Sutter started as a substitute dam tender in 1990, filling in for his friend, Jim Miller. Sutter took over the position five years later and has been operating the dam ever since. But his responsibilities are not limited to just the dam. He also collects information about the lake and Truckee River. The data assists the Federal Watermaster’s Office in Reno, which makes decisions about water releases from Lake Tahoe.

Contractors completed the initial phase of construction last week, allowing the new bridge pedestrian crossing to open on the east side of the dam. Since then, pedestrians, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, and strollers all have been exploring the scenic new crossing. Located on the east side of the dam, the new bridge connects the west shore and north shore bike trails and provides an alternative to the congested crossing on the older vehicle bridge, affectionately known as "Fanny Bridge".

The celebration included a hike to the top of the peak where a small monument to Poulsen has been erected out of stones and wood. The group gathered around an American flag suspended on a rock outcropping for a group photo and then circled around the monument, holding hands. The Palisades Tahoe Chapel's Reverend Stephen Hamilton led the group in a small ceremony in remembrance of Wayne Poulsen's unique life and contributions to the Palisades Tahoe community.