forest

Sugar Pine Foundation Has Busy Planting Season Ahead

The Sugar Pine Foundation's goal is to save the Sugar Pine and White Pine trees from blister rust in Lake Tahoe by educating and and involving the community in hands-on forest stewardship.

The group has several opportunities this fall to help save the trees by planting seedling in areas around the lake. 850 seedlings have already been planted this fall and more will be planted at the following events:

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

During the week of October 8 to the 15th, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to 166 calls.

Arrests

10/8
One arrest for spousal abuse.
One arrest for a drug offense on the 1700 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd.
One arrest for embezzlement on the 2300 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd.
One arrest for a DUI on the corner of Craig Avenue and Pickett Avenue.
10/9
One arrest for a domestic disturbance on the 1000 block of Herbert Avenue.
10/10
One arrest for being drunk in public on the 1000 block of Heavenly Village Way.
10/11

Out and About in South Lake Tahoe

We found lots of things to enjoy while out and about in South Lake Tahoe today!

The Pumpkin and Pony Festival at Forest Suites had several things for everyone to enjoy. There were local business booths, a pumpkin patch, pony and tractor rides, a climbing wall and bouncy house, live music and two food booths and historical entertainment. You can still catch this on Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

The South Tahoe Music Department had a rummage sale in the parking lot of the Emerald Bay Center for Women's Health to raise money for the music programs.

Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Chiefs Hail Governors' Proclamation

The, members of the fire-based Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (MAC) and the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), expressed appreciation for the joint Proclamation issued by the Governors of Nevada and California prior to the 17th annual Lake Tahoe Summit held in August.

This Weekend's Salmon Festival Canceled Due to Government Shutdown

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is closing Forest Service-operated facilities and cancelling Forest-Service staffed events due to the lapse in federal government funding, effective October 1, 2013 until funding is restored. Concession-operated facilities, campgrounds and events will continue as normal for the time being. Most forest roads and gates remain open for the time being. The Forest Supervisor’s Office and Taylor Creek Visitor Center are closed. Forest Service-operated campgrounds are closed.

Tahoe Boat Inspections Move Back to Launch Ramps for Fall & Winter

On October 1, boat inspections will move to select launch ramps and winter hours will begin. Tahoe RCD (Resource Conservation District) inspectors will be stationed at Cave Rock and Lake Forest boat launches from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, weather permitting. Boats with attached Lake Tahoe wire inspection seals and valid Tahoe inspection stickers will be permitted to launch during these times, but any unsealed boats are required to get an inspection during daylight hours.

Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions in Lake Tahoe Basin

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will lift fire restrictions on National Forest System lands beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, September 24, 2013. “The arrival of cooler, wetter weather brings safer conditions and has allowed us to lift restrictions on Forest Service managed lands,” said Forest Service fire chief Kit Bailey. “Even though restrictions will be lifted, we still need hikers and campers to use caution with campfires, stoves, barbecue grills and cigarette smoking.”

Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day at the Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers

Event Date: 
September 28, 2013 - 9:00am

Take part in the 16th Annual Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day on Saturday, September 28 from 9 am to 2 pm at Tahoe Paradise Park (1011 E. San Bernardino Ave, next to Tahoe Paradise Park).

Forest Service Signs Decision for Fallen Leaf Lake Project

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has approved a project to improve the recreational experience in the Fallen Leaf Lake area, while protecting the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the area.

How Quickly Can A Wildfire Move?

Even professionals can find it difficult to comprehend the speed at which a wildfire can move, so for the public it can be tough to understand it unless you have witnessed it firsthand. With any luck you may never have such a life changing experience. Trying to predict what causes a small wildland fire in the neighborhood to grow to one of the largest wildland fires in the state's history is challenging. The Rim Fire is burning in terrain similar to what we find in Amador and El Dorado Counties, so it is a short leap to think, it could happen here.

Agreement Paves Way For Eldorado Forest Trail Designations

A compromise agreement reached by conservation groups, off-roaders and three rural counties settles litigation going back to the 1990’s by resolving the status of contentious trails in Northern California’s Eldorado National Forest, according to documents posted today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Under the agreement, some trails and dirt roads would reopen, others would remain closed and still others would begin restoration of past damage.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center Fall Fish Festival is Canceled

Event Date: 
October 5, 2013 (All day)

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Tahoe Heritage Foundation will host the Fall Fish Festival Oct. 5-6, offering a variety of free, fun events with the beautiful backdrop of Taylor Creek in the fall.

Formerly the Kokanee Salmon Festival, the Fall Fish Festival will focus on the variety of fish species that live in Lake Tahoe and its rivers. In addition to the Kokanee, these species include the federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and little-known smaller fish, such as speckled dace.

South Tahoe Advocate David Kelly Receives State Recognition

David Kelly of South Lake Tahoe has been recognized by the State of California’s Department of Rehabilitation as one of the “50 Notable People in the Disability Community.”

Gold Star Peak Dedicated in South Lake Tahoe Ceremony

"We will never, never forget" were the words spoken by U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock, 4th District of California, as Gold Star Peak was dedicated in South Lake Tahoe today. A bronze memorial plaque commemorating the peak was unveiled during the ceremony held at Lakeview Commons. Mayor Tom Davis told the group gathered, "We're proud to be able to have a memorial we can view every day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year." The plaque is placed near beach level with a clear view of Gold Star Peak.

Project WET and Project Learning Tree Workshop

Event Date: 
September 24, 2013 - 8:15am

Join UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and U.S. Forest Service for a combined Project WET and Project Learning Tree educator workshop. This workshop is great fun and provides both formal and informal educators with valuable curriculum resources at no cost.
The event is Tuesday, Sept., 24, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 Country Club Drive, Incline Village.
Cost: FREE, includes Project WET Guide and Project Learning Tree Guide
Lunch: Optional T’s Lunch $6 - 10 (please bring cash, exact change preferred, or bring your lunch)

Pumpkin and Pony Festival in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 13 2013 .
October 11, 2013 - 10:00am
October 12, 2013 - 10:00am
October 13, 2013 - 10:00am

Inaugural "Pony N Pumpkin" festival will be held over the weekend of October 11-13, 2013 at Forest Suites in South Lake Tahoe. There will be local food growers, games, pony rides and pumpkins! A percentage of all proceeds will be going to the following 4 non-profits (Lions Club, National Forest Foundation, Tahoe Youth and Family Services and Pony Express Territory Nevada).

The event is sponsored by Forest Suites and Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides. For more information, visit their website.

Rim Fire Caused by Illegal Fire

Investigators from the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement & Investigations and Tuolumne County District Attorney's Office have determined the Rim Fire began when a hunter allowed an illegal fire to escape. There is no indication the hunter was involved with illegal marijuana cultivation on public lands and no marijuana cultivation sites were located near the origin of the fire. No arrests have been made at this time and the hunter's name is being withheld pending further investigation.

Rim Fire now 75% Contained

9/4/13 7 am update: The Rim Fire has consumed 237,231 acres and s now 80% contained. Evacuation orders in Tuolumne County have been lifted.

Clearing skies above Lake Tahoe this morning as the Rim Fire is now 75% contained. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped firefighters gain on the fire which has now consumed 235,841 acres of timber in the Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest.

Smoke back in the Lake Tahoe basin but Rim Fire at 60% containment

The Rim Fire continues to affect South Lake Tahoe as winds change from the South/Southwest and bring smoke into the basin. Saturday's clear blue skies have now become grey, a combination of smoke and a weather system that will bring isolated thunderstorms to the region today.

Firefighters gained a lot of ground on the fire in the last 24 hours and now have it listed at 60% contained. The Rim Fire is now the 4th largest in California's history and the largest in the U.S. in 2013.

Labor Day weekend fishing report for Northern California and Sierra

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in the Sierra, Northern California and Nevada. This report is for the week of Aug. 28 through Labor Day. Don't forget, California's second free day of fishing without a license will be Saturday, Sept. 7.

Bill Morgan, author of "Six Days in Siberia" to discuss his books

Event Date: 
October 1, 2013 - 6:00pm

Local author Bill Morgan (pen name Wade Morgan) will be discussing his book, Six Days in Siberia, a suspense thriller with overtones of a spy novel on October 1 at 6 pm at the SLT Library. The author has over 50 years of experience as a soldier, civil engineer, forest ranger, director of an environmental regulatory agency, management consultant and technical writer. Mr. Morgan has been to Siberia three times, including an assignment in the town of Baikalsk where he conducted a seminar on conflict resolution for officials of that town.

Location

South Lake Tahoe LIbrary
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
United States

American Fire and Rim Fire Combined Effects of Smoke Impact Region From Placerville to South Lake Tahoe

Rim Fire Northern California Smoke Information Updates

CAL FIRE PIO Berlant, @CALFIRE_PIO - California Statewide Fire Summary: Nearly 8,000 firefighters remain on the frontlines as nearly a dozen major wildfires continue to burn. Yesterday, CAL FIRE crews contained the Swedes Fire that burned in Butte County, just as a new fire ignited on the Fort Hunter Liggett Military Installation.

Gold Star Peak dedication ceremony to be held Sept. 6 in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
September 6, 2013 - 11:00am

With the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and a determined committee, an unnamed peak on the North Shore of the Lake Tahoe Basin has been renamed “Gold Star Peak” in honor of soldiers from the area that paid the ultimate price in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and the War on Terrorism. A ceremony to dedicate Gold Star Peak will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013, at Lakeview Commons in South Lake Tahoe.

Remarkable progress continues at Lake Tahoe

It has been 17 years since President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore stood on the shores of Lake Tahoe and issued a challenge. They urged the frequently fractious perspectives in the region to come together in support of the restoration of Lake Tahoe.

American Fire Reaches 35% Containment: Smoke Very Evident From Entire Region

Aug 20, 2013 - UPDATE - 8:45am:

Latest American Fire News Release: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/article/3624/20488/

Current Size: 14,990 acres Containment: 54 percent Structures
Estimated Containment Date moved to September 1, 2013

Aug 19, 2013 - UPDATE - 9:25am:

Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program highlighted by 15 years of Achievement

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is marking this year’s Lake Tahoe Summit by highlighting the Environmental Improvement Program’s 15 years of achievement restoring and protecting Lake Tahoe’s fragile ecosystem.

Launched at the 1997 Presidential Forum at Lake Tahoe by then President Bill Clinton, and Vice President Al Gore, the Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) is a partnership of more than 50 federal, state, and local agencies, private interests, and the Washoe Tribe.

Forest thinning to begin on west side of Fallen Leaf Lake

Forest thinning on public land along the west side of Fallen Leaf Lake will begin Friday, Aug. 16, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced Thursday. Thinning will take place south of the dam and will move closer to the dam in a couple of weeks.

Nevada researchers collaborate to preserve Lake Tahoe

From Tahoe’s mountaintops to the lake’s sandy bottom, scientists from the University of Nevada, Reno continue to study and find solutions to the breadth of issues that face the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Their research is making a tangible contribution to the decisions, policies and practices that guide the basin’s environmental health.

Tahoe Tallac Association to host acclaimed Thriving Community Program

Event Date: 
August 28, 2013 - 7:00pm

For those looking to boost career success and improve quality of life, head to the Thriving Community Program for an entertaining and uplifting presentation hosted by Tahoe Tallac Association.

Don Q's Nevada and Northern California fishing report for week of August 1-6

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in Nevada, Northern California and the Sierra. This report is for the week of Aug. 1-6.

Lake Tahoe leaders applaud restoration bill

Lake Tahoe organizations whose collaborative work over the past 15 years has been a driving force for advancing Lake Tahoe restoration efforts applauded congressional leaders Thursday for introducing a $415 million reauthorization of the federal Lake Tahoe Restoration Act.

California, Nevada lawmakers introduce $415 million federal bill to restore Lake Tahoe

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today co-sponsored, along with Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act that was introduced today by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). The Lake Tahoe Restoration Act continues the federal commitment to Lake Tahoe by authorizing $415 million over 10 years to improve Lake Tahoe’s water clarity, reduce risks from catastrophic wildfires, combat invasive species and restore and protect the environment in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Green thumb workshop today at UC Davis Field Station

Event Date: 
July 30, 2013 - 5:30pm

Wildlife is an important part of any garden. This week's Green Thumb, "Get Wild In Your Garden," will teach how to welcome native plants, beneficial insects and those wonderful pollinators to your garden. Bring all your gardening questions and concerns 5:30pm-6:30pm, July 30, Tuesday, at the Tahoe City Field Station (2400 Lake Forest). Refreshments provided.

See the flier below.

14th Annual Children’s Environmental Science Day

Event Date: 
August 10, 2013 (All day)

Children are invited to spend the day with scientists on Saturday, August 10, learning about the unique ecology, function, restoration and preservation of Lake Tahoe. Children’s Environmental Science Day will be held at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences in Incline Village.

Field Trip to highlight progress of Upper Truckee River Project

Event Date: 
August 2, 2013 - 5:30pm

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will host a field trip on Friday, August 2, to observe progress on the Upper Truckee River Reach 5 Restoration Project.

The project will replace the existing stream channel with a new channel that is more stable and is connected to the adjacent floodplain, which will provide a better aquatic habitat, support a healthier meadow ecosystem, and reduce the amount of fine sediment that reaches Lake Tahoe.

Update: More details on fatal plane crash in South Lake Tahoe

A single engine Mooney airplane crashed shortly after take off from the South Lake Tahoe airport at approximately 11:10 AM today.

The plane was observed by numerous witnesses begin to lose altitude after take off, and bank sharply into a wooded area east of the airport. The plane crashed into some large pine trees and flipped over.

The male pilot, Steven Lefton 67 years of age of Palo Alto, CA was killed on impact. His wife, Karen Lefton sustained moderate injuries and was pinned in the wreckage of the plane.

Heavenly plans include ropes course, ziplines, bike park

Heavenly Mountain Resort at Lake Tahoe has submitted a proposal to the USDA Forest Service and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency for expansions to its on-mountain summer activities, as part of Vail Resorts’ Epic Discovery, a Summer Mountain Adventure.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office: Marine veteran commits suicide after messaging on Facebook

On Friday the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office received information that a suicidal man was in the forest behind Heavenly Ski resort. The man had posted a Facebook video of himself, which depicted him in this forested area, leaving a message to his family.

The man gave the GPS coordinates of his location on the the video. Other recent Facebook postings depicted the subject with a handgun wearing a military gas mask, and other photos of a .308 scoped sniper rifle and military backpack.

Firefighters get better handle on Kyburz Fire overnight, 40 percent contained

Firefighters made significant progress on the Kyburz Fire overnight, which is now 40 percent contained and remains at 160 acres as of Tuesday morning, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Laura Hierholzer.

The size of the Kyburz Fire, west of South Lake Tahoe in the Sierra, was adjusted from 600 acres down to 160 acres on Monday night because of better mapping, she said. Overnight the firefighters were able to get a better handle on it and stop the spread. A second outbuilding was listed as damaged or destroyed.

Kyburz Fire west of South Lake Tahoe downsized to 160 acres; Highway 50 partially reopened with controls

The size of the Kyburz Fire burning in El Dorado County has been adjusted from 600 acres down to 160 acres as of 9:53 p.m., according to the U.S. Forest Service. Highway 50 has been reopened under controlled measures between South Lake Tahoe and the Meyers area and Pollock Pines, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center summer programs begin July 5

Event Date: 
July 5, 2013 - 7:00pm

The Lake of the Sky Amphitheater programs at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center begin July 5 and continue every Friday evening through the end of August. The series kicks off Friday, July 5, with "Wild Things" featuring an educational look at Sierra Nevada native animals live on stage at 7 p.m.

Programs in July include: “Snowshoe Thompson” on July 12 at 7 p.m.; “Winged flight at Night” on July 19 at 8:30 p.m.; and “Fly Fishing in the Lake Tahoe Basin” on July 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Study finds poisons from illegal pot grows threaten wildlife in Sierra Nevada

Rat poison used on illegal marijuana grows is killing fishers in the southern Sierra Nevada, according to a recent study conducted by a team of scientists from the University of California, Davis, the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Research Station, UC Berkeley, and the Integral Ecology Research Center in Humboldt County, Calif.

Paiute cutthroat trout restoration in Alpine County begins this summer

Plans to restore one of the rarest trout species in America to a remote stream in Alpine County will begin this August. The Paiute Cutthroat Trout Restoration Project is a joint effort by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

U.S. Forest Service: Be mindful of safety, environment and fire when at Lake Tahoe for the July 4 holiday

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 begin July 1 in the Lake Tahoe Basin

UPDATE: Beginning Monday, July 1, fire restrictions will go 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.

“Weather patterns this winter and spring are similar to conditions in 2007, the year of the Angora Fire,” said Fire Prevention Officer, Beth Brady. “Even with the rain we have received, at this point, it won’t alleviate this summer’s high risk of wildfires.”

Green Thumbs Tuesdays are back

Event Date: 
June 25, 2013 - 5:30pm

Beginning Tuesday, June 25, The UC Davis Lake Tahoe Environmental Research Center will kick off the Green Thumb Workshop Series with a talk about "Food Gardening 101" featuring Christy Daugherty, formerly from the U.S. Forest Service and now part of the Lake Tahoe Master Gardeners.

New bicycle path part of plan to connect all of Lake Tahoe with trails

A one-mile section of new multi-use path at Stateline, Nev., near the South Shore casinos, was unveiled to the public Thursday, June 20, 2013, marking the beginning of what will eventually become a system of trails that circumnavigates the lake.

Forest Service to begin work Monday on Upper Truckee River

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin work on the Upper Truckee River Reach 5 Restoration Project on Monday, June 24.

The project will replace the existing stream channel with a new channel that is more stable and is connected to the adjacent floodplain, which will provide a better aquatic habitat, support a healthier meadow ecosystem, and reduce the amount of fine sediment that reaches Lake Tahoe.

Progress on rural broadband moving forward for South Shore Lake Tahoe

South Shore Lake Tahoe businesses and residents who are frustrated with their Internet service — whether it’s slow speeds, spotty service or high prices — now may have a mechanism to do something about it.

Kingsbury Grade now open for traffic; cause of fire under investigation

UPDATE 8:02PM: State Route 207 Kingsbury Grade is now open to motorists with controls. Please use caution around firefighters and equipment that remain working the fire.

Fire personnel will remain on scene to gain further containment of this fire. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.

***
UPDATE: 7:17PM: Around 200 firefighters remain on scene tonight on the Kings fire on the Carson Valley side of Kingsbury Grade near Lake Tahoe. The fire is approximately 4 to 5 acres in size, Douglas County authorities report. Containment is estimated by 8 p.m.

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