U.S. Forest Service

Fundraising campaign underway to add dog water station in Rabe Meadow

STATELINE, Nev. - The very popular Rabe Meadows to Nevada Beach Trail, also known as the Lam Watah Trail, has no water stations along the route for dogs and their humans, and a local resident is trying to change that.

In cooperation with Douglas County, the U.S. Forest Service and Lake Tahoe Planning and Permitting LLC, Liz Lawton would like to raise the funds necessary to purchase and install a doggie drinking fountain and water bottle filling station. It would be located at the trailhead near the intersection of Kahle Drive and US50 by the restrooms.

Del Laine ~ March 20, 1930 - December 18, 2020

Del Laine has left her mark on South Lake Tahoe in ways that many local residents might not know. She was a mover and shaker, whose focus was on making the city a better place. Her most important role, though, was promoting the well-being of women.

This pioneer died Dec. 18, 2020, at home from natural causes, with family at her side. She was 90.

She was born Dolores Mae Wright on March 20, 1930, in Oakland, Calif., to Mabel Paulson and Leslie Wright.

US50 over Echo Summit opens five days early

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Highway 50 is back open to traffic over Echo Summit five days ahead of schedule, Caltrans announced today.

A full closure of Highway 50 over the summit was implemented Friday, Sept. 18 to install seven precast, prestressed 96-foot bridge girders and associated work that included pouring ultra high-performance concrete to connect the girders, building concrete barrier walls and approach slabs, applying a polyester overlay on the bridge, and asphalt paving approaching both sides of the new structure.

USFS: Backcountry areas closed to camping except PCT and Desolation Wilderness

The U.S. Forest Service tonight added additional restrictions to its previously announced fire restrictions and closures of campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin starting September 7 at 5:00 p.m.

There is now an emergency camping prohibition that goes into effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

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:

Tahoe Fund grant helps TAMBA get started on Tyrolian Trail construction

A $45,000 grant from the Tahoe Fund has allowed the nonprofit Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) to begin a trail improvement project that will reconstruct sections of the Upper Tyrolian Trail in Incline Village. The project is designed to enhance the user experience, make critical trail connections, rehabilitate and restore old logging roads to reduce erosion and improve lake clarity. It is expected to be completed by the end of October 2020.

Tuesday: Numbers Fire south of Gardnerville now at 18,000 acres and 0% containment

UPDATE 7:335 p.m.: Douglas County officials say the Numbers Fire has now reached 18,000 acres and is 0% contained. The recommended evacuations for the Bodie Flats and Pineview areas have been lifted. Only residents are allowed to these areas. Please drive safely, watch for emergency vehicles, and be ready for possible future instructions in an ever-changing situation.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to work on containing the fire using dozers, hand crews, and aircraft.

Crews working on two lightning caused fires at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe and the Sierra had a lot of lightning and thunder Tuesday afternoon, leading to a few fire starts in the area. The Alert Tahoe Fire Camera system was active with fire officials able to zoom in on possible problem areas.

Fire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Multiple agencies responded to a report of a wildfire at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon about 5:00 p.m.

They were able to jump on the fire quickly, leaving less than 1/4 acre burned.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado Unit and the U.S. Forest Service all responded.

Firefighters have completed a hose lay and hand line around the fire and will remain on the scene to mop it up.

The cause is under investigation.

Fire quickly put out near Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What appears to have been a cooking fire that got away in the forest near Van Sickle Bi-State Park on Saturday brought out a full response from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue with assistance from Tahoe Douglas Fire, Lake Valley Fire, Cal Fire, and the U.S. Forest Service.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Jay Manning was driving on Lake Tahoe Boulevard near Stateline when he noticed smoke from the park just after 12:30 p.m. on May 16. At that same time, a ranger from the park called into 911 to report a fire.

Remembering STPUD Director Jim Jones

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On May 7, 2020, South Lake Tahoe lost a steadfast advocate for safe, clean drinking water and reliable wastewater services. James R. Jones, 77, a local engineer and avid sailor, served on South Tahoe Public Utility District’s Board of Directors for 39 years (1977-1989, 1993-2020). During his tenure on the Board, Director Jones focused on building for the future, instead of 'kicking the can down the road.’

Week full of virtual activities for 50th anniversary of Earth Day

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There will be no Earth Day Celebration festivals around the lake this year, but Lake Tahoe and Truckee event organizers have created a virtual version with daily activities for the whole family.

Despite the current global situation, everyone can still celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day thanks to the team at The Tahoe Fund spearheaded a group via their Take Care program that has provided daily activities and challenges for students and parents to participate in over the course of the week.

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities weekly tip: #3 Talking to kids about wildfire

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their third "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services.

Below are tips, lessons, videos, and hands-on activities for the children in the home.

This Week's Tip: Talking to Kids About Wildfire

Heavy snow to continue through Monday; Avalanche warnings, Road closure update

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast snow is here, with 2-3 feet reported at the upper elevations. The snow is affecting lower elevations as well, with chain controls starting to the west at Apple Hill.

If on the roads, check conditions often and go slow as there is snow and ice on the roads and a lot of traffic. There is another 21" of snow forecast for Sunday at lake level.

For up to the minute information, visit https://nvroads.com/ for Nevada roads and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California roads.

Chain controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday:

I80

USFS sending more U.S. crews to fight Australian bush fires

As wildfires continue to burn in Australia, the United States is sending additional U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wildfire personnel to assist with ongoing bushfire suppression efforts in Australia. Three 10-person Incident Management Teams and a group consisting of air support personnel have arrived in Australia in recent days.

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)

Christmas Tree permits go on sale in Lake Tahoe November 25

Event Date: 
November 25, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - People have been asking for weeks when the popular Christmas Tree permits will be going on sale in Lake Tahoe. Though exact details on all of the locations where the permits will be sold, the will go on sale November 25, 2019.

Last year the permits were sold out in two weeks.

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will sell the 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.

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.

Over 300 Vail employees volunteer during 10th annual EpicPromise Week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — More than 300 employees from Vail resorts at Lake Tahoe - Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar - joined in during the 10th year of Vail's EpicPromise Week and volunteered hundreds of hours with local community programs focused on youth, education and the environment. This year they teamed up and contributed to four different projects around Lake Tahoe.

16-acre fire along Highway 50 near Shingle Springs closed roadway Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Update: A fire along Highway 50 Wednesday burned 16 acres after being started when a truck towing a trailer caught fire after having a flat tire at 1:21 p.m. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office evacuated some home in the area when winds took the flames from the highway in towards a neighborhood.

All residents have been allowed to go back home. Firefighters will stay at the scene overnight to patrol and watch for hotspots.

Drivers and beach goers share the highway in Lake Tahoe; More safety improvements ahead

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - It's summertime, a beautiful time of year that brings with it perfect beach weather, something evident by the hundreds of cars parked along the roads around Lake Tahoe on a daily basis.

Two of those areas that bring the most vehicles full of beachgoers are Zephyr Cove and Round Hill Pines, two very popular Lake Tahoe spots. Drivers along the highway don't always slow down to speeds slower than the posted 45 mph, keeping it a dangerous stretch on busy beach days with car doors opening and people walking on the road with their coolers and beach gear.

South Lake Tahoe fire displaces residents of three apartments

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One apartment is a total loss and two others suffered major damage after a Thursday afternoon fire on Terry Lane in South Lake Tahoe.

At 12:07 p.m., South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded to a fully engulfed fire in the 3600 block of Terry Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters found a six-unit apartment building with one of the upstairs units on fire.

The occupants of all six units escaped the fire with no injuries after being evacuated by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

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.

One home a total loss, another suffers major damage after fire near South Lake Tahoe

MEYERS, Calif. - One house is a total loss and another suffered major damage after a 4th of July fire on Tehama Drive in Meyers.

At 9:30 p.m., a call went into Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) of a house fire. At first, the caller thought the fire to be on Seneca Drive but it turned out to be at 703 Tehama Drive.

LVFPD Battalion Chief Brad Zlendick said the fire spread to a second home next door, causing major damage to the attic and sides.

Wild Tahoe Weekend at Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's Wild Tahoe Weekend at the US Forest Service's Taylor Creek Visitor Center June 21-22! On Saturday it's the Native Species Festival and on Sunday, the 10th annual Lake Tahoe Bird Festival.

SATURDAY

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will host the seventh annual Native Species Festival on Sunday, June 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free family event is at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, located three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89.

New website shows visitors and locals over 40 public beaches in the Tahoe Basin

A new website has been launched by the Tahoe Fund that will guide both locals and visitors to over 40 beaches around Lake Tahoe. Along the iconic shores of the lake are hidden gems along with popular spots, all providing people a chance to experience the beach and shoreline activities.

The website offers information about how to get to each beach, where to park, hours of operation, what amenities and services are offered, if any, along with other helpful information beachgoers might be interested in.

"Wilder than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future" to be shown around Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 30, 2019 - 5:30pm

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - The award-winning documentary "Wilder than Wild: Fire, Forests, and the Future" will be shown at three locations around Lake Tahoe in the coming weeks, starting on Thursday, May 30 in Incline Village.

Wilder Than Wild is a one-hour documentary that reveals how fire suppression and climate change have exposed Western landscapes to large, high-intensity wildfires. The film goes on to explore strategies that are being developed to help mitigate the impact of these fires.

Multiple agencies respond to fire Saturday in prescribed burn area of South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Several agencies responded to a report of fire behind Sierra Tahoe Ready-Mix near Twin Peaks in South Lake Tahoe just before noon on Saturday, April 27.

Conservancy receives $1.95M to restore forest and watershed resilience

At its Board meeting in Sacramento on Thursday, the California Tahoe Conservancy accepted a $1.95 million grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to co-manage the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI), a pioneering landscape-level effort to restore forest and watershed resilience to more than 2.4 million acres.

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.

John Thiel: New man at the helm of South Tahoe Public Utility District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After Richard Solbrig told the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) Board of Directors he was retiring in January 2019 after 29 years with the agency the hunt was on for a new general manager.

It turned out they didn't have to look far.

John Thiel had been hired by Solbrig in 1992 as a staff engineer and he worked his way up through the ranks over the last 27 years until the Board chose him as the new general manager.

South Lake Tahoe man headed to prison for destruction of archaeological sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After illegally digging at prehistoric Native American archaeological sites on federal lands in Alpine and El Dorado counties, 50-year-old Timothy Brian Harrison of South Lake Tahoe was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison and ordered to pay $113,000 in restitution.

He was found guilty on two counts of excavation and removal of archaeological resources from public lands and one misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

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.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

All Resorts are open and near full operations for your Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day… Snain & Mixed Precip reported at Resort this morning… WIND HOLDS reported at Resorts… Respect All Patrol Closures… Avalanche Watch Posted… More Snow coming with a Winter Storm Warning posted for 10am thru 4am, Monday… Get After It. Have Fun & Be Safe!

Column: Building on Lake Tahoe’s Progress

2018 was an extraordinary year for Lake Tahoe, and one of the region’s most successful years in decades. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) assisted by dozens of partners approved landmark programs and projects, including a new Shoreline Plan, a comprehensive update of TRPA’s development rights system, and the U.S. 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project.

Incline Village Forest Service office to close temporarily

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will temporarily close the Incline Village office beginning Wednesday, December 26, 2018. All services will be available through the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe, including the sale of Access, Senior and Interagency passes along with fuelwood (seasonal) and wilderness permits. The South Lake Tahoe office also sells maps and offers backpacking, biking, hiking, off-highway vehicle and other recreational information for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Jet arrives in South Lake Tahoe via highway

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) escorted a wide-load road truck and semi-trailer that were carrying an unusual cargo, a F-14 Tomcat. CHP picked up the escort at the Nevada-California state line on SR-88, helped it over Luther Pass on SR-89 and then to US-50 with a destination of the Lake Tahoe Airport.

When at the airport it was lifted off the truck, over trees and down to the tarmac.

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection Districts and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe.

Area 1 - No planned burning.

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.

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe as weather permits

California State Parks, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Forest Service will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe. Operations may take place near Glenbrook on the East Shore; near Heavenly Mountain Resort’s Boulder and California lodges, near Twin Peaks and in Baldwin Meadow on the South Shore; in D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near Rubicon Estates on the West Shore; and on urban lots in Kings Beach on the North Shore.

Big day at TRPA: Development rights changed and Shoreline Plan adopted

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Years of collaboration with a variety of partners have brought to completion two major initiatives for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). During their governing board meeting on October 24 a new Shoreline Plan was unanimously approved as was a comprehensive package of changes to the agency’s development rights system.

TRPA recognizes 9 Lake Tahoe projects for Best of the Basin awards

STATELINE, Nev. - Nine projects were honored as "Best in the Basin" Wednesday during the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) board meeting.

For 28 years TRPA's program has showcased projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

The Best in Basin award winners:

Prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe set to resume

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service will continue the fall prescribed fire program with operations in D.L. Bliss State Park on the West Shore tomorrow, October 23, 2018, and in Baldwin Meadow on the south end of Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, October 24. Smoke will likely be present. Both of these operations will involve understory burning, which is explained below. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Column: Collaboration key to new Tahoe challenges

Warming temperatures pose major challenges for Lake Tahoe's environment, communities, and the outdoor recreation that drives its economy. Research by University of California, Davis's Tahoe Environmental Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno, and Desert Research Institute clearly shows Lake Tahoe is warming.

Prescribed burns at two locations around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, California State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service may conduct prescribed fire operations in Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore and near Twin Peaks on the South Shore beginning today, October 17, 2018. Smoke will likely be present.

A) Along lakeside of Hwy 89, north of General Creek, 17 acres of understory will be burned by California State Parks. Duration of ignition and smoke production is one week with smoke expected to travel northeast.

Tahoe Terror Haunted Walkway

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 21 2018 .
October 19, 2018 - 6:30pm
Event Date: 
October 20, 2018 - 6:30pm
Event Date: 
October 21, 2018 - 6:30pm

Tempt your fate in Tahoe Terror at the Baldwin Estate, Lake Tahoe's most haunting Halloween experience. Step into the transformed Baldwin Estate which will feature unimaginable scares, yet unsolved historical mysteries and ghoulish thrills that can’t be found anywhere else. This event has all the ingredients of a truly spectacular outdoor Halloween experience.

Location

Baldwin Estate, South Lake Tahoe
United States

It's fall, that must mean it's time for prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Six different areas around Lake Tahoe have been slated to receive fuels treatment over the next week with some of the prescribed fires starting today, October 10.

SLT City Council candidates respond to more renewable energy committee questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Eight of the nine City Council candidates responded to a series of questions given to them by the 100% Renewable Energy Committee. On Sunday we printed their first responses - http://southtahoenow.com/story/10/08/2018/slt-city-council-candidates-respond-100-renewable-committe... - and here are the remaining questions and answers:

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.

Syndicate content