national forest

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

USFS acquires 120 acres on Brockway Summit to protect from development

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much sought-after parcels of land near Northstar Ski Resort have been purchased by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). The purchase brings to a close proposed developments which over the years have included 112 ridgeline homes and the Brockway Campground, a sprawling resort with 550 campsites and commercial and additional commercial facilities.

LTBMU used funds from the Santini-Burton Act to purchase two parcels that total approximately 120.4 acres of Brockway Summit land on the rim of the Tahoe Basin.

Recreate responsibly this winter

With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits sold out in one day

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now sold out! They went on sale one day ago and all 2,000 online permits were issued on a first-come, first served basis.

Nearby Eldorado, Humboldt-Toiyabe and Tahoe national forests are also selling Christmas tree permits online. Check permit availability for these forests at www.recreation.gov.

No additional permits will be authorized for this season.

In addition, Christmas trees may be purchased from private Christmas tree farms in El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties.

Updates on closures and fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted its closure order at Taylor Creek so people are once again allowed into the area around the creek. This is a popular area each fall due to the Kokanee Salmon run and heightened wildlife sightings and was closed to both protect bears and discourage large gatherings. The Visitor Center has seasonally closed.

USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe start seasonal closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites in the Tahoe Basin including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads.

USFS reminds all that fire restrictions remain in place around Lake Tahoe

Due to continued dangerous wildfire conditions, emergency fire restrictions remain in effect across all National Forest lands in California, including both the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Smoking outdoors and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7W7M.

New supervisor named for Lake Tahoe Basin

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has announced that William “Bill” Jackson has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Jackson is scheduled to arrive at the LTBMU on Dec. 6, 2020, and comes to the area from the White River National Forest in Colorado, where he served as the District Ranger for the Dillon Ranger District.

Forest Service extends emergency fire restrictions in California including all of Lake Tahoe Basin

The US Forest Service has extended its emergency fire restrictions across all National Forest lands in California. This involves all USFS land in the Lake Tahoe Basin on both sides of the state line.

Smoking and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

With the ongoing threat of wildfire and a very dry season, the danger of fire remains too high to allow recreational fires.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits available November 16 online

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.

Lake Tahoe Basin fire and camping restrictions extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has extended both its emergency camping and fire restrictions.

Camping/overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness/backcountry areas including Desolation, Meiss Country, Tahoe Rim Trail, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds through November. View forest order here.

Some fire and use restrictions continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - A fire ban continues in the Lake Tahoe Basin. On non-red flag days, home use of BBQs with propane or gas are allowed. All charcoal and wood fires are banned at this time. With all of the recent closures of forests due to fire danger, here is an update of what is open around Lake Tahoe:

National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches in Tahoe Basin are open for day-use only.

All camping, overnighting is temporarily prohibited, including camping in Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Pacific Crest, and Tahoe Rim trails.

USFS campgrounds remain closed.

Type 3 fire team takes control of 1,667 acre Fork Fire

Control of the Fork Fire transferred to a local Type 3 team today. The fire was remapped and is 1,667 acres and is 70 percent contained and is located north of Pollock Pines and west of Lake Tahoe, burning in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area. Strategy on the fire will remain the same with emphasis on clearing contingency lines distant from the main edge of the fire in case the fire begins to move.

Forest and fire managers would like people to be aware that while the fire closures are being reduced, there is still fire activity in the area.

USFS beaches and other day-use facilities around Lake Tahoe reopen Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and other day-use areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnight stays will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Resorts will reopen for day-use only. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. I’ve attached the Forest Orders for your awareness.

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

US50 over Echo Summit closes early Friday for bridge replacement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The planned two-week closure of U.S. Highway 50 along a 1.2 mile stretch of Echo Summit will begin Friday, September 18 at 3:00 a.m. One-lane controlled traffic has been happening all week, and now both lanes will be closed as crews replace the 1939 bridge with brand new girders to meet seismic and safety standards.

Fork Fire 1753 acres, 34% contained; Slink Fire 26,752 acres and 71% contained

The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe remains at 1,752 acres and is now 34 percent contained. Low pressure off the coast will advance toward the region, bringing an increase in afternoon southwest winds across ridge tops and aligned drainages. Dry conditions will persist with slight cooling.

The front will pass over the area on Friday, driving gusty southwest and west winds with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Little to no precipitation is expected.

FAQs from the US Forest Service on closures

The USFS regional emergency closures have created a lot of questions from forest recreational users. Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) provided by the Forest Service:

Q) Is there an imminent threat of fire, are we in immediate danger?

Forest closure orders extended in Lake Tahoe and California; Humboldt-Toiyabe reopens

Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region announced they are extending the temporary closure orders for 18 National Forests in California. This decision will be re-evaluated as conditions change.

Fork Fire remains at 1,752 acres and 7% contained

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The forest closure order for the national forests has been extended and did not expire Monday as some had hoped. Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais said fire concerns remain, especially near the Fork Fire.

At this time, the Fork Fire has burned 1,752 acres and remains at a seven percent containment line. At this time, 300 personnel are assigned to the incident.

Van Sickle Bi-State Park, Upper Truckee Marsh and other areas closed for public safety

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy has temporarily closed multiple high-use Conservancy properties for public safety. The Conservancy intends these closures to complement similar temporary closures of National Forest Lands to protect the public and firefighters during this time of unprecedented and historic fire conditions.

Temporarily closed sites include:

- Van Sickle Bi-State Park (includes both California and Nevada sides of the park)
- Upper Truckee Marsh (except for Cove East area, accessed by Venice Drive)
- Eagle Rock

Fork Fire re-mapped at 1,647 acres and continues to be 7% contained

The Fork Fire continues to burn west of Lake Tahoe in the Rubicon drainage area near Loon Lake. The size has been remapped and 1,647 acres have burned and it is seven percent contained.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has downgraded the mandatory evacuation order to an evacuation warning for the areas of Quintette, Stumpy Meadows and Volcanoville. This does not supersede the temporary closure order that prohibits entering or using National Forest System lands, roads and trails on the Eldorado National Forest.

Fork Fire: Estimated at 2,200 acres and 7% containment

The Fork Fire continues to burn west of Lake Tahoe in the Rubicon River drainage and near the King Fire burn scar.

An infrared (IR) flight was not available again last night and the estimated 2,200 burned acreage is National Guard data from a drone and firefighter observations on the ground. The fire is seven percent contained.

All National Forests in California now closed temporarily

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to dangerous fire conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore has just announced that ALL National Forests in California will close Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. until further notice. This order includes the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. On Monday, eight National Forests were closed and now an additional ten from the state have been added to the list.

Explosion of North Complex Fire: Triples in size to over 150,000 acres

UPDATE 2:30PM 9/9/20: The North Complex Fire more than tripled in size since Tuesday and is now 150,140 acres with 38 percent containment.

Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe near Loon Lake

UPDATE 10:30AM 9/9: The Fork Fire is now measured at 2,500 acres. It continues to burn in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area, 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines.

UPDATE 7:30PM: The Fork Fire in the Pacific Ranger District is 15 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. It is now 500 acres with 0 percent containment and is spreading toward the 2014 King Fire burn scar in the Rubicon drainage on the Georgetown Ranger District.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

Slink Fire southwest of Topaz Lake at 20,795 acres, 31% contained

The Slink Fire burning in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness area of the Humboldt-Toiyable National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest area. So far, 20,795 acres have burned and the 679 personnel on the fire have it 31 percent contained.

The fire started Saturday, August 29 at approximately 6:00 p.m. and it is lightning caused and burning two miles west of the town of Coleville.

There was increased fire behavior Sunday in timber strands. In the area are Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and mixed conifer.

Heavy smoke from the Creek Fire over South Lake Tahoe Saturday

SUNDAY UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Eight hundred personnel are currently fighting the Creek Fire which has grown to 45,500 acres.

The Creek Fire a fast-moving fire burning on both Districts of the Forest. The fire which started near the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, moved very quickly prompting several evacuations. Early Saturday afternoon the fire crossed the San Joaquin River and made a run into the Mammoth Pool area. Prompting some members of the public to shelter in place near Wagner’s Store and Campground.

Fire restrictions expand to USFS lands in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start enhanced fire restrictions in national forest campgrounds on September 1, 2020 due to dry conditions.

On August 21, fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal at homes, parks, beaches and most campgrounds. LTBMU was not part of that original ban.

All areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now under these restrictions.

Interactive story book released to highlight the 59,000-acre Lake Tahoe West restoration project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif.—Lake Tahoe West partners have released an interactive “story map” to explain ongoing and proposed actions to restore forests and watersheds across 59,000 acres of Lake Tahoe’s west shore. (StoryMap Here)

Fires covering the west; Lake Tahoe still impacted with smoke and unhealthy air

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple new fires, mostly from last week’s lightning, are causing a drastic decrease in air quality at Lake Tahoe and throughout the state. Another inversion is expected to set up overnight Thursday, and visibility may be impaired due to smoky conditions.

The air quality in all area communities has been around the unhealthy to very unhealthy range for the past two days. As of 3:45 p.m. Thursday, the Air Quality Index in South Lake Tahoe was 195.

Smoke and haze to continue over Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno issued a special weather statement Wednesday, calling for widespread smoke and haze over the Sierra and northern California and western Nevada.

As of 8:00 a.m. the Air Quality measurement in South Lake Tahoe is 82, the moderate range. Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. it jumped to 161, in the unhealthy range.

Fires:
Loyalton Fire is now at 46,386 acres and is 35 percent contained
Claremont Fire near Quincy is 450 acres
North Complex Fires are near Quincy and at 5,400 acres, 5 percent contained

Lightning-caused Loyalton Fire now at 36,295 acres and 5% containment

LOYALTON, Calif. - Fire officials with the Tahoe National Forest say the Loyalton Fire has now burned 36,295 acres and is at five percent containment as of 8:30 a.m. Monday.

They have determined the fire is lightning caused. It started Friday afternoon east of the town of Loyalton. It spread quickly resulting in the closures of US395 and SR70, both of which have reopened.

A forest closure was issued by the Humboldt-Toyabe National Forest for the Dog Valley area due to the fire's southern spread.

Illegal campfires an issue in Lake Tahoe area forests and campgrounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the Eldorado National Forest managers announced last week, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) of the National Forest Service said they too have seen the same record increase in illegal campfires.

Smoke from Loyalton Fire can be seen from Lake Tahoe

8:30 p.m. SUNDAY UPDATE: The Loyalton Fire which originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith is now estimated at 29,828 acres and 0 percent contained. It is north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Eldorado Forest sees record number of illegal campfires with increased visitation

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

Fire restrictions expanded into Washoe County and Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest

Starting August 9, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is entering Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in response to the current severe risk of wildfire. Nevada is experiencing record dry conditions with much of the state in a severe drought.

Smoke in Lake Tahoe Basin from Northern California fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 275-acre fire burning in Lassen National Forest is most likely to blame for smoke in the Lake Tahoe Basin and in the Reno area.

The Stump Fire started Saturday afternoon and is near State Highways 36 and 172 near Childs Meadows, in the mountains between Red Bluff and Susanville. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said some smoke could also possibly be coming from the 1,800 acre Red Salmon Complex fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

To help with safety on Lake Tahoe roads, new stoplight to be installed at Zephyr Cove in 2021

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - In a move to increase safety along the highway in Zephyr Cove, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be installing a new traffic signal at the intersection of US50 and Warrior Way next summer.

Almost 20,000 drivers travel that section of US50 on a daily basis. By controlling all directions of travel, the signal will help provide designated and safer access to and from the highway at the busy intersection.

Responsible recreation is urged over the 4th of July weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With months of people being under "Stay at Home" orders, and if the past few days are any indication, this holiday weekend will be busy at Lake Tahoe as people get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, go to the beach and get on the water.

The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with firework shows canceled, social distancing, the requirement of face coverings in public places and growing concerns about responsible recreation.

Summer fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

Tahoe firefighters knock down east shore fire believed to be started by campers

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Engine 344 firefighters are on scene Monday afternoon after a report of a wildfire on Lake Tahoe's east shore.

The Chimney Fire was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m. and is located on National Forest lands south of Chimney Beach near the shoreline. Firefighters have the fire surrounded and have knocked it down. It was reported to be a five-foot by 10-foot fire, said Lisa Herron, spokeswoman for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Online map to help locate USFS designated recreation sites around Lake Tahoe and the state

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Need help finding out which Forest service campsites and recreation sites are open or closed? While all of their sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin are open, that is not the case in other areas in the Sierra and the rest of California as we start to come out of seasonal and COVID-19 closures.

USFS opening its Lake Tahoe campgrounds June 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On June 12, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) concessionaires will begin opening developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin. They are joined by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest who is opening all of its campgrounds in California.

Nevada group campsites and day-use areas that hold less than 50 people will also reopen. Visitor centers and California group campsites remain closed. Both the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and LTBMU offices remain closed.

Chase International moves its luxury Lake Tahoe real estate tour to virtual format

Event Date: 
June 30, 2020 - 10:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The 24th annual Lake Tahoe Luxury Estates Tour has gone virtual for 2020 amidst the current pandemic, Chase International Luxury Real Estate announced Friday.

The popular reimagined tour will be held on June 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on line and will feature an immersive multimedia experience, highlighted by exclusive guided tours, 3D architectural walk-throughs, live interactions with luxury listing agents, and an inspiring sense of the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle. (to register, visit https://chaseinternational.com/estates-tour)

Jeff Marsolais leaves LTBMU and becomes new supervisor for Eldorado Forest

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - The former Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) forest supervisor has moved over to the same position with the Eldorado National Forest, replacing the retired Laurence Crabtree.

Jeff Marsolais came to Lake Tahoe in 2010, working several positions and for the past five years, had filled the top spot.

The Eldorado National Forest is welcoming back Jeff Marsolais, who will begin serving as the Eldorado’s new forest supervisor on June 22. Jeff worked on the Eldorado National Forest early in his career and is excited to return.

Campfire restrictions around Lake Tahoe to reduce chance of human-caused wildfires

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is enacting campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities, effective immediately and until further notice. Outside of developed campgrounds and certain permitted facilities, igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire on national forest land in Lake Tahoe will be prohibited.

Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Syndicate content