tahoe basin

USFS to close some sites in South Lake Tahoe to address plague issue

Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach, Valhalla and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center will all be closed on Wednesday so the U.S. Forest Service can conduct pesticide treatments to reduce the risk of plague. The Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail will remain open, but signs will be posted where the trail crosses closed sites.

The gates to these areas will close on Tuesday evening, September 15 at 7 p.m. and likely reopen on Thursday morning, September 17.

TRPA gives City of South Lake Tahoe more control over building permits

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has entered into a new partnership with the City of South Lake Tahoe to streamline the permit process in city limits.

When the Tahoe Valley Area and Tourist Core Plans were approved, it opened the door for a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) so city staff can carry out TRPA's environmental review.

"The TRPA wants the community to thrive," said John Hitchcock, Planning Manager for the City. "They are comfortable with us taking the lead on projects."

The new MOU went into affect on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Smoke, rain and cooler temperatures in forecast for South Lake Tahoe

There is a chance of thunderstorms and rain in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, how big of a chance differs between forecasters though. Accuweather is calling for a 60% chance of thunderstorms and rain in South Lake Tahoe, mainly between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Expected amounts of precipitation are small though, with .04 inches forecast.

The National Weather Service in Reno says the chance for isolated thunder and rain is 20% for both Sunday and Monday.

Expect smoke to remain in the Lake Tahoe basin until the weather conditions change.

Smoke fills Lake Tahoe Basin

Smoke from the Butte Fire burning near Jackson, CA filled the Lake Tahoe basin last Saturday afternoon.

The air quality index for South Lake Tahoe is measured on Sandy Way and remained in the moderate range as of 7 p.m.

This means, people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk. Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.

2015 Lake Tahoe Basin fire season update

Early in 2015, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), as well as our partners at the National Weather Service, predicted 2015 to be a significant year for wildland fires throughout the Western States. A combination of a sustained period of drought, coupled with weather that is conducive to nearly perfect burning conditions, have challenged local firefighting resources. Those predictions have rang very true as we continue to hear about new fires occurring almost daily all over the Western States. This year will go down as one of the most hazardous years for wildland fire.

Ultimate online bicycling guide covers Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson Valley

An online biking guide for cyclists of all abilities in the South Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Carson Valley and California Alps just been released. Bike Tahoe: Tahoe’s Ultimate Bicycling Guide, features 65 of the most popular bicycle rides in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin, and can be visited at www.BikeTahoe.org. This is a “responsive web site” meaning that it automatically resizes the content format to fit the screen size of the device being used (smart phone, tablet, laptop).

Smoke from Rough Fire continues to head into Tahoe Basin

Winds the are continuing to move smoke from the 85,894 acre Rough Fire burning outside of Fresno, CA into the Lake Tahoe Basin this weekend.

There are 1,967 personnel currently assigned to the fire and containment has now been increased to 31%. It is burning in the mountains between Fresno and Independence, CA.

New Kingsbury Stinger Trail to offer improved user experience

High above the Lake Tahoe Basin rim, a six-member U.S. Forest Service trail crew has been busy reconstructing the Kingsbury Stinger Trail, located on lower Kingsbury Grade. The upgraded trail will remain open to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) 50-inches wide (or less) including all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles and non-motorized recreation use such as mountain bikes, hikers and equestrians. When completed, the new trail will offer a thrill-seeking OHV experience, while reducing erosion and impacts to forest resources.

American Legion Post 795 to host 9/11 ceremony

Event Date: 
September 11, 2015 - 11:00am

The American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe invites residents and visitors to join members of the American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary for a commemorative ceremony to honor the innocent victims and first responders of September 11, 2001. The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015, at the American Legion Hall, 2748 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Refreshments will be served.

Smoky skies in Lake Tahoe Basin from Rough Fire

The Rough Fire burning in the mountains east of Fresno, CA has consumed over 77,000 acres as of Wednesday morning, making it the largest active fire in the state of California.

Smoke from this large fire has made it way up to Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley, creating hazy skies along with a faint smell of smoke.

Board of Supervisors spend day in South Lake Tahoe

The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors spent the day in South Lake Tahoe, going on a tour hosted by Sue Novasel of District 5 which includes Meyers and the South Shore.

They were treated to a tour of Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care's current home by co-founder Tom Milham. They saw the bear cubs, otter, fox, raccoons, owl, birds and duck currently calling the wildlife center home.

Before having lunch at Lakeview Commons that was prepared by the El Dorado County Jail culinary team, the tour went through some of the county buildings in the area including the library and El Dorado Center.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Department hosts first responder training class

The South lake Tahoe Fire Department will provide a first responder training class called STAT; South Tahoe Action Teams, this Thursday, September 3rd. STAT is modeled after CERT; Community Emergency Response Team, held in other cities.

This program is designed to incorporate trained citizens in the field with the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and other first responders during times of crisis. This is the first program of its kind in the Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe Douglas Rotary adopts two entrances to Lake Tahoe

Volunteers from the South Shore community have stepped up to adopt, and maintain, the decorative gateways signs that welcome motorists to the Lake Tahoe basin.

The signs read, “Entering the Lake Tahoe Watershed – Help Protect It!” They are meant to remind the millions of people who visit Tahoe each year that they are entering a special place and share a duty to help protect its famously clear waters and unique environment.

Land swap proposed between Forest Service and Conservancy

The United States Forest Service (USFS) and California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) will be trading 1,961 acres under a proposed land swap on the north, south and west shores of Lake Tahoe. Urban lots would go to CTC and the larger parcels would go to the USFS.

The agencies will hold two meetings where the public will have the opportunity to review the plan and offer feedback.

Innovative transportation plans necessary for Lake Tahoe

Wildfire and invasive species weren't the only topics of this year's Tahoe Summit. With the theme "Connecting Lake Tahoe’s Environment and Economy Through Innovation and Transportation,” speakers at Monday's event also talked of the importance of improved roadways and access for alternative modes of transportation that will support the anticipated increase in numbers of visitors to Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Prosperity Center projects align with Lake Tahoe Summit theme

The theme for Monday's 19th Annual Lake Tahoe Summit was “Connecting Lake Tahoe’s Environment and Economy through Innovation and Transportation.”

“The Tahoe Prosperity Center is thrilled that Senator Dean Heller of Nevada, and the Lake Tahoe Summit’s host this year, recognizes the importance of Tahoe’s economy as well as the environment and included it in this year’s theme,” stated executive director, Heidi Hill Drum.

Report: Reno-Tahoe tourism must adapt now

Change.

It’s happening fast in Reno-Tahoe tourism, from millennials’ growing influence in the marketplace to changing preferences among visitors, according to a new industry analysis.

And the quicker the region embraces it, the better.

“Reno-Lake Tahoe Tourism Industry – Navigating Change,” is a white paper written by South Lake Tahoe-based SMG Consulting and its president, Carl Ribaudo.

Smoke from western fires filling Lake Tahoe basin

Expect smoke to continue filling the Lake Tahoe basin on Saturday and, depending on the wind, into next week. Over the past few days, winds have pushed smoke from wildfires in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest into the Lake Tahoe Basin as well as nearby Truckee Meadows.

On Friday afternoon, air quality levels in Reno were in the range of "unhealthy for sensitive groups" to "unhealthy" but South Lake Tahoe fared much better with quality range in the "good" range. For the next six days, air is expected to stay in "moderate" range on the South Shore.

Key decisions on Tahoe’s future pending in congress

Decisions made in Congress over the next few months may well determine the extent to which Lake Tahoe remains blue and clear, with healthy forests, resilient watersheds, and its ecology protected from the threat of new aquatic invasive species.

For two decades, the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) has provided guidance for the shared investments made by our federal, state and local governments, homeowners, and businesses to restore and protect Tahoe’s unique environmental qualities and enhance its diverse public recreation opportunities.

Barton Ranch in South Lake Tahoe set for demolition

In what many locals was hoping wouldn't be the case, the Barton Ranch in South Lake Tahoe is set for demolition.

Family members who own the land and the buildings have spent years trying to get to this point in order to remove what they say is a dangerous set of buildings that have caused problems with vandals and vagrants.

On Tuesday, employees of Allied Environmental, Inc of Shingle springs were on site to remove asbestos in preparation for demolition.

Tahoe Transportation District appoints Russell Nygaard as Transportation Capital Program Manager

The Tahoe Transportation District recently appointed Russ Nygaard as transportation capital program manager to oversee the planning, design and execution of the agency's capital projects.

With 26 years engineering experience in transportation and bridge projects, Nygaard will perform project management duties and assist with funding procurement and budget maintenance while ensuring all federal requirements are met and executed on schedule.

8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour

Event Date: 
August 19, 2015 - 4:30pm

The public will have a chance to learn about sustainable landscaping in Lake Tahoe at the 8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour on August 19. The tour will begin at the Lake Tahoe Community College Demonstration Garden and continue down Pioneer Trail towards Meyers Station.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe region Thursday

Expect high winds and waves up to four feet on Thursday as a low pressure weather system drops from the Pacific Coast and passes through the Lake Tahoe basin. Winds will be 15-20 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

With an increase in winds also comes an increase in fire dangers.

Dry condition paired with gusty winds can cause fires to get large before responders can get to them.

The Red Flag warning is from August 13 at 2 p.m. to August 14 at 11 a.m.
The Lake Wind Advisory lasts from August 13 at 2 p.m. to August 14 at 5 p.m.

Firefighter dies while fighting blaze near South Lake Tahoe

8:00 p.m. update 8/9/15

The 21 year-old firefighter who died in Saturday evening as he was working on the Sierra Fire has been identified as Michael Hallenbeck of Shingle Springs, CA.

Hallenbeck was a member of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) Organized Crew 36.

Smoke from California fires fills Lake Tahoe basin

Smoke from fires burning in Northern California has moved into the Lake Tahoe basin, Reno and Carson City.

The air in Reno reached the unhealthy range at 4 p.m. on Saturday with a 151 air quality index.

There is no single fire contributing to this, rather many large wildfires and wildfire complexes in northern California.

Lightning to bring critical fire danger to Lake Tahoe

As another round of thunderstorms heads for for the Reno-Tahoe area, forecasters are warning of lightning strikes that could start dangerous wildfires.

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for the greater Lake Tahoe Basin and California’s Mono and Alpine counties from late Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night as an area of low pressure approaches that could bring dry thunderstorms.

Updated fire plan to be presented at Lake Tahoe Summit

An updated Lake Tahoe Basin Community Wildfire Protection Plan will be presented to the public during the Lake Tahoe Environmental Summit on Monday, August 24, 2015. This new Community Wildfire Protection Plan was collaboratively developed by the 18 member organizations of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) and is the culmination of a three-year planning effort.

Get inspired to create a mountain oasis at Landscape Tour

Get inspired to transform your home’s landscape into a mountain oasis at the 8th Annual Conservation Landscape Tour on Wednesday, August 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is discovering the many approaches to Tahoe Friendly Landscaping.

550-site campground proposed atop Tahoe ridge

Lake Tahoe’s first new campground in more than 20 years would be developed on a forested ridge overlooking Lake Tahoe under a plan announced Wednesday by developers.

Mountainside Partners and landowner Sierra Pacific Industries have submitted an application to build a 550-site campground on a ridge south of Northstar California and near the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Warming trend for South Lake Tahoe; Chance of thunderstorms by Friday

Smoke from the Lowell Fire and Willow Fire will continue to hang around the Lake Tahoe basin and surrounding areas on Monday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. West winds will transition to northeast winds on Monday afternoon, allowing for areas of dense smoke to push west of the Sierra crest.

The South Lake Tahoe forecast from the NWS:

Monday - Widespread haze before 11am. Areas of smoke after 11 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the morning.

Monday evening - Clear, with a low around 40. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tahoe's Search and Rescue team responds to 150-200 calls a year

You're hiking along the trails of Lake Tahoe, fall and break your ankle. How do you get to the hospital? You're exploring the valleys and canyons of the Sierra, it gets dark and you don't know where you are. How do you get to safety? You've fallen on the slippery rocks of a waterfall and can't get out. Who do you call?

El Dorado Search and Rescue (SAR) is the answer to all of these questions and dozens more. Annually, the volunteers and deputies that make up SAR handle between 150 and 200 calls in the county portion of the Tahoe basin (AKA the east slope).

2015 State of the Lake report released: A bluer lake is from reduced algae

Scientists have determined that Lake Tahoe’s iconic blueness is most strongly related to algae, not clarity. In a report released today from the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, researchers found the lower the algal concentration, the bluer the lake.

In the “Tahoe: State of the Lake Report 2015” report, research shows clarity is controlled by sediment. Blueness is controlled by algal concentration, which in turn is driven by the level of nutrients available to the algae.

TRPA approves Tahoe Valley Area Plan

The Governing Board of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency today unanimously approved the Tahoe Valley Area Plan the City of South Lake Tahoe created to guide community revitalization and environmental restoration in a district centered around the “Y” intersection of Highways 89 and 50.

Mandatory meeting for Fall Fire Academy applicants at LTCC

Event Date: 
August 5, 2015 - 6:00pm

Students who want to apply for admission to the Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Academy at Lake Tahoe Community College for Fall 2015 must attend a mandatory orientation meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Board/Aspen Room on campus.

Reservations are not required for this meeting, and anyone interested in the program is welcome to attend. Based on student demand, there may be a random lottery for available seats in the Fire Academy. Students will not be eligible for the lottery unless they attend this orientation meeting.

"Super Scooper" based at South Lake Tahoe airport

The final celebrity jets were taking off from South Lake Tahoe Tuesday, just as the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) welcomed in a Bombardier CL415 firefighting aircraft.

Nicknamed "Super Scooper" because it can scoop up 1,600 gallons of water from a lake and drop it on the front lines of a fire.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care wins at the Korbel Hole-In-One Contest

The 17th hole at Edgewood Tahoe was the scene of the Korbel Hole-in-One contest on Friday, bringing together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment to help raise money for Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care (LTWC).

One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfire

With the passing of the 4th of July we find ourselves right in the middle of summer here in the Tahoe Basin. Locals and visitors alike recreating in many different ways, from camping to mountain biking, to boating, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. This summer and particularly this summer due to continued drought conditions, it is important to remember just how fragile the Tahoe Basin is, and that there is a persistent threat of wildfire. Everyone needs to take steps to ensure they are being fire smart in everything they do. Doing the right thing, the wrong way can start a wildfire.

Angora Fire Restoration Project to resume

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will resume work this week at Angora Creek near South Lake Tahoe. Crews will construct 700 feet of new stream channel to replace the existing Angora Creek channel, which was rerouted and straightened in the early 1900s to accommodate livestock grazing. Seneca Pond, constructed in 1964 when the area was under private ownership, will be returned to a wetland.

Congress Introduces Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

This week, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency voiced its strong support for legislation to reauthorize the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act that has been introduced in Congress by Tahoe’s Senate delegation.

Sponsored by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-Nevada) along with Harry Reid (D-Nevada), Dianne Feinstein (D-California), and Barbara Boxer (D-California), the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act would authorize up to $415 million in federal funding over 10 years to help continue critical environmental restoration work at Lake Tahoe.

An Incomplete History: Sport Fishing and Hatcheries at Lake Tahoe

Join local Historian Dave Long for a free public presentation on the role of fish hatcheries and sport fishing in the Lake Tahoe basin. Come explore a mysterious legacy that has helped drive the economy, shape the ecosystem of the lake, and find out what historic figures played their part along the way. This talk will be at the UC Davis Field Station, a beautiful building that, in fact, was once a hatchery!

All are welcome to the Historic Fish Hatchery located at 2400 Lake Forest Road in Tahoe City, CA.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

6/28

12:12 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - Elks Club Dr - DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO A VACATION RENTAL FOR A NOISE COMPLAINT.

12:42 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - South Upper Truckee Rd - DEPUTIES RESPONDED FOR LOUD NOISE. THE RENTER WAS ADVISED AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN.

Wrap up of South Lake Tahoe holiday rules about fire, alcohol and fireworks

It may seem like lyrics from the Five Man Electrical Band: Sign, sign, everywhere a sign; Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind' Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?

Everyone wants to enjoy the South Lake Tahoe area on the 4th of July holiday weekend. In order to keep everyone safe there are rules and regulations in place to do so.

1. Portable Charcoal Grills Prohibited on All Forest Service Beaches. You can use the limited number of Forest Service provided grills.
2. Campfires are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest.

All personal fireworks are banned in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Personal use fireworks are illegal to use or possess in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including sparklers and so-called “safe and sane” fireworks. As you enjoy your holiday, leave fireworks to the professionals by attending one of the many public displays around Lake Tahoe.

Fire restrictions on federal land begin in Lake Tahoe Basin July 1

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.

Lake Tahoe road work schedule for June 29 - July 2

Due to the increase of travelers expected in the Lake Tahoe basin, all road work projects will end for the week on Thursday, July 2.

On the South Shore:

New fire restrictions in place for Lake Tahoe recreation areas and campgrounds

With illegal and unattended campfires the cause of over 90% of wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin, new fire restrictions go into place on July 1, 2015. Campfires and charcoal barbecues will be restricted to designated recreation sites, and other fire-related activities are prohibited until the end of fire season.

“Increased fire danger due to the ongoing drought combined with warmer and dryer weather is a big concern for the basin," said U.S. Forest Service fire management officer, Kit Bailey. "Fire restrictions help reduce the possibility of human caused fires.”

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

6/21

12:14 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - Cold Creek Trail - VACATION RENTAL NOISE COMPLAINT, PARTY WARNED.

12:28 a.m. - Vacation Rental Noise Complaint - Lupine Trail - VACATION RENTAL NOISE COMPLAINT. PARTIES WARNED.

Crews at nine small lightning caused fires near Lake Tahoe

There are nine small lightning caused fires currently burning in or around the Lake Tahoe Basin, the largest one is one-half acre in size.

Staff from the U.S. Forest Service is at each scene with firefighters from the Tahoe-Douglas and North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection Districts, working to extinguish them. Most of the fires are single-tree fires with some ground fire.

Winds are calm, and the Lake Tahoe Basin received substantial rainfall in the area of the fire starts, so the rate of spread is low.

Red Flag Warning in place for Lake Tahoe Basin

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin as well as other parts of Northern California.

High pressure has settled in over Nevada and will remain through the weekend. Temperatures will be well above noromal with moisture slowly working its way North into the Sierra and Western Nevada.

Isolated thundershowers are expected to become more numerous over the weekend. The storms will begin dry, becoming a hybrid of wet and dry by Sunday, then primarily wet by early next week.

Two South Lake Tahoe women win TRPA Lake Spirit Awards

Rebecca Bryson and Joy Barney of the South Shore were honored for their work in local schools that resulted in progress and environmental improvements in the Lake Tahoe region.

During Wednesday's Tahoe Regional Planning Agency's Governing Board meeting, the two South Shore women were given the Lake Spirit award along with a family and person from the North Shore. The award has been given to "real people making real progress" at restoring Lake Tahoe since 2011.

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