Project would improve recreational opportunities and reduce environmental impacts
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has approved a project to improve the recreational experience in the Fallen Leaf Lake area, while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the area.
The proposed project would improve the Fallen Leaf Lake trail system by providing access to popular destinations, while reducing congestion and user conflict. Public parking would be expanded and improved, and water quality best management practices (BMPs) installed at existing and proposed parking sites. Many trails would receive BMP upgrades to meet current Forest Service standards, while others would be decommissioned. The existing bridge over Fallen Leaf Lake dam would be removed and replaced with a bridge designed to meet contemporary building codes and standards.
Under the proposal, some system trails would be reconstructed and rerouted, some non-system trails would be adopted, and some new trails constructed to improve the existing trail network.
Work could begin as early as spring 2014 and could take three to five years to complete, depending on available funding. The Forest Service would work with partners and volunteers on some phases of the implementation. Temporary closures or restrictions in access would occur during project implementation and some noise and visual impacts from these activities may affect the campground, beaches and surrounding areas.
The project, funded in part by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act as part of the Environmental Improvement Program, now enters a 45-day decision appeal period. For more information about the project, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/FallenLeafLakeATM.