Mild Weather allows Lake Tahoe recreation spots to open early

Beaches, parks, trailheads, campgrounds and popular Lake Tahoe viewing areas will start opening on April 1 for the 2015 season, almost two months ahead of schedule.

A mild winter has allowed the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) to start opening the popular areas but they won't be fully opened since they won't be fully staffed until closer to summer.

“With the spring-like weather we’ve been having, we’re shifting Forest resources to open gates and parking areas to provide access to our beaches, trails and roads, said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “We’re not able to fully staff these sites until closer to our typical season, so we’re asking for your help in keeping these sites clean and safe.”

Until sites officially open, there is no parking, trash removal or restroom facilities available.

The LTBMU reminds everyone to pack out all trash and, where pets are allowed, clean up after your animal. Until parking lots open, park vehicles off the roadway, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block access gates.

Locations opening on April 1, 2015:
Eagle Falls parking area, Inspiration Point, Kiva Picnic area, Tallac Point day-use area, Big Meadows Trailhead, Logan Shoals and Secret Harbor.

Opening on May 1:
Baldwin and Nevada beaches.

Opening on May 8:
The McKinney Rubicon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area, Sawmill Pond, the Sandpit OHV area, Nevada Beach Campground and Chimney Beach.

Opening on May 15:
William Kent, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Bayview and Fallen Leaf beaches and campgrounds. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center parking area, grounds and restrooms.

Opening on May 22:
Luther Pass Campground and Pope Beach.

Starting May 23:
The Visitor Center and Baldwin Museum at the Tallac Historic Site will be staffed.

Opening on June 1:
Blackwood Canyon and Watson Lake campgrounds.

Before recreation sites fully open to the public, the Forest Service must hire crews and staff to manage the sites, clean up from winter, remove safety hazards and wait for the danger of a freeze to pass before turning on water systems.

For a complete list of opening dates, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/OpeningClosingDates or for more information, call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (530) 543-2694, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.