lake tahoe basin management

Save a bear - be smart about food storage/trash disposal in the outdoors

Several Lake Tahoe agencies have joined together to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in the bear being killed, fines and/or jail time for violators. Every year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat and/or are damaging property. In some cases, the animals are euthanized.

Become part of the solution and help save our Tahoe bears!

USFS fuelwood permits go on sale in Lake Tahoe June 4

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of personal use fuelwood permits at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe on Monday, June 4, 2018, and at the Incline Village Forest Service office on Wednesday, June 6. Permits cost $20 per cord, with a two-cord minimum purchase and a limit of 10 cords per household.

Permits have specific conditions and complete information is provided when the permit is issued. Maps to designated cutting areas are provided and must be in the permit holder’s possession along with the valid permit when cutting.

Comments sought for 1000 acre project near Incline Village

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has opened the comment period for proposed management of 1,083 acres on National Forest Lands off the Mt. Rose Highway above Incline Village, Nev.

USFS approves Heavenly's plans that include widening trails

A project to improve existing skiing and snowboarding terrain at Heavenly Mountain Resort was approved this week by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU).

Improvements will include selective widening of ski trails, removing trail obstacles and relocation and/or realignment of some portions of existing snowmaking air and water pipelines to improve user experience, maintain user safety, increase energy and water efficiency, and maintain native species.

Fuel reduction plan released for over 3700 acres of National Forest lands

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Fuels on 3,737 acres of South Lake Tahoe area National Forest lands will be reduced by thinning forest stands and removing forest biomass vegetation, prescribed burning, and reforestation.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) announced the the final decision on the project last week. This project helps decrease the risk of wildland fires and complements defensible space treatments implemented by local municipal fire districts on adjacent non-federal lands.

Tahoe Fund expands advisory board

The Tahoe Fund has expanded its Advisory Council to include the Forest Supervisor of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Jeff Marsolais, and the Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Joanne Marchetta. Marsolais and Marchetta add federal and regional agency representation to the council that already includes Patrick Wright, Executive Director of the California Tahoe Conservancy and Jim Lawrence, Deputy Director of Nevada’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

USFS gives opening dates for Lake Tahoe recreation areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin the process of opening recreational facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Weather and snow conditions permitting, Inspiration Point will be the first site to open on Saturday, April 14, 2018. Baldwin and Nevada beaches open April 28. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center opens Friday, May 25. The Tallac Historic Site parking area opens Tuesday, May 15, and will be staffed beginning Saturday, May 26.

The following is a list of opening/service dates, weather and snow conditions permitting:

Prescribed burns in Lake Tahoe ahead of next storm

Prescribed fire operations will continue around several areas around Lake Tahoe this week, weather permitting. he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point and Burton Creek state parks on the West Shore, Carnelian Bay and Kings Beach on the North Shore, Logan Shoals on the East Shore and on Kingsbury Grade and off Ski Run Boulevard on the South Shore. Smoke may be present.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe Basin

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team has announced continued prescribed fire operations by the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team at several locations in the Lake Tahoe Basin this week, weather and conditions permitting. Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S.

USFS hosts Desolation Wilderness volunteer workshop in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is looking for hard-working, dedicated volunteers that are interested in helping to preserve one of our nation’s most beautiful wilderness areas, Desolation Wilderness. Interested and committed individuals are invited to attend an informational open house on Thursday, March 15, 2018, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and/or Saturday, March 17 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, California 96150.

USFS seeks community input on off-highway vehicle grant

It is time again for public comment on the annual grant funding for trail maintenance and operation of facilities for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is applying for the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division grant application.

The 30-day grant application comment period begins Tuesday, March 6 and ends Monday, April 2, 2018.

Widespread prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around the Tahoe Basin, weather permitting. North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California Tahoe Conservancy and U.S.

Myanmar delegation visits forest thinning projects in Lake Tahoe

Seven delegates from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar stopped by Lake Tahoe last week to learn about the Forest Service’s role in natural resource management in the Tahoe Basin.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management (LTBMU) hosted the group and took them on a field trip to see recent forest thinning operations near Pope Beach and Emerald Bay.

USFS seeks Desolation Wilderness volunteers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - Do you love the wilderness? Are you committed to preserving its’ breathtaking beauty? Do you love working with people and spending time in the outdoors? Can you match your motive for volunteering to the mission and priorities of the Forest Service? Most importantly, do you have the time, willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country natural areas near Lake Tahoe?

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.

USFS host six Russian delegates in South Lake Tahoe

Six delegates visiting the United States from Russia stopped by Lake Tahoe last week as part of the cultural exchanges programs, Friendship Force and Open World.

The delegates first stopped in Washington, D.C. before heading to the Reno/Lake Tahoe area.

Prescribed fires planned around Lake Tahoe this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, are planning to continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting.

In the map above, the following areas are planned:

A) Cave Rock Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 5 acres
B) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 70 acres
C) Lyons Ranch, West of Golden Bear Subdivision - California Tahoe Conservancy will be burning 10 acres

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe resumes

he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies continue to carry out prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

Burn areas in Lake Tahoe (size, location, responsible agency):

A) 25 acres - West side of First Creek drainage - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
B) 20 acres - Diamond Peak Ski Resort - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
C) 8 acres - Champagne Rd. - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

Input sought on 3,800 acre forest thinning project in South Lake Tahoe

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is seeking comments on a proposal to reduce excess vegetation on approximately 3,800 acres of National Forest lands on the south end of the Lake Tahoe Basin in order to reduce the risk of wildland fires and create healthier forests.

"Ski With A Ranger" returns to Heavenly

The popular program from the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Ski with a Ranger, resumes at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Friday, January 26. Every Monday and Friday, the tours will start at 1:00 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola.

The tours last approximately one-hour and continue through April 6, 2018, weather permitting.

Volunteers needed for USFS outdoor programs at Heavenly

Are you a college student looking for an internship this winter? Are you a retired school teacher who misses your students or providing education? Or maybe you simply love the outdoors and want to be involved in your community?

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is looking for volunteers to assist with their Winter Trek and Ski with a Ranger conservation education programs at Heavenly Mountain Resort from January through March 2018.

USFS taking reservations for 5th grade snowshoe program

The 2018 Winter Trek conservation program for fifth-grade students will run from January 9 to March 29, and sign-ups with U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) for the popular program begin December 18.

Fifth-grade teachers may reserve a spot by calling the Forest Supervisor’s office at 530-543-2789, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Field trips are generally three hours long and are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting.

Funds needed to reroute 1.3 miles of Tahoe Rim Trail/Pacific Crest Trail

The rerouting of a 1.3 mile section of the joint Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail near Echo Summit has been proposed in order to move hikers away from the noisy highway and instead traverse the far side of a ridge that offers more pristine views and less traffic noise.

This will be a partnership between the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA), the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Eldorado National Forest.

Partnership emphasizes nature is the best medicine

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To show nature is the best medicine, Barton Health and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) have partnered together to give the community Wellness Outings.

Patients will have access to the forest through a guided outing with a USFS ranger and physician or nurse.

In addition to Wellness Outings, the partnership will provide wellness and injury prevention training for USFS rangers and firefighters, as well as accessibility of public lands to promote outdoor recreation.

Public comment sought for next phase of Stateline-Stateline bikeway

Plans for the next phase of a multi-agency project to connect North Lake Tahoe to South Lake Tahoe along State Route 28 with a Class 1 shared-use pathway are underway, and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management is seeking public input.

Heavenly looks to widen some runs and move snowmaking lines

Heavenly Mountain Resort has taken steps to improve their skiing and snowboarding terrain while also adding energy and water efficiency changes.

Improvements would include selective widening of ski trails, removing trail obstacles and relocation and/or realignment of some portions of existing snowmaking air and water pipelines, increase energy and water efficiency as they seek to improve safety and maintain native species.

Christmas Tree permits go on sale November 13

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, November 13, 2017. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar trees up to six inches in diameter at the base in designated cutting areas. Trees must be cut on the forest where the permit was purchased (the ENF is south and west of the Lake Tahoe Basin, on the west slope).

Lake Tahoe recreational areas and forest roads begin their seasonal closures

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin closing recreational facilities and forest roads around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads. Keep in mind that Tahoe Valley and Zephyr Cove Resort campgrounds remain open year-round along with Camp Richardson and Zephyr Cove resorts and beaches.

USFS celebrates Best in Basin awards for Camp Richardson and Stinger projects

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), along with partners Camp Richardson Resort and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), were recognized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) with two “Best in Basin” awards for the Camp Richardson Resort and Campground BMP retrofit and the Kingsbury Stinger Trail Project.

Prescribed fires set to return in Lake Tahoe basin

The fall prescribed fire program in the Lake Tahoe Basin will return in early October, weather permitting, according to the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT). The first areas to be burned have not been announced.

TFFT is made up of local, state and federal fire and land management agencies in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Fish are the stars at annual festival in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Fall Fish Festival will take place at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on Saturday and Sunday, October 7 – 8, 2017. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center is located on SR Highway 89, three miles north of South Lake Tahoe, California. Hosted by the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit in collaboration with the Tahoe Heritage Foundation, the festival is an opportunity to learn about the variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its streams including the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.

Bears breaking into cars at Desolation Wilderness trailhead

Its not just a picnic basket bears have been after at the Bayview Trailhead this week. Some hikers have returned from the trail to find their cars not only broken into, but mauled.

Pictures on the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Twitter page have shown windows torn from their frames and the foam from seats pulled apart.

Bears want food, and if food, not matter how small of trace, is left in a car, they will go after it.

These break-ins are a good reminder to not leave food in cars, no matter if the door is locked or not.

More stabilization work needed on new Upper Truckee River channel

The winter took its toll on the new Upper Truckee River channel near the Lake Tahoe Airport, and crews from the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) are doing stabilization work in the area.

Community celebrates local public safety employees

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day was held on Thursday, September 7, and community members came out to say "thank you" to personnel from several agencies.

The City of South Lake Tahoe hosted the event which had live music, free BBQ and ice cream and a thank-you card making station.

Kids were able climb on board fire trucks, meet the new Search & Rescue puppy and get to know those who protect them on a daily basis.

Agencies invited were:

Calfire
· California Highway Patrol
· Nevada Highway Patrol
· Douglas County Sheriff's Office

NDOW allowing 20 black bears to be hunted; Protesters plan demonstration

On September 15, 2017 the annual Nevada bear hunt season opens, and this year 45 hunters have been issued tags to participate in the season that lasts until December 1, or until the quota of 20 black bears has been met. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) calls this the "Black Bear Harvest."

In protest of the hunt, a "peaceful, educational" demonstration has been planned by NoBearHuntNV.org and Compassion Works International on September 16 in Reno. Participants will be meeting at the intersection of South Virginia and McCarran in front of Reno Star sculpture at 11:00 a.m.

Wellness Outings: A prescription for “Nature as Medicine”

South Lake Tahoe, CA – Recovering from a major joint surgery doesn’t usually inspire the idea of snowshoeing by moonlight, but that’s exactly what Carol Bennis, age 75, was asked to do during her recovery last February.

Carol had never been on snowshoes before, or hiked at night, but when she heard her surgeon and other patients at a similar stage of recovery would be there, she decided to try it out.

South Lake Tahoe holds 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day

Event Date: 
September 7, 2017 - 5:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone is invited out to Lakeview Commons on Thursday, September 7 to say "thank you" to the men and women who protect the South Shore communities at the 2nd annual Public Safety Appreciation Day.

The City of South Lake Tahoe will be hosting the event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature live music, BBQ, a thank you card making station and blue ribbons to tie around the trees at Lakeview Commons as a visual way to say thank you.

This is a multi-agency event to show appreciation:

· Calfire
· California Highway Patrol

Hike with a ranger this summer at top of Heavenly Gondola

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The sun is out and the snow is melting - now is the time to get out and enjoy summer on your National Forest lands! The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Heavenly Mountain Resort invite you to Hike with a Ranger this summer. Hikes will take place every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. The duration of the guided hike is approximately one hour and will continue every weekend through September 2, 2017, weather permitting.

USFS to start chemical treatment of invasive species in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Starting later this month, the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start using chemical treatment to try and eradicate, control and contain known infestations of invasive plants. Their focus will be on 90 sites covering 18.25 acres of sites inside the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Snow and water still over many Desolation Wilderness trails

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit wilderness ranger scouting expeditions last week have brought back some updated trail conditions for those planning to venture into Desolation Wilderness.

Many hikers are turning around because of difficulty they have in finding the trail because of the large amount of snow at upper elevations, limited dry ground, frozen lakes, and high stream crossings.

Wild Tahoe Weekend: Native species and bird festivals

Event Date: 
June 24, 2017 (All day)

Get ready for a wild time as the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) host Wild Tahoe Weekend.

Join them June 24-25, 2017 at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Residents and visitors are invited to attend this free family event.

Activities surround 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - On June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire started at an illegal campfire at about 2:15 p.m. near North Upper Truckee Road in Meyers. The wind driven wildfire consumed 3,100 acres, destroyed 242 homes and 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. As many as 2,180 firefighters battled the blaze with was 100% contained by July 2. There will be several community events to mark this tragic anniversary.

Thursday, June 22

Firefighters from South Lake Tahoe head to New Mexico and Arizona fires

Two local firefighters will be joining almost 600 California-based U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters and support personnel as they head to Arizona and New Mexico to fight massive fires.

In Arizona, almost 40,000 acres have burned in over ten fires; In New Mexico 13,000 acres have burned this week, over 30,000 acres last week.

The personnel that are part of this mobilization come from all 18 national forests in California (Pacific Southwest Region).

Medical adventure race returns to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Wilderness enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, first responders, outdoor educators, and medical students are encouraged to put their emergency medical knowledge to the test and sign up for the second annual Tahoe MedWAR Challenge on Saturday, September 9.

Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
June 17, 2017 - 12:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue along with multiple local agencies are coming together and hosting the 4th annual Wildfire Safety Expo on Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the TJ Maxx parking lot located at the “Y” where
Highways 50 and 89 intersect.

Everyone one is invited to the free event with lots of information about being prepared in case of a wildfire.

Forest thinning operations near Fallen Leaf Lake until July 1

Whole tree removal will take place near Fallen Leaf Campground for the next month as part of the U.S. Forest Service's healthy forest program in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The public is being asked to avoid that area during operations due to hazardous conditions associated with heavy equipment, falling trees, limb removal and trees being cut into sections.

Work in this area will stop around July 1, 2017, and any unfinished work will resume after Labor Day.

The work area along Fallen Leaf Lake Road off of SR-89 could be hazardous even when work crews are not present so use caution.

Lake Tahoe Basin fuelwood permit sales begin May 30

LAKE TAHOE, Calif/Nev. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of personal use fuelwood permits at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, and at the Incline Village office on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Permits cost $20 per cord, with a two-cord minimum purchase and a limit of 10 cords per household.

Two plead guilty to stealing recreation fees

Two suspects have pled guilty to stealing from fee tubes on the Eldorado National Forest and other sites in El Dorado County.

Brian Lisanti and Deseree Tougas entered the pleas in El Dorado Superior Court after a multi-agency investigation uncovered the crimes.

USFS announces West Shore fuels reduction project

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) released the final decision to reduce hazardous fuels on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The West Shore Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project will treat approximately 4,875 acres extending from Emerald Bay to Burton Creek State Park.

South Lake Tahoe 5th-Graders take part in Winter Adventure Program

Wildlife survival, avalanche safety, snowmaking, and environmental restoration are all part of the curriculum at a unique outdoor classroom at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Nearly 300 fifth-grade students from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (TLUSD) took part in the EpicPromise Winter Adventure Program over five days in January and March. The program includes a ride up the ski resort’s Aerial Tram, snowshoeing, and getting hands-on learning experiences at a trio of educational stations.

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