Logging company faces hearing in Tahoe tree-cutting incident

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency staff is recommending a $100,000 fine be imposed against the Menasha Corp.

"I think it's a significant and serious violation," said John Marshall, a lawyer for the bistate agency. "It's very important we get the message out (that) you do not illegally cut down these big trees.

"Companies that do not operate much in the basin are not aware of the sensitivity of cutting down the few big trees that are left," he said.

Company officials maintain they followed the rules when logging trees last spring.

"Our assessment of the timber harvest isn't close to their assessment," said Menasha executive Mark Salyer. "I think it was a good harvest."

Menasha was hired by the Tahoe City Public Utility District to remove dead and dying trees on 113 acres near Homewood Ski Resort.

The TRPA alleges 49 trees greater than 30 inches in diameter were felled in violation of a law designed to protect old growth trees.

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