usfs
"Super Scooper" based at South Lake Tahoe airport
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/21/2015 - 4:42pm
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.
New campsites, bike path and entrance for Camp Richardson
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 9:51pm
The U.S. Forest Service will begin the first phase of their retrofitting of the Camp Richardson campground on July 21, something that has been in the planning stages since 2009.
During this first phase, they will remove approximately 250 trees in the campground on the north side of Highway 89. This portion of the project will last about two weeks. Work will be completed on this side of Highway 89 in October.
Phase two on the south side of Highway 89 is anticipated to begin in September 2015 and be finished by June 2016.
Angora Fire Restoration Project to resume
Submitted by paula on Tue, 07/14/2015 - 8:07pm
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.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/12/2015 - 8:43am
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.
7/5
10:18 p.m. - Vacation Rental Noise - Cold Creek Trail
10:39 p.m. - Grand Theft - Fallen Leaf Lake Rd - AN UNKNOWN SUSPECT(S) REMOVED THE VICTIM'S PERSONAL PROPERTY FROM HIS VEHICLE. THE VICTIM WAS NOT SURE IF HIS
VEHICLE WAS LOCKED DURING THIS INCIDENT.
South Lake Tahoe Rotary helps clean up Sawmill Pond
Submitted by paula on Sun, 07/05/2015 - 10:29pm
On Saturday, June 27, 2015, members of the Rotary Club of South Lake Tahoe gathered at Sawmill Pond to paint restrooms and signs, and to clean up. This has been an annual event for Rotarians headed up by Past President and Rotary Project Manager David Huber with the support of the USFS. Sawmill Pond is an excellent place for young ones to learn to fish. It is for children fifteen years and under. Parents are welcome to help, but not allowed to fish. Sawmill Pond gives children access to fishing in a beautiful stocked pond which hosts an annual children-only fishing derby.
Fire restrictions on federal land begin in Lake Tahoe Basin July 1
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/30/2015 - 8:16pm
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.
New fire restrictions in place for Lake Tahoe recreation areas and campgrounds
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/28/2015 - 7:56pm
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.”
Washington Fire now 56% contained; 17,787 acres burned
Submitted by paula on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 10:13pm
6:00 p.m. update 6/29/15
Firefighters made a lot of progress on the fire lines at the Washington Fire south of Markleeville on Monday, gaining containment of 56% of the perimeter. So far, 17,787 acres have burned.
The lightning caused fire grew quickly a week ago, from 30 acres on June 19 to 6,500 acres by June 21.
At one time, over 1,100 fire personnel were working on suppression of the fire. Those numbers were reduced today to 860 as containment grew.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/21/2015 - 7:29pm
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.
6/14
Hikers injured at Horsetail Falls and Cascade Falls
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/11/2015 - 11:46pm
Two different backcountry hikers needed to be rescued by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team on Monday, June 8.
The first incident was at 12:43 p.m. when an adult male hiker fell at Cascade Falls, resulting in traumatic injuries. With the assistance of ground personnel from Lake Valley Fire Department, USFS and Cal Fire, rescuers were able to provide care and get the hiker hoisted out on a California Highway Patrol helicopter. The CHP helicopter transferred the hiker to a CALSTAR medical air ambulance, and then transported to Renown Medical Center in Reno.
Fire fuels to be burned again next week around Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 04/12/2015 - 12:23am
Several areas around the Lake Tahoe basin are slated to be burned starting Monday, April 13, as the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) continues prescribed burns.
Fire operations are scheduled in Blackwood Canyon between Tahoe City and Tahoma, on the south side of Meeks Bay, at Ski Run Boulevard near Heavenly and on the East Shore near Logan Creek Drive.
Operations may last through the next several weeks as conditions allow at the following locations:
Heavenly - 70.25 acres scheduled for fire operations
Logan Creek Drive - 20 acres scheduled for fire operations
Heavenly and Kirkwood announce 2015 EpicPromise Award winners
Submitted by paula on Fri, 04/10/2015 - 9:15pm
This week, as part of the first EpicPromise Week, Vail Resorts will present the first ever EpicPromise Awards to two Heavenly or Kirkwood employees for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the local community and fostering a sustainable environment. The EpicPromise Awards are being given at Vail Resorts’ mountains across the country as part of the first annual EpicPromise Week (April 6-10, 2015), a full week dedicated to celebrating Vail Resorts’ widespread commitment to creating a more promising future for generations to come.
Illegal campfire starts in blaze in Desolation Wilderness
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/02/2015 - 10:13amAn illegal campfire at Granite Lake in Desolation Wilderness started a wildfire on Tuesday according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). With the lack of a deep snowpack and high winds in the area this week, the fire could have easily spread had it not been for the quick response by USFS firefighters.
Illegal and unattended campfires cause over 90 percent of wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Fire managers are concerned about the impact from illegal campfires as we are in our fourth year of drought and forest conditions are already as dry as they would be in June.
Off-Highway vehicle use is topic of Forest Service open house
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/25/2015 - 9:05pm
Event Date:
April 2, 2015 - 4:00pm
The public has an opportunity to meet Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) engineering, trails and recreation staff during an open house on April 2.
This is a great time to ask questions regarding OHV used on designated routes within the Lake Tahoe Basin, the LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreational (OHMVR) Grant application.
USFS asks for public input on Kingsbury Stinger Trail
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/19/2015 - 9:28pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is asking for public input on a proposal to reconstruct the Kingsbury Stinger Trail near Kingsbury Grade. The Stinger Trail runs approximately 2.75 miles from Genoa Peak Road (Forest Road 14N32) to Terrace View Drive on lower Kingsbury Grade and is open to all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and mountain bikes. The trail is very steep in places, is prone to erosion, crosses private land for approximately 280 feet on the lower segment and no longer meets current Forest Service standards for safety and sustainability.
Forest Service seeks input for Off-Highway Vehicle Grant
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/11/2015 - 11:13pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is accepting public comment for the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Cooperative Funds grant application submitted to the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division.
The OHMVR grant provides staffing for OHV education and information, law enforcement patrols, resource and use monitoring, protection of natural and cultural resources and maintenance of OHV trails and trailheads on the LTBMU.
Heavenly's Epic Discovery Project gets closer to reality
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/24/2015 - 9:54pm
Heavenly Mountain Resort added summertime activities to the top of the gondola last summer but that was only the beginning if the Epic Discovery Project gets approval from the necessary agencies.
Jeff Marsolais named new Forest Service Supervisor for Lake Tahoe Basin
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/17/2015 - 11:25pm
With the retirement of Nancy Gibson, the U.S Forest Service started the search for her replacement. It was announced Tuesday Jeff Marsolais has been selected as the new forest supervisor for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Popular program "Ski With a Ranger" returns to Heavenly Mountain Resort
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 10:00pm
Learn about the role the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plays in the management of ski areas and other keys areas on the Lake Tahoe environment during their Ski With a Ranger program beginning on Friday, January 16.
Tours begin at the top of the gondola at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. every Monday and Friday. There is also a Spanish version starting at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays beginning Friday, February 20, 2015.
They run until April 10, weather permitting.
Lake Tahoe area meadows to be restored by USFS
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/07/2015 - 8:36pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) would like the public's input on their proposed restoration project at six impaired meadows near South Lake Tahoe. Restoration will include tree thinning and removal, prescribed fire, stream channel repair, planting of vegetation and rerouting trails.
Time for teachers to register for USFS WInter Trek program
Submitted by paula on Mon, 12/22/2014 - 12:51am
Each winter, groups of students participate in the US Forest Service's Winter Trek Program in South Lake Tahoe.
End to decade long battle between USFS and environmental groups
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/23/2014 - 11:37pm
Environmental groups concerned that the 2004 Sierra Nevada Framework Forest Plan failed to protect old growth forests and associated wildlife species, was not consistent with national environmental laws so they filed suit.
A coalition of conservation organizations led by Sierra Forest Legacy and including the Center for Biological Diversity, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society have signed a settlement agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, ending the decade long battle.
Op/Ed: People need to come out for the Meyers Area Plan meeting on Thursday
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/15/2014 - 10:23pmMost of us moved to Meyers because it's a rural community, away from the City & tourist congestion. I am pro-growth, most locals are, as long as it's appropriately sized growth for our community. The proposed Meyer's Plan however, opens the door to a Mega Resort, with incentives for large development and in my mind, lacks long range planning.
I started going to planning meetings last summer, just to listen, but it wasn't until December that I got really concerned. Here's a timeline of events, from my perspective:
Opening of Monument Peak Trail to be celebrated
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/08/2014 - 9:51pm
The Tahoe Area Biking Association (TAMBA) and the U.S. Forest Service are inviting the public to join them as they celebrate the grand opening of the Monument Pass Trail near South Lake Tahoe.
On October 12, bikers will start off at the Bijou Community Park on Al Tahoe Blvd. at 9 a.m. Join the USFS Trail Crews on the 25 mile ride which will include 3500 feet of climbing (and decent).
The ride will go up Al Tahoe Blvd across Pioneer Trail to the Cold Creek Trail, up to Star Lake and Monument Peak, and back down.
USFS lifts fire restrictions on some National Forest lands
Submitted by paula on Thu, 10/02/2014 - 10:17pm
The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will lift fire restrictions on National Forest System lands beginning Friday, October 3, 2014.
“Although fire restrictions will be lifted on Friday, remember campfires are never allowed in the Desolation Wilderness,” said Forest Service fire management officer Kit Bailey.
Parts of the El Dorado National Forest reopen; King Fire now 94% contained
Submitted by paula on Wed, 10/01/2014 - 9:45pm
The Forest Service announced today that they are re-opening some popular recreation areas near the King Fire area. The Rubicon Jeep Trail, Wrights Lake, Desolation Wilderness and the east side of Ice House Road are now open to the public.
“Although fire crews have nearly contained the King Fire, it is still active, and there are a lot of firefighting resources still in the area,” said Laurence Crabtree, the USFS Forest Supervisor. “I intend to open more of the Forest to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.”
49,000 customers to benefit from proposed Liberty Utilities power line upgrade
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/21/2014 - 9:31pmThe TRPA, U.S. Forest Service and the California Public Utilities Commission have released a final environmental impact report on the proposed electrical system upgrade in North Lake Tahoe by Liberty Utilities.
The proposed 625 and 650 Electrical Line Upgrade Project would consist primarily of an upgrade of Liberty Energy's existing 625 and 650 electrical power lines and associated substations from 60 kilovolt to 120 kV, to allow the entire North Lake Tahoe Transmission System to operate at 120 kV.
USFS issues forest closures for El Dorado National Forest
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 8:52pm
The Eldorado National Forest has issued a closure order for public safety in the area impacted by the King fire beginning September 18, 2014, until the fire is declared out. The closure order includes the Desolation Wilderness.
“Under our Unified Command System, our top priorities are fighting this fire and keeping the fire fighters and the public safe, said Crabtree. “We cannot safely fight this fire with intermingled publics. Please stay out of the closed areas until I can reopen them, which I intend to do as soon as possible.”
Learn about new Heavenly Mountain Resort plans at USFS Open House
Submitted by paula on Mon, 09/15/2014 - 10:25pm
Event Date:
September 18, 2014 - 6:00pm
Heavenly Mountain Resort's proposed Epic Discovery Project will be featured at an open house hosted by the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, September 18.
The resort wants to expand year-round activities to include zipline and skycycle canopy tours, a mountain bike park, a ropes course, water activities, hiking trails, mountain excursion tours and nature interpretation. Heavenly is also proposing to create a snowcat emergency evacuation route for the gondola line.
El Dorado County Sheriff's Report for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 08/31/2014 - 10:48pm
El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.
The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore.
8/7
3:21 p.m. - South Avenue: A 62 YEAR OLD FEMALE WAS TRANSPORTED TO BARTON HOSPITAL AFTER SHE ENTERED A LOCAL PET STORE ASKING FOR PARAMEDICS AND THEN COLLAPSED. LIFE SAVING MEASURES WERE ATTEMPTED WITH NEGATIVE RESULT. DUE TO THE FEMALE'S
UNEXPLAINED INJURIES SOUTH LAKE TAHOE POLICE DETECTIVE'S RESPONDED AS WELL.
4:12 p.m. - Johnson Blvd: A 47 YEAR OLD WOMAN WAS ARRESTED FOR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
8/8
Want to learn more about Heavenly's Epic Discovery Project?
Submitted by paula on Wed, 08/27/2014 - 11:30pm
Event Date:
September 18, 2014 - 6:00pm
Want to know more about the proposed Epic Discovery Project. at Heavenly Village?
The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will hold an open house on Thursday, September 18, 2014, to explain and answer questions about its draft analysis of a proposal from Heavenly Mountain Resort. The resort has a 40 year lease to operate on national forest lands and now wants to expand year-round, non-skiing activities at the Lake Tahoe resort.
Heavenly looking to expand summer activities with Epic Discovery Project
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/26/2014 - 7:06pm
An environmental impact report on the Heavenly Epic Discovery Project is ready for public viewing. The new project, located at Heavenly Mountain Resort, will expand their summer activities to include more canopy tours, hiking and biking trails as well as interpretive activities.
Since 2011 the U.S. Forest Service has allowed more summer activities on national forest lands.
The following increase in activities are being proposed:
Camp Richardson Corral seeks reissue of 20 year permit
Submitted by paula on Fri, 08/22/2014 - 10:11pm
The Camp Richardson Corral operates under a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit that is up for renewal. As part of the process, the USFS has opened a month long period for comments from the public.
They are asking for input on a proposal to reissue the corral a 20 year special use permit for the operation and maintenance of the corral and outfitting and guiding services.
USFS Reports 169 Incidents on South Lake Tahoe Beaches July 4th
Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/07/2014 - 6:46pm
Citations, warnings and medical assistance were given to 169 people during holiday celebrations on South Lake Tahoe beaches operated by the U.S. Forest Service on July 4th.
• 32 - Personal Possession of marijuana (Cites and Warnings)
• 31 - Minors in Possession of Alcohol (Cites)
• 8 – Combination of Arrests for Disorderly Conduct, Cocaine, Crystal Meth, LSD, Pills, Warrant, & Probation Violations
• 12 - 415 Incidents
• 72 – Alcohol Prohibition violations (Cites and Warnings)
• 14 – Medical Aids
Taylor Creek Visitor Center's Friday Night Summer Programs Begin July 11
Submitted by paula on Wed, 07/02/2014 - 9:04pm
The Lake of the Sky Amphitheater evening programs at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center begin July 11, 2014, and continue every Friday evening through August.
The series kicks off Friday, July 11, with "An Evening with Mark Twain" featuring McAvoy Layne performing as Mark Twain live on stage at 7 p.m.
USFS Continues Invasive Plant Elimination Project in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/29/2014 - 10:41pm
The chemical treatment of invasive plants by the U.S. Forest Service in Lake Tahoe will continue through the summer at about 70 different locations totaling 12.5 acres. In South Lake Tahoe the treatment will take place at the Angora wildfire area, Baldwin Beach meadow, Burke Creek trail, Luther Pass campground, Heavenly Creek Meadow, Heavenly Ski Area, Rabe Meadow and the Spooner Summit fire station as well as at several urban lots that the Forest Service controls.
Forest Service and South Lake Tahoe Police Urge Safety for 4th of July
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 12:13am
The busy 4th of July holiday is just a week away, and with Lake Tahoe's increased crowds, excess traffic, fireworks and dry conditions, the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are asking everyone to use caution.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Heavenly Valley Zip Lines and Ropes Courses
Submitted by paula on Thu, 06/12/2014 - 11:33pm
Heavenly Valley had a ribbon cutting ceremony at the top of the Gondola on Thursday, celebrating the opening of their new summer activities.
These activities have created 120 new jobs in the area and increase Heavenly’s development as a summer destination for families and fun-seekers. Heavenly opens for summer operations Friday, June 13, and will open a third new ropes challenge course, Boulder Cove Challenge Course, on June 27.
Prescribed Burns in the Skyland Area This Week
Submitted by paula on Sun, 06/08/2014 - 9:08pm
Fuels management operations will be held on Tuesday, just north of Zephyr Cove in the Skyland area. The U.S. Forest Service crew will be burning five acres on the east side of Hwy 50 and is expected to last one day.
People in the area should expect to see smoke.
Forest Service staff will post road signs around the areas affected by the prescribed fire, send email notifications, and update the local fire information line at 530-543-2600, #6. To receive prescribed fire notifications, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.
Heavenly's Proposal for Year Round, Non-Skiing Activities Under Review by Forest Service
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 6:56pm
Heavenly Mountain Resort's proposal to expand to year round, non-skiing activities is now under review by the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board. Heavenly's plan is to create a summer experience for guests with the addition of zipline and skycycle canopy tours, a mountain bike park, a ropes course, water activities, hiking trails,mountain excursion tours and nature interpretation.
Local Leaders Hail House Introduction of Lake Tahoe Restoration Act
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/01/2013 - 3:55pm
The reauthorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act was introduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives, following the Senate’s introduction of the bill in August.
Lake Tahoe Basin Fire Chiefs Hail Governors' Proclamation
Submitted by paula on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 10:02pm
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.
Labor Day weekend fishing report for Northern California and Sierra
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 08/27/2013 - 5:56pmHere 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.
Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program highlighted by 15 years of Achievement
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 08/15/2013 - 4:43pm
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.
Lake Tahoe leaders applaud restoration bill
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 08/01/2013 - 4:27pmLake 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.
Judge rules against USFS regarding off-road vehicles
Submitted by admin on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 12:20pmAgencies partner to launch Lake Tahoe environmental newspaper
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 12/20/2012 - 1:37pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency has partnered with federal, state and local agencies to launch "Tahoe in Depth" a new Lake Tahoe Basin environmental newspaper.
Mailed to every Lake Tahoe Basin property owner this week, the free publication is designed to keep Lake Tahoe homeowners, residents and visitors abreast of the wide variety of activities taking place to protect and restore the Lake Tahoe Basin.
USFS looking for someone to operate Round Hill Pines
Submitted by admin on Wed, 12/19/2012 - 12:55pm