Comment period extended for Fallen Leaf Lake trail access, travel management project

By Lisa Herron
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is asking for public input on the proposed Fallen Leaf Lake Trail Access and Travel Management project. The project would improve the recreation experience for residents and visitors to the Fallen Leaf Lake area, while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the area.

The project area totals approximately 12,960 acres on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and includes 41.8 miles of existing trails. The project boundary extends from Pope to Baldwin Beaches on the north end to the south and west ends of Fallen Leaf Lake.

The LTBMU proposes to expand and improve public parking and access, and install Best Management Practices (BMPs) at existing and proposed parking areas. The access road to Glen Alpine Trailhead would be upgraded and an emergency access road would be constructed at the northeast corner of Fallen Leaf Campground.

Trails in the project area would be improved to provide more consistent and effective route destinations, while reducing congestion and conflict among users. Many trails would receive BMP upgrades in order to meet current Forest Service standards, while others are proposed to be decommissioned. The existing bridge over Fallen Leaf Lake dam would be removed and replaced with an accessible bridge designed to accommodate bicycle and equestrian use.

Project work could begin as early as next spring and is expected to be completed by 2014. Work would include removal of some large trees, signage posted at various access roads and trailheads that describe the project and temporary signage and/or fencing around active construction sites. Temporary area 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. A detailed description of all proposed trail and parking activities is available at the website given below.

Comments will be most helpful if received by the close of business on Friday, January 13, 2012. For more information on the proposal and how to comment, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/gotolltbmuIFallenLeafLakeATM or contact Jacob Quinn at (530) 543-2609 or email jmquinn@fs.fed.us.

— Writer 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.