river
Blizzard Warning now in effect as Atmospheric River brings feet of snow to the Sierra
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/26/2021 - 9:53am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The warnings have been coming for over a week, and now the day weather experts have been warning us about is here. For snow that has been measured in inches so far this winter, a big change hits Lake Tahoe and the Sierra starting Tuesday night when it will be measured in feet.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has now upgraded the storm warnings to blizzard level.
Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/19/2021 - 12:08pm
The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.
1. Twin Peaks 49 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - West River Park Drive and South Upper Truckee Road, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 18-23, 2021
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 10:43pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Extensive period of stormy weather for Lake Tahoe anticipated to start off 2021..
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/30/2020 - 6:50pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a notable change ahead for a more active weather pattern for the Sierra and western Nevada with multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows there be likely be significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow (including down in Reno/Carson) will be increasing by midweek.
Small weather systems bring chance of snow to Lake Tahoe for last week of 2020
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/27/2020 - 6:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a few chances for precipitation as we wrap up 2020 and head into 2021, but at this point in time the systems on the horizon aren't looking like big snow makers.
As one system leaves Monday afternoon there will be a break in snow/rain activity on Tuesday, the next weather system is projected to arrive Wednesday evening and exit quickly by Thursday morning. While the more likely scenario favors light
snow (up to 2") for the Sierra and northeast California/far northwest Nevada it could cause some morning commute issues.
James Anthony Biller ~ 1941 - 2020
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 8:56am
James Anthony Biller was born in Ventura, CA, July 10, 1951, to Jack and Marjorie Biller. Growing up in Ventura, he surfed, sailed, played water polo for the Ventura High Cougars, and was one of the best swimmers Ventura High had ever seen, getting his varsity letter and pin as a sophomore and setting swimming records that stood for many years after he graduated in 1969. That Jim had a love of the beach, sailing, and everything that had to do with the water was obvious to everyone around him.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork December 20 - 26
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/19/2020 - 8:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.
Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. Thursday, December 24 until 10 p.m. Sunday, December 27 due to the Christmas holiday weekend.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
California Tahoe Conservancy awards over $340,000 to Washoe Tribe to restore Meeks Meadow
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/15/2020 - 9:27am
The California Tahoe Conservancy Board has awarded a $380,454 grant to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California for the Máyala Wáta Restoration Project at Meeks Meadow, and area rich in cultural and ecological importance.
Chance for more rain and snow this week in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 12/13/2020 - 9:58pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin expires at 4:00 a.m. Monday with most of the precipitation winding down by then other than a few lingering showers through 10:00 a.m. It`s unlikely to be snowing for the Monday morning commute, however, roads may still have snow and ice present.
Eric Michael Berg ~ 3/13/1988 - 11/29/2020
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/05/2020 - 10:35pm
Eric Michael Berg tragically and unexpectedly passed on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the age of 32. The severity and duration of his addiction to alcohol was almost entirely hidden from his friends and family. He passed just hours before family intended to bring him to a medical detoxification facility.
South Lake Tahoe police pursuit of suspect lands one in jail
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/19/2020 - 10:29pm
UPDATE 11/20 11:30AM: On the night of November 15, 2020, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) responded to a domestic violence incident in the 1200 block of Sierra Boulevard. A woman had been bettered after her boyfriend returned to their apartment after being at a local bar, allegedly throwing her around by her throat. The boyfriend, Brandon Bannowsky, then allegedly stole the victim's car and fled.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork November 1 - 7
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/01/2020 - 6:18pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Tahoe Conservancy opens restored Tahoe Pines campground to public
Submitted by paula on Tue, 10/27/2020 - 10:24pm
The unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. They have finished building a new accessible-to-all trail and other public access features at the 8.1-acre site in Meyers. Visitors can enjoy easy access to the Upper Truckee River and experience the newly restored wetlands and wildlife habitat along Lake Tahoe’s largest tributary.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork October 25 - 31
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/24/2020 - 6:26pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
New supervisor named for Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/23/2020 - 1:21pm
The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has announced that William “Bill” Jackson has been selected as the new Forest Supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Jackson is scheduled to arrive at the LTBMU on Dec. 6, 2020, and comes to the area from the White River National Forest in Colorado, where he served as the District Ranger for the Dillon Ranger District.
Man airlifted to Reno after serious motorcycle crash on SR89
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/19/2020 - 4:31pm
A Wellington, Nevada man was flown by a Careflight medical helicopter to Reno after going over a cliff with his motorcycle Saturday night.
At 5:00 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) says Troy Costa, Sr. was riding his Harley southbound on SR89 about a mile north of the SR4 junction when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. Their report says Costa was ejected from the motorcycle as it went over a cliff adjacent to the East Fork of the Carson River.
He sustained severe injuries and transported by air to Renown Medical Center in Reno.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork October 18-24
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 3:27pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Chance of smoke from Creek Fire back in Lake Tahoe Basin Friday
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/15/2020 - 8:13pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke from the 40-day old Creek Fire is expected to reach the Lake Tahoe Basin Friday with the forecast west winds. The first wave of smoke is expected by dawn Friday and could last until evening. Much of the region could experience widespread haze.
Family-friendly Halloween-themed spooky railbike rides on the V&T Railway
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/12/2020 - 9:29pm
Celebrate Halloween this year with family-friendly and spooky railbike rides on the V&T Railway in Carson City.
From Friday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 25 and Wednesday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 31, V&T Railway will offer child-focused haunted rides at at 6:00 p.m. and adult-focused haunted rides at 8:00 p.m. Each ride will follow COVID-19 guidelines and offer an alternative this year for Halloween fun. Ticket prices are $40 per rider for the 6:00 p.m. family ride and $75 per rider for the 8:00 p.m. adult ride.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork October 11-17
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/10/2020 - 6:47pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Restoration nearing completion, public soon able to access old Tahoe Pines campground
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/08/2020 - 12:48pm
The unique and valuable habitat of the Upper Truckee in Meyers has been preserved through another California Tahoe Conservancy project at the site of the old Tahoe Pines Campground. The project opens public access to the river and will feature a picnic table or two, bike racks and informational kiosk.
California water year ends below average after decent start
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 5:20pm
California’s Water Year 2020 has come to a close and while parts of Southern California experienced above average precipitation, Northern California was mostly dry.
The water year ended below average and further demonstrated the impact of climate change on the state’s water supply, according to a report released by the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter
Submitted by paula on Sun, 10/04/2020 - 12:09am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the weeks of September 14-27, 2020. Location Checks are- when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc) but stats are collected separately. COVID calls are related to state and county guidelines.
9/14
ARRESTS (3)
2:54 p.m. - Unlicensed Driver at Wildwood Av & Paradise Av
4:58 p.m. - Vandalism in 3700 Block of Paradise Av
Type 3 fire team takes control of 1,667 acre Fork Fire
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/24/2020 - 10:10am
Control of the Fork Fire transferred to a local Type 3 team today. The fire was remapped and is 1,667 acres and is 70 percent contained and is located north of Pollock Pines and west of Lake Tahoe, burning in the Crystal Basin/Gerle Creek area. Strategy on the fire will remain the same with emphasis on clearing contingency lines distant from the main edge of the fire in case the fire begins to move.
Forest and fire managers would like people to be aware that while the fire closures are being reduced, there is still fire activity in the area.
Fork Fire 1,752 acres and 61% contained
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/20/2020 - 7:54pm
The Fork Fire burning west of Lake Tahoe, north of Pollock Pines continues to be 1,752 acres in size but is now 61 percent contained. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 has been in command of the Fork Fire since September 11 and will be handing that duty over to another team on Thursday, September 24.
The containment lines are to the north, east and south sides of the Fork Fire and fire continues to burn in the steep Rubicon drainage area.
351 personnel are assigned to the fire at this time.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 20-26
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/19/2020 - 7:51am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Tahoe Forest Stewardship Day- Fall
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 4:30pm
Event Date:
September 26, 2020 - 8:30am Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are invited to help the League to Save Lake Tahoe celebrate National Public Lands Day through a fun, hands-on restoration event. By pitching in, you will help improve ecosystem function and the wildlife habitats that surround Lake Tahoe. Healthy forests and meadows act as natural pollution filters to Keep Tahoe Blue.
Saturday, September 26 | 8:30 am - 1 pm
Location: South Lake Tahoe - Upper Truckee River
Location
South Lake Tahoe- Upper Truckee River
United States
See map: Google Maps
Fork Fire 1753 acres, 34% contained; Slink Fire 26,752 acres and 71% contained
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/16/2020 - 5:54pm
The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe remains at 1,752 acres and is now 34 percent contained. Low pressure off the coast will advance toward the region, bringing an increase in afternoon southwest winds across ridge tops and aligned drainages. Dry conditions will persist with slight cooling.
The front will pass over the area on Friday, driving gusty southwest and west winds with cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Little to no precipitation is expected.
Fork Fire now 24% contained; still at 1752 acres in size
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 7:51pm
The Fork Fire west of Lake Tahoe and about 15 miles from Pollock Pines has not gained in size for that last few days and it still measures at 1,752 acres. Firefighters were able to gain more containment Tuesday and there is now a line around 24 percent of the fire. There are 316 personnel assigned to the Fork Fire.
Dense smoke from fires burning to the south of El Dorado County covered the Fork Fire, as well as Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday with more of the same expected on Wednesday.
Homeless man arrested after fire found near Trout Creek in South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 11:42am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Emergency crews responded to the Trout Creek meadow behind Lake Tahoe Community College on Saturday at about 2:00 p.m. after receiving a call about a homeless man starting a fire.
When officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) arrived they located the fire and extinguished it with water from the river, according to Lt. Travis Cabral.
At the fire was 36-year-old Dustin Travis Myers, a homeless man who Cabral said tried to dissuade them from filing charges.
Fork Fire: Estimated at 2,200 acres and 7% containment
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/10/2020 - 6:17pm
The Fork Fire continues to burn west of Lake Tahoe in the Rubicon River drainage and near the King Fire burn scar.
An infrared (IR) flight was not available again last night and the estimated 2,200 burned acreage is National Guard data from a drone and firefighter observations on the ground. The fire is seven percent contained.
Fire updates: Fork, North, Slink, Creek
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 8:47pm
There are over 40 major fires currently burning in California, filling skies with heavy smoke from the ocean to the Sierra up and down the state. While there are no fires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, there are a few close enough to be responsible for sending smoke into the region. The closest is the Fork Fire east of Lake Tahoe about 13 miles northeast of Pollock Pines. To the south is the Slink Fire and northwest is the large North Complex.
Fork Fire
Statistics on the Fork Fire have not been updated all day. As of 11:00 a.m. Wednesday the estimated size was 2,500 acres.
Explosion of North Complex Fire: Triples in size to over 150,000 acres
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 6:38pm
UPDATE 2:30PM 9/9/20: The North Complex Fire more than tripled in size since Tuesday and is now 150,140 acres with 38 percent containment.
Creek Fire grows to over 143,000 acres
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/08/2020 - 1:53pm
The Creek Fire burning south of Yosemite near Shaver Lake has grown to 143,929 acres. The fire, which started Friday night, continues to grow under extreme conditions causing crowning and wind driven runs and long range spotting. There is no containment at this time.
Smoke from the Creek Fire has filled the Lake Tahoe Basin for the past three days.
Creek Fire grows to over 73,000 acres, no containment
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/06/2020 - 11:09pm
MONDAY UPDATE 9:30AM: New figures for the fire were updated this morning. The Creek Fire is now at 78,790 acres with no containment. Almost 1,000 firefighters are working at the fire scene which is under gusty wind and high heat warnings Monday.
* * *
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 6 - 12
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 8:50pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Heavy smoke from the Creek Fire over South Lake Tahoe Saturday
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 4:14pm
SUNDAY UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Eight hundred personnel are currently fighting the Creek Fire which has grown to 45,500 acres.
The Creek Fire a fast-moving fire burning on both Districts of the Forest. The fire which started near the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, moved very quickly prompting several evacuations. Early Saturday afternoon the fire crossed the San Joaquin River and made a run into the Mammoth Pool area. Prompting some members of the public to shelter in place near Wagner’s Store and Campground.
Plague warning in South Lake Tahoe closes parking lots at three popular beach areas
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 3:52pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The parking areas at the Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach/Picnic area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center are temporarily closed to allow for treatment to mitigate fleas in the area, which have tested positive for plague bacteria.
Trash pickup challenge weeks with Keep Tahoe Blue, Jamie Anderson, Clean Tahoe and Waste Not
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 10:46am
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Busy summers come with lots of litter. Help the League to Save Lake Tahoe keep the Tahoe that we love clean by participating in Tahoe's Trash Pickup Challenge all September long. You can join them at in-person events, cleanup remotely or do both.
Every Saturday in September is a cleanup day. Join them by tidying up in your neighborhood, local happy place or one of the litter hot spots listed in the signup form. If Saturdays don’t jive with your calendar, don't let that stop you! You can clean up any day, any time.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 30 - September 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/29/2020 - 3:52pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 due to the Labor Day holiday.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Daily and special railbike tours featured through fall on V&T Railroad
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/27/2020 - 1:54pm
Many have experienced the trip aboard a restored 1914 Pullman coach led by a 1916 Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive from Carson City to Virginia City, or the annual Polar Express train rides, but with COVID-19 closures these experiences have not been available for 2020.
Now people can pedal their way through history aboard a Freedom Railbike along the historic Virginia & Truckee (V&T) train route into the Carson River Canyon along an exciting, curved, and gradual two percent grade track system to the historic Eureka Mill rest area.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 23 - 29
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/22/2020 - 4:50pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
South Lake Tahoe resident tests positive for plague, most likely from flea bite
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 10:29am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague according to El Dorado County health officials. The individual is currently under the care of a medical professional and is recovering at home.
It’s believed that the person, an avid walker, may have been bitten by an infected flea while walking their dog along the Truckee River Corridor north of Highway 50 or the Tahoe Keys area in South Lake Tahoe. Health officials started investigating the situation after being notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Group rallies to ask for respect from tourists when visiting Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sat, 08/15/2020 - 10:51pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe is the vacation destination for millions of people annually, but recent behaviors of many of the tourists have the residents on edge. Trash is being left behind on beaches, trails and picnic areas, overflowing trash containers are shown daily on social media pages, stores are packed and roads are crowded, all during a pandemic while travel orders are still in place for the California.
With international travel at a standstill many are keeping their vacationing during the coronavirus to locations near their homes, and Lake Tahoe is one of those spots.
Public invited to virtual field tour of Johnson Meadow Restoration Project
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 7:10pm
Event Date:
August 18, 2020 - 5:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) is inviting the community to attend a virtual field tour for the Johnson Meadow Restoration Project on August 18 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TRCD acquired the Johnson Meadow property in 2018. The 206-acre meadow, located along Upper Truckee River in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, provides valuable habitat and ecosystem services as well as community open space for all the residents and visitors of South Lake Tahoe.
Plea expected in deadly South Lake Tahoe tanker crash
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/10/2020 - 11:14pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been 11 months since the deadly tanker crash on US50 and Elks Club Road claimed the life of a 36-year-old North Highlands man. The thick black smoke from the wreckage could be seen for miles as emergency response crews worked on extinguishing the blaze.
Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork August 9-15
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/09/2020 - 6:00pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.
LONG-TERM PROJECTS
Upper Truckee River Marsh restoration update and video
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/06/2020 - 11:17am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Work is underway on the Upper Truckee Marsh to restore and enhance over 250 acres floodplain by returning river flows to the center of the marsh. This will enrich native fish and bird habitat and act as a natural pollution filter that will improve water quality before it reaches Lake Tahoe.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Thu, 07/30/2020 - 6:05pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.
Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/24/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report
7/19
2:32 a.m. - Vacation Home Rental - East River Park Dr - VHR-NOISE - 20-YEAR-OLD RENTER CITED
Volunteers spend Tahoe Forest Stewardship day restoring Johnson Meadow
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/28/2020 - 10:18am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Johnson Meadow was once used as a post-Gold Rush dairy farm, became a place for summer cattle grazing, and is now being restored as part of the Upper Truckee River watershed. The Tahoe Resource Conservation District (TRCD) purchased the Johnson Meadow in 2018, a critical step in restoring the river's watershed that contains significant wildlife habitat, including river, riparian, meadow, and upland habitat areas.
