across the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe. 

“Senator Feinstein understood that trails like this promote healthy lifestyles and provide the public with unique access to Lake Tahoe,” said Judy Friedman, TCPUD Board President. “On behalf of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, we’re proud to steward this trail and honored to share in this celebration of her extraordinary legacy.”

Dianne Feinstein remained in awe of Lake Tahoe's beauty throughout her life. Until her passing in September 2023, she was one of the lake’s most passionate and effective advocates. Her vision, leadership, and deep commitment to environmental protection will live on through this trail and throughout the Tahoe Basin for generations to come.

For more information about the Dianne Feinstein West Shore Tahoe Trail and TCPUD’s ongoing trail stewardship, visit www.tcpud.org/trails.