Forest Service prepares Lake Tahoe spring recreation openings

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will soon begin the annual process of opening recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Campgrounds, day-use areas and forest roads generally open around mid-May, weather permitting. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and the Tallac Historic Site typically open around Memorial Day weekend.

Before facilities can open to the public, the Forest Service must complete the task of hiring crews to staff and 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.

As a reminder, until recreation facilities officially open, there is no parking, trash removal, or restroom facilities available. Please park your vehicle off the roadway and do not block access gates. Pack out all trash and where pets are allowed, please clean up after your animal.

For a complete list of projected opening dates, visit our 2012 Recreation Facility and Forest Road web page at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/RecAreaOpenings or call the Forest Supervisor’s office at (530) 543-2694.

— Lisa Herron is a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. She can be reached at laherron@fs.fed.us