national forest

Visitors to Lake Tahoe are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The messaging from the state, county, and city has been consistent throughout the coronavirus pandemic: This is not the time to travel to South Lake Tahoe. Nevada has also sent out the same message as a ban on nonessential travel that was created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between communities.

USFS lifts closures at recreation sites around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the order to close Lake Tahoe recreation sites will expire Friday at midnight and won't be extended.

Regional developed recreation site and South Shore Recreation Corridor will be open starting May 16 according to Lisa Herron of LTBMU.

The closures were to keep in line with local, state and federal regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Parking on highway at closed Zephyr Cove Resort resembles summer weekend

ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. - The USFS Forest Service closed all of their recreation sites in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to keep in alignment with federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.

USFS beaches and sites around Lake Tahoe to remain closed through May 15

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A temporary closure order for USFS beaches and recreation sites around Lake Tahoe has been extended through at least May 15, 2020. The original order was set to expire May 1. To keep in alignment with current federal, state, and local guidance for social distancing, and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, it was extended.

Trailheads and trails outside of the orange areas of the attached maps, or the ones on the closure website, are not affected by this order but parking lots are closed.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

USFS closures at spots around Lake Tahoe, not just SR89 corridor

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Earlier this week the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced all national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors were closed to the public with fines for individuals or groups disobeying the order.

They said the closures were to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers.

USFS closes South Shore Recreation areas: Up to $10,000 fine for violation of order

(Since publishing, LTBMU has corrected the date their order expires.)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All national forest recreation areas and sites in the South Shore Recreation Corridors are now closed. In an announcement Wednesday, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) said the closures are to keep in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers.

Campfire and smoking restrictions in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is implementing fire restrictions earlier than usual this year to reduce the number of human-caused fires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic. The Humboldt-Toiyabe will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires and smoking outside of vehicles starting on April 15 and going until May 31, or until rescinded.

Forest Service to close developed recreation facilities but keep forest trails open

USDA Forest Service (USFS) has closed its developed recreation facilities on National Forest land in California in order to assist people in abiding by Governor Newsom's recent statewide shelter-in-place order.

They will be closed until at least April 30 in an attempt to avoid groups of people and promote social distancing of staying more than six feet apart during the COVID-19 crisis.

In a press release, USFS officials said that while they appreciated the public's interest in outdoor recreation they needed to close to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Firewood cutting permits available in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest April 1

Dead and downed firewood cutting permits will be available starting April 1, on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest’s Carson Ranger District. Forest officials stress that it is extremely important for firewood cutters to pay special attention to the terms and conditions of their permit.

Volunteers sought for this summer in Desolation Wilderness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the Wilderness? Would you like to help preserve its’ breathtaking beauty and natural pristine environment? Do you love spending time outdoors and helping people? Do you have the willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country areas overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Crystal Range?

If the answer is yes, then Desolation Wilderness, co-managed by the USDA Forest Service’s Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Ski With a Ranger program starts at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit invites the public to Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort this winter, starting on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Tours will begin each Friday at Tamarack Lodge, at the top of the Heavenly Gondola at 1 p.m. The tours last approximately one-hour and continue through March 27, 2020, weather permitting.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Calls Added to Last Week's Report:

No additional reports added.

This Week's Reports:

1/12

Tahoe National Forest Meetings: Managing natural fire for multiple resource benefits

The Tahoe National Forest will be hosting several public information meetings this month to discuss a proposed amendment to the Tahoe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan.

Presentations and discussions at the public meeting will cover:

- The historic and present role of natural fire within the Tahoe National Forest

- Details of the proposed amendment that would expand opportunities to use naturally ignited, lightning-caused wildfires (natural fire) to achieve multiple resource benefits

Plenty of Christmas Tree permits remain available in Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Plenty of permits to cut down Christmas trees in the Lake Tahoe Basin remain at both sales locations. Due to permits being sold out after just a week in the past, people were only allowed to buy one of the $10 permits per family this year.

The result is plenty of leftovers.

Over Snow Vehicle restrictions in place in Hope Valley/Red Lake area

Seasonal restrictions are now in place for over snow vehicles (OSV) in areas inside the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest including Hope Valley and Red Lake.

Prohibitions are detailed on the attached maps and include bans on traveling on and off forest development roads and trails.

(Web page for Red Lake order and Map HERE)

(Web page for Hope Valley order and Map HERE)

New Forest Fire Management Officer announced for USFS Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new forest management officer (FMO) has arrived in Lake Tahoe to assume the duties left vacant by the retiring Steve Burns.

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

As the Fire Chief serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, I am acutely aware and concerned about the potential for catastrophic wildfire here.

After 50 years with USFS, Supervisor Crabtree to retire

PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree announced that he will retire on January 6, 2020, completing a career that spanned 50 years.

Christmas tree permits go on sale Monday in Lake Tahoe - other forests already on sale

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Permits cost $10 each payable by cash, check or credit card (though they prefer the quicker transaction of cash).

There is a change to the policy this year - only one permit will be allowed per family or per address, instead of the previous two. They said by limiting permits to one per family, more will enjoy cutting down a tree this year.

Forest Service begins seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreational sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year again when the Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) begins the winter closure of their recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and National Forest roads.

Caples Fire has burned 2,949 acres and is 53 percent contained

10.15.19 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: Tuesday was a productive day for firefighters. The northern ridge and southwestern corner are now contained and being patrolled. The containment lines on the eastern and southwestern sides of the fire containment lines are in progress. The hand line on the south side was extended farther northeast towards Castle Point by crews using tactical firing operations. Stronger winds from the southwest are expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening with light precipitation expected Thursday morning.

Low nighttime temperatures aiding suppression of Caples Fire

There was minimal fire activity on the Caples Fire last night due to near freezing nighttime temperatures, high relative humidity, and very light winds. The natural wind patterns from the west/southwest will continue to be good for suppression actions. Temperatures are moderate during the day and the relative humidity is low, and those nighttime conditions help with light winds and high relative humidity recovery.

Caples Creek prescribed burn turns into wildland fire

The Caples Creek prescribed burn that has been sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley all week has turned into a wildland fire.

On October 10 at approximately 1:30 p.m., fire managers made the decision due to unfavorable weather conditions and the inability to meet previously established objectives. This change allows for additional resources to assist in suppression from partners such as CalFire.

Expect lingering smoke in Lake Tahoe Basin; Winds change direction Wednesday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke from the prescribed burn near Caples Creek should affect the Lake Tahoe Basin through Wednesday afternoon, then shift direction as the winds come from the Northeast.

The USFS Eldorado National Forest has completed ignitions on the Caples Prescribed Fire. Crews will patrol and monitor the area over the next few days during the wind event Wednesday through Thursday. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to reduce their exposure by avoiding smoky areas, closing windows, or staying indoors.

Prescribed fire above Caples Creek continues to send smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley has been a concern to residents but it appears it is now all coming from prescribed burns above Caples Creek, north of SR88.

Forest Order closes Taylor Creek and land around it; Rainbow Trail still open

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the throngs of visitors head to Taylor Creek to watch the annual salmon run up Taylor Creek, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a forest closure to last through the spawning season, October 27.

The public, including photographers, cannot enter Taylor Creek or be within 400 feet of the creek from the Fallen Leaf Dam and continuing north to the high-water mark on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

No parking fee at Eagle Falls trailhead Saturday in honor of National Public Lands Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is on Saturday, September 28 and in the Lake Tahoe Basin it will be celebrated by the parking fee being waived for the day at the Eagle Falls Trailhead.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) manages approximately 78 percent of the public land in the Tahoe Basin. They will continue to the celebration of NPLD through the weekend of October 5-6 when they host a booth at the Fall Fish Festival at Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe. This time is also the 50th anniversary of Desolation Wilderness.

New partnership created to "Keep Tahoe Bears Wild"

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Basin is bear country and natural resource and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in or visiting bear country. To help spread the message, a new website has been launched, TahoeBears.org, where residents and visitors can go to learn everything they need to know about living, visiting and playing responsibly in bear country.

Disaster averted after fires left by careless campers doused in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The outcome could have been much different had
there not been a quick response by the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and other firefighting agencies at two different spots on Monday.

Both fires look like they are a result of illegal campfires, one on the northwest end of Lake Tahoe near Watson Lake and the other south of the basin in Meiss Country.

Hike with a ranger this summer in Lake Tahoe

The sun is out, the snow is melting and 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) it partnership with Heavenly Mountain Resort once again 'invites the public to 'Hike with a Ranger' beginning July 12, 2019. Hikes will take place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at the top of the Heavenly Gondola. The guided hikes last approximately one hour and continue every weekend through September 8, 2019, weather permitting.

Eldorado National Forest prescribed burn sending smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eldorado National Forest crews have begun a prescribed fire on 143 acres of understory four miles northwest of Kirkwood. This fire is along the northern ridge above Caples Creek.

The resulting smoke has been seen in the southwestern portion of Lake Tahoe, drawing concern of many in the area. Smoke will continue to be seen from SR88 and Highway 50 for the next two days.

Because of the prescribed burn area, part of Hay Flat Trail will be closed.

USFS fuelwood permits go on sale in Lake Tahoe June 3

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 3, 2019. 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.

Keep Tahoe Bears Wild - Practice proper food storage and trash disposal

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Lake Tahoe natural resource and law enforcement agencies 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 unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues, as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year 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.

Forest Service to address 90 of 723 invasive plant populations at Lake Tahoe

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will continue a project to eradicate, control, and contain known infestations of invasive plants in the Lake Tahoe Basin using chemical treatment. Work will take place at approximately 90 infestations sites (105 acres) beginning in late May and continuing through September 2019.

Father John Grace ~ September 18, 1920 - May 4, 2019

Father John Grace, former pastor of Saint Theresa Catholic Church in South Lake Tahoe, passed away on May 4, 2019, at the age of 98. Father Grace had injured himself in a fall while on a walk near his Al Tahoe residence a few days before his death.

He was born September 18, 1920, to John and Cecilia Grace in the small coal-mining village of The Commons, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was predeceased by his parents and two sisters, Catherine (“Rena”) and Maureen. At the time of his death, Father Grace was the oldest priest in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Opening dates announced for USFS recreational spots around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The snow is melting and temperatures are rising, signaling the change of seasons in Lake Tahoe, and the opening of campgrounds, beaches and other recreational areas.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will soon begin the process of opening their facilities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and snow conditions permitting,

The first two beaches to open will be Baldwin and Nevada with an opening date planned for this Saturday, April 27, 2019.

Services planned for Tahoe National Forest's Daniel Laird

The Tahoe National Forest family suffered the tragic loss of one of their own on March 27 when Capt. Daniel Laird was tragically killed in a helicopter crash during a prescribed fire on the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas.

Tragedies of this nature serve as a reminder of the honorable work and sacrifices made by firefighters like Daniel, who daily commit themselves to support and protect communities around the country. Forest official are gathering all of the details of this tragic event and will share them as soon as possible.

Tahoe National Forest helitak captain dies in Texas crash

A helicopter accident on the Sam Houston National Forest in Texas has killed a helitack captain from the Tahoe National Forest.

Officials with the U.s. Forest Service said Daniel J. Laird, a 23-year agency employee, was joined by two other crew members on a helicopter assisting a routine controlled burn on the forest when the helicopter went down. The two other crew members were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Laird, who lived in Yuba City, is survived by his wife and daughter.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

3/13

USFS to hold open house for OHV trails in Tahoe National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is preparing an annual application to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, to request funding for trail maintenance, restoration, law enforcement, education and safety, and potentially development of facilities, and planning for off-highway vehicle (OHV) access.

On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, the Forest Service will host an open house from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Nevada City for individuals and organizations to provide input and review proposals for the application.

Letter: Agencies alert public on what they're doing to alleviate traffic leaving South Lake Tahoe

The following is a letter created by the four agencies currently working together to try and find a solution to the traffic problem in Meyers as visitors exit Lake Tahoe after a weekend. A public meeting was held on Friday night and that story will be carried on Saturday.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

1/9

Overdue backpackers rescued by deputies and volunteers from El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and Search and Rescue volunteers responded to a call on Sunday, January 6 about overdue backpackers in the El Dorado National Forest, just as severe winter weather hit the region.

Family members provided deputies with the backpacker's travel plan and a map of their planned route.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits go on sale November 14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year once again when Christmas Tree permits go on sale at local Forest Service offices. With a limit of 2,00 permits there is no telling when they'll sell out.

Starting November 14, 2018, The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will begin selling the $10 permits on a first-come, first-served basis. 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.

Recreation facilities around Lake Tahoe closing for the season

Several campgrounds, day-use and picnic areas, roads and beaches on National Forest lands around Lake Tahoe are being closed up for the winter season.

Campgrounds already closed include Bayview, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach and William Kent. Day-use areas and beaches closed include Baldwin, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada Beach, Pope and William Kent.

The Tallac Historic Site closed up at the end of September though the grounds remain open.

Some fire restrictions lifted by USFS in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Bridgeport, Carson City, and Santa Rosa Ranger Districts on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest have lifted their Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, but the Mountain-City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District’s fire restrictions remain in place as do those in Lake Tahoe.

Standing room only for Jessica Morse Town Hall meeting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There were no seats available and people were standing along the sides of the Lake Tahoe Community College board room Sunday, all to see Congressional Candidate Jessica Morse.

New deputy forest supervisor selected for Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is pleased to announce that Danelle D. Harrison was selected as the new Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Harrison arrived at the LTBMU a few weeks ago and comes to us from the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona, where she served as the District Ranger for both the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts since 2014.

State schools chief visits California's smallest district - Alpine County

California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is wrapping up his final term by touring some of the state's schools.

In just a few days he went from visiting a school in Los Angeles with an enrollment of 4,000 to touring Alpine County Schools and the Diamond Valley Elementary School campus, in particular, which has 80 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“It is a small school in numbers but mighty in its focus and learning,” said Torlakson in Alpine County on Sept. 20.

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