cost-effective and easier to maintain. While some groups argue that utilizing pine needles and wood chips as ground cover up to the 30-foot perimeter of a structure is a violation of California Public Resources Code 4291 requiring defensible space in California, a covering of forest litter (duff layer), once decay has taken place, is not sufficient to carry a flame intense enough to burn structures from a distance of away. However, freshly applied pine needles remain highly flammable until decomposition has fully occurred. Regardless, TRPA staff and local fire groups are investigating possible non-flammable or flame-retardant alternatives to provide both soil protection and fire prevention. In addition, TRPA staff and board members are working with the local fire protection districts to simplify procedures for homeowners to implement defensible space requirements around their homes, and eliminate confusion and possible conflicts regarding TRPA erosion control requirements and defensible space requirements, and to ease restrictions on use of heavy machinery in sensitive areas near communities. While investigations into the causes and effects on the Angora Fire show that allegations of staff misconduct may have occurred, and resource protection policies may not have been the root cause of the disaster, anti-TRPA sentiment remains extremely high among most residents. Many have concluded that the agency has infringed on property safety, constitutional private property rights, and impeded economic development in the Lake Tahoe region. In August/September 2021, during the Caldor fire, government crews cut large swaths to the bare soil and aggressively thinned neighboring forests to protect the City. This emergency act lowered the fire height from 100s of feet as was seen during the Angora fire approaching the Y-area, to about fifteen feet, thus saving the City. As a result, significant tree thinning without the required TRPA permits and removal of freshly fallen pine needles to the bare ground occurred widely. Proactive techniques of applying Phos-check home defense fire retardant products to vegetation has also become more widespread. While clearly, the Angora Fire has reinvigorated the public taking hold of their own safety, the Caldor fire has cemented it. See also Tahoe-Sierra Preservation Council, Inc. v. Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, a 2002 United States Supreme Court case involving the regulatory power of the agency. References External links TRPA Homepage A Guide to the Walter E. MacKenzie papers, NC1060. Special Collections, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Reno A Guide to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency records,