USFS asks snowmobilers to protect the land and stay in areas with adequate snow

Snowmobilers are being asked to move to areas with adequate snow coverage for their activities and to stay away from bare dirt and patchy snow areas.

With the snowpack in the Sierra at very low levels, and in anticipation of a busy holiday weekend, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) are informing snowmobile operators to also not ride across streams or over small trees or brush. Operating snowmobiles on too little snow creates ruts in the soil and crushes vegetation.

“This winter has been a challenge for all winter recreation users,” said Tahoe Sierra Snowmobiling Club president, Greg McKay. “Snowmobilers should take extra care to minimize resource damage that low snow conditions present when they recreate and should follow Forest Service guidance.”

Causing resource damage can result in a citation punishable by a fine of $5,000 or more and/or six months in jail. The Forest Service will continue to monitor areas throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin for compliance in order to protect natural resources.

Information on areas where snowmobiles are allowed is available in the online Snowmobile Guide at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/Snowmobiling or at the Forest Supervisor’s office at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, 530-543-2600.