forest order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites in the Tahoe Basin including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads.

The US Forest Service has extended its emergency fire restrictions across all National Forest lands in California. This involves all USFS land in the Lake Tahoe Basin on both sides of the state line.

Smoking and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

With the ongoing threat of wildfire and a very dry season, the danger of fire remains too high to allow recreational fires.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The numbers of people who normally visit Taylor Creek for the fall spawning of the Kokanee salmon has prompted forest officials to close the popular area October 2 - November 2, 2020.

Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the area is closed.

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With months of people being under "Stay at Home" orders, and if the past few days are any indication, this holiday weekend will be busy at Lake Tahoe as people get out in the fresh air, hike, bike, go to the beach and get on the water.

The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with firework shows canceled, social distancing, the requirement of face coverings in public places and growing concerns about responsible recreation.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the throngs of visitors head to Taylor Creek to watch the annual salmon run up Taylor Creek, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a forest closure to last through the spawning season, October 27.

The public, including photographers, cannot enter Taylor Creek or be within 400 feet of the creek from the Fallen Leaf Dam and continuing north to the high-water mark on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Fire restrictions on National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin began Friday, August 17, 2018, and will remain in effect through November 15. Warm temperatures and dry vegetation combined with numerous wildfires burning in our region prompted the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) to implement restrictions intended to safeguard our communities across the Tahoe Basin.

The U.S. Forest Service ordered Fire Restrictions across the Tahoe National Forest starting Monday, July 16, 2018. The decision to order fire restrictions came after an analysis of current fuel conditions and weather observations. This analysis revealed the potential to support large fire growth across the Tahoe National Forest.

Tahoe National Forest covers land from the Sierra foothills to the California/Nevada state line, except for the Lake Tahoe basin.

There are important regulations to be aware of when visiting and living in Lake Tahoe, and not all jurisdictions have the same rules.

City of South Lake Tahoe

No outside fires are allowed in the City unless it is a cooking fire with charcoal in a barbecue or in a fire pit with gas piped in, or one that uses liquid petroleum. Anything that creates embers is banned, including wood burning fire pits and backyard bonfires.

Even if wood fire pit has mesh lid, it is banned. No open burning is allowed at this time, including the burning of pine needles are yard debris.

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team is reminding the public that fire danger in the Lake Tahoe Basin remains high due to the ongoing drought and lack of precipitation. Illegal campfires and warming fires continue to be a concern for fire officials and are the major cause of wildfires in the basin. Fire restrictions are still in effect on National Forest land and will remain in effect until the official end of fire season.

Beginning today, July 11, and going until October 14, the Truckee River will be closed near the South Lake Tahoe airport in order for the Upper Truckee River Reach 5 Restoration Project to be completed.

The Fourth of July holiday period is the busiest time of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. For those visiting during the holiday and attending one of the firework displays over the lake, expect extremely crowded conditions and excess traffic. Because of the Basin’s high elevation, expect intense sunlight during the day and much lower temperatures at night. Bring sunscreen, a jacket, and carry a flashlight. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

A three-month long tree removal project off of Fallen Leaf Lake Road near the campground will start around May 15, 2016. Due to the heavy equipment needed, the Forest Service will issue a forest order closing the project area (units 1 and 148) to pedestrians from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

Fire restrictions on National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2015, and will remain in effect until the official end of fire season.

Thinning of trees for fuels reduction and forest health will continue next week on approximately 170 acres of National Forest System lands on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe.

Beginning Monday, July 28, 2014, thinning will take place off of North Upper Truckee Road near West San Bernardino Avenue, Pioneer Trail northwest of forest road 12N08 (Powerline), Pioneer Trail southwest of Columbine Trail and on some urban lots in the Tahoe Island Drive area near 15th Street. Thinning operations in these locations may vary over the next several weeks.

Fire restrictions have gone into effect in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Campfires and charcoal barbecues will be restricted to designated recreation sites, and other fire-related activities will be prohibited until the end of fire season. “With record drought conditions in the West, agencies in both California and Nevada are anticipating increased fire activity,” said Fire Management Officer, Kit Bailey. “Fire restrictions help reduce the possibility of accidental human caused fires.”

On National Forest System land fire restrictions mean:

There is a proposed "Forest Order" that would require proper storage of food and refuse at developed National Forest System recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Bears are attracted to anything edible or scented. Improper storage of human food sources and refuse is a leading cause of human-bear conflict. Without a Forest Order in place, Forest Service law enforcement are unable to require visitors to employ proper food and refuse storage practices. The proposed Forest Order would require use of bear-resistant dumpsters and food lockers designed to prevent access by wildlife.

Headed to Lake Tahoe for the Independence Day holiday? The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit asks residents and visitors to help protect public safety and the environment, and keep wildfire prevention in mind while celebrating.

Possession of fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin and campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest. For those planning to barbecue on the beach, the Forest Service requires the use of portable gas stoves.

Fire restrictions will go into effect Monday, July 9, in the Lake Tahoe Basin.A forest order has been issued to provide for public safety through the end of the official 2012 fire season.Campfires,...