Virtual webinar to discuss improvement of e-bike trail access in Lake Tahoe Basin

A virtual open house will be held for those interested in learning more about the Forest Service's plans to improve electric bicycle (e-bike) access and trail system sustainability in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

On Wednesday, March 10, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will hold the webinar from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

LTBMU is developing a plan to improve e-bike access and trail system sustainability on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The webinar will introduce the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project that would amend the LTBMU trail system map to allow Class 1 e-bikes on specific trails and clarify where motorized access is permitted.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance for the webinar at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_R5CPJov3TPueql0LK-cIWg. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with directions for joining the webinar.

“The Forest Service recognizes that e-bikes are growing in popularity across the country and at Lake Tahoe,” said Forest Supervisor, Bill Jackson. “We are excited to be moving forward with our planning effort and want to hear from the public, partners and stakeholders how we can best improve e-bike access in the basin, while continuing to protect and maintain our highly valued scenic and natural resources.”

E-bike use is currently permitted on Lake Tahoe NFS roads and trails that are designated for motor vehicle use in accordance with the Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule. The proposed action will continue to allow e-bikes to be used on motorized trails, while expanding access to specific NFS trails where e-bike access is currently unauthorized.

Outside of Lake Tahoe NFS roads and trails, e-bike access is allowed on certain roads and trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin that are managed by state, county and local jurisdictions. Where applicable, the proposed action takes into consideration current e-bike policy on these lands in an effort to create connecting e-bike routes throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The planning process includes preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the current road and trail system map, provide direction on how to better meet the need for e-bike access on NFS lands and study potential environmental impacts.

Project work would include upgrading road and trail crossings over streams and wet areas, installing interpretive and directional signs and upgrading trailhead parking areas.

The proposed action and scoping letter with instructions on how to comment are available at https://go.usa.gov/xmgxT. Comments will be accepted for 30-days starting Fri., Feb. 26, 2021. Comments are most useful if submitted by Sun., March 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., PST.