wilderness

Construction bids now being accepted for Spooner Lake State Park improvements

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the over 35-year-old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Column: Cultivating cheer everywhere

Tahoe is a wonderland. Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play. For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.

Tread Lightly
In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag. She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes. The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe start seasonal closures

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

City Council candidates respond to South Lake Tahoe Chamber questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce Board recently asked the nine City Council candidates ten questions they felt were of most importance to its members. The questions focused mainly on topics relating to things that will or may affect both the local small businesses and the community in general.

Their board made the decision to not endorse a specific candidate this election, but instead rank them based on how much they align with the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce goals based on their answers to the questions below.

City Council candidates respond to 100% Renewable Energy Committee questions

On April 18, 2017 the South Lake Tahoe City Council unanimously passed a resolution to: 1) Power the South Lake Tahoe community with electricity provided from 100 percent renewable sources by 2032 and 2) Reduce community carbon emissions from baseline by at least 80 percent by 2040, and reduce municipal emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

Lake Tahoe Basin fire and camping restrictions extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has extended both its emergency camping and fire restrictions.

Camping/overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness/backcountry areas including Desolation, Meiss Country, Tahoe Rim Trail, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds through November. View forest order here.

Some fire and use restrictions continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - A fire ban continues in the Lake Tahoe Basin. On non-red flag days, home use of BBQs with propane or gas are allowed. All charcoal and wood fires are banned at this time. With all of the recent closures of forests due to fire danger, here is an update of what is open around Lake Tahoe:

National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches in Tahoe Basin are open for day-use only.

All camping, overnighting is temporarily prohibited, including camping in Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Pacific Crest, and Tahoe Rim trails.

USFS campgrounds remain closed.

South Lake Tahoe Library hosts virtual author talk with Kathryn Reed

Event Date: 
September 23, 2020 - 6:00pm

The South Lake Tahoe Library is hosting a virtual author talk with Kathryn "Kae" Reed on Wednesday, September 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. She will be discussing her new book, Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks.

USFS beaches and other day-use facilities around Lake Tahoe reopen Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and other day-use areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnight stays will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Resorts will reopen for day-use only. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. I’ve attached the Forest Orders for your awareness.

The prohibition of the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California remains in place.

All National Forests in California now closed temporarily

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to dangerous fire conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore has just announced that ALL National Forests in California will close Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. until further notice. This order includes the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. On Monday, eight National Forests were closed and now an additional ten from the state have been added to the list.

USFS: Backcountry areas closed to camping except PCT and Desolation Wilderness

The U.S. Forest Service tonight added additional restrictions to its previously announced fire restrictions and closures of campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin starting September 7 at 5:00 p.m.

There is now an emergency camping prohibition that goes into effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Slink Fire southwest of Topaz Lake at 20,795 acres, 31% contained

The Slink Fire burning in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness area of the Humboldt-Toiyable National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest area. So far, 20,795 acres have burned and the 679 personnel on the fire have it 31 percent contained.

The fire started Saturday, August 29 at approximately 6:00 p.m. and it is lightning caused and burning two miles west of the town of Coleville.

There was increased fire behavior Sunday in timber strands. In the area are Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and mixed conifer.

South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates respond to #IRunWithMaud questions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be two new members of the South Lake Tahoe City Council after the November 3 election. In the coming weeks the pubic will have chances to hear from the candidates both via zoom, in print and possibly in person. Below are eight of the ten candidates responses to questions asked by the local #IRunWithMaud group.

US395 reopens and Slink Fire evacuations lifted

Wednesday evening update: The Slink Fire behavior today was moderate, though the south end saw small, terrain driven runs. The fire is 14,200 acres and 10 percent contained.

Slink Fire burning southwest of Topaz Lake grows to over 2,200 acres

Smoke from the fires burning north of Lake Tahoe continue to fill the area Sunday morning. The Sheep Fire near Honey Lake is 29,517 acres and 38 percent contained, the Loyalton Fire is at 98 percent containment and 47,029 acres. The North Complex burning in Lassen and Plumas forests is 61,093 acres and 37 percent contained.

Trash talk: Record amount of trash being collected around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Trash has been the topic of conversation around Lake Tahoe this summer with the influx of visitors during the pandemic and much more trash found left behind. In a few stories this week we will be looking at efforts and education to keep things clean.

Illegal campfires an issue in Lake Tahoe area forests and campgrounds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the Eldorado National Forest managers announced last week, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) of the National Forest Service said they too have seen the same record increase in illegal campfires.

Fire restrictions expanded into Washoe County and Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest

Starting August 9, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is entering Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in response to the current severe risk of wildfire. Nevada is experiencing record dry conditions with much of the state in a severe drought.

Terry Alan Ogg ~ 1954 - 2020

Lake Tahoe has lost one of its icons. At the young age of 66, Terry Alan Ogg left us suddenly July 28, 2020.

Terry was born March 18, 1954 in Richmond, California. He grew up in Pinole, California and graduated from Pinole High School in 1972. As a teenager, he developed a love for music and found his instrument, a "Huge" (his words) Hammond organ. He moved his organ to South Lake Tahoe in 1975 at the age of 21 on a quest to become a rock star, among other interests.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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.

Added to Last Week's Log - http://southtahoenow.com/story/07/07/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

7/4

4:02 p.m. - Vacation Home Rental - Muskwaki Dr - VHR COMPLAINT

Man arrested in connection with Sunday's three Lake Tahoe area fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One man has been arrested in connection with three suspicious fires in the Echo Peak and Echo Lakes area on July 5, 2020. The fires, the Echo Fire, the Upper Fire, and the Lake Fire, appear to have been intentionally started.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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/06/24/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

Calls added since publication:
6/20

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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/06/15/2020/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-report

This Week's Log

6/14

Lake Tahoe Community College to offer online and virtual classes for summer and fall quarters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Given the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and how open or not the state of California may be in the months to come, Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) has announced its Summer and Fall quarter class formats that will allow high-quality education to continue in the safest manner possible.

Humboldt-Toiyabe: No camping in Alpine County, updates on forest use during pandemic

At the request of Alpine County in California, all Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest lands within the boundaries of the county will be temporarily closed to overnight camping starting on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

“We recognize that this overnight camping restriction comes at a time when many are seeking respite in natural areas,” said Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger. “However, this temporary closure is to support state, county, and local authorities in controlling COVID-19 pandemic.”

Volunteers sought for this summer in Desolation Wilderness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the Wilderness? Would you like to help preserve its’ breathtaking beauty and natural pristine environment? Do you love spending time outdoors and helping people? Do you have the willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country areas overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Crystal Range?

If the answer is yes, then Desolation Wilderness, co-managed by the USDA Forest Service’s Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The public is invited to explore the future of Lake Tahoe's West Shore during one of three public opportunities offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Tahoe Transportation District. The State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan outlines the projects needed to improve the visitor experience, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the environment from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoma.

Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe -- a scenic guide

Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks provides snowshoers with an invaluable guide for adventures in the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond. Whether it is traipsing through virgin snow or on a worn path, this book contains a route for everyone who likes to play in the outdoors in winter. Venture to frozen alpine lakes and wilderness peaks or enjoy the beauty at lake level.

Location

PO Box 13406
United States

Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.

Vail guests and other Tahoe partners help close funding gap to build Lily Lake Multi-Use Trail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thanks to a triple match from Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise guest donation program at Northstar, Heavenly and Kirkwood, completion of the Lily Lake Trail will be a reality in 2020. Earlier this year, the planned 2.1-mile multi-use trail designed to provide new access to Fallen Leaf Lake and Desolation Wilderness faced a $75,000 funding gap.

Public gives input on proposed changes to USFS snowmobile/winter travel plan

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) revised their Forest Plan over 10 years ago, many wanted them to include changes to snowmobile and other winter travel access to public lands at the same time. With the amount of public comment and the recognized need to have its own plan, they separated the two.

In 2011, LTBMU started a collaborative group to develop a proposed action plan for Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) use in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

No parking fee at Eagle Falls trailhead Saturday in honor of National Public Lands Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is on Saturday, September 28 and in the Lake Tahoe Basin it will be celebrated by the parking fee being waived for the day at the Eagle Falls Trailhead.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) manages approximately 78 percent of the public land in the Tahoe Basin. They will continue to the celebration of NPLD through the weekend of October 5-6 when they host a booth at the Fall Fish Festival at Taylor Creek in South Lake Tahoe. This time is also the 50th anniversary of Desolation Wilderness.

Keith Klein ~ 1941 - 2019

Keith Karl Klein, age 78, died peacefully at his home in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, surrounded by his wife and close friends, following a recent diagnosis of cancer.

New partnership created to "Keep Tahoe Bears Wild"

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Basin is bear country and natural resource and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in or visiting bear country. To help spread the message, a new website has been launched, TahoeBears.org, where residents and visitors can go to learn everything they need to know about living, visiting and playing responsibly in bear country.

Former South Tahoe High Teacher loses cancer battle

Vali Dees, beloved wife and daughter, passed away at her home in South Lake Tahoe this July 7th, 2019 at 6:45 PM. She was attended by her husband, Jeff Davies, and her mother, Helen Valborg, when she finally succumbed to the cancer she had been so determined to overcome. Her death deprives the world and all who knew her of a bright and healing light.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

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.

Some of those recently added to last week's log:

7/3

Author signing: The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 19, 2019 - 4:00pm

Hike and then hydrate, or something like that.

Longtime Lake Tahoe journalist Kae Reed will be at Lake Tahoe Mountain Brews on July 19 starting at 4:00 p.m. selling and signing her just released book “The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes”. Everyone who buys a book that night will receive $1 off one of these unique craft brews.

The brewery is at the corner of Third Street and Eloise Avenue in South Lake Tahoe. It’s on the bottom floor of the Tahoe Mountain News.

Books are $15 each (cash only).

Location

Lake Tahoe Mountain Brews
963 Third Street, South Lake Tahoe corner of Eloise Avenue
United States

Beautiful illustrations of Desolation Wilderness in new book

Event Date: 
July 10, 2019 - 6:30pm

British illustrator Claire Scully turns her pen-and-ink to Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness in a beautifully illustrated book, and will host a discussion event at Sundance Books, Reno, on July 10th. https://www.sundancebookstore.com/event/claire-scully-discussion-and-signing-desolation-wilderness

Scully is an artist with a particular interest in landscape and memory. Desolation Wilderness forms part of her ongoing work looking at how our relationship with the environment and our interactions with place have a profound affect on our own memory and emotions.

Location

Sundance Books
121 California Ave, Reno, NV, 89509
United States

Volunteers needed to assist the public in the Lake Tahoe backcountry

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is forming a new volunteer team to provide a “uniform presence” in Lake Tahoe areas where they do not have staff available to be in the field or on the many trails.

A formation meeting for is being held for all potential volunteers on Friday, June 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at LTBMU Supervisor Office located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.

Author Kae Reed to sign and read from new book on Lake Tahoe scenic hikes

Event Date: 
July 30, 2019 - 6:00pm

“The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes” takes readers on a journey to dozens of trails throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond. Alpine lakes, wilderness peaks and waterfalls are the rewards.

Author Kae Reed, who originally published these articles in Lake Tahoe News, will be a guest of the South Lake Tahoe Friends of the Library on July 30. She will be reading from the book, signing copies and answering questions starting at 6pm at the library on Rufus Allen Boulevard.

And they're off! Pony Express annual re-ride leaves Missouri, in South Lake Tahoe June 19

Imagine you live in the year 1860 with vast wilderness and wide-open plains between Missouri and California. You're one of the chosen riders on top of a horse with a mochila strapped on your saddle, navigating along the trail where unknown dangers lay ahead.

You're not on a leisure trip, you're one of a team of boys and young men traveling 1,966 miles in ten days on horseback, delivering mail to and from the West.

Responsible tourism topic of annual Lake Tahoe forum

Event Date: 
May 30, 2019 - 8:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - What is sustainable tourism and what does it mean for Lake Tahoe?

The future of Tahoe tourism needs to be sustainable. This year’s Annual Tourism Forum will address this global concern on a local level on Thursday, May 30 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel from 8:00 a.m. to noon. Responsible tourism is something all businesses in the Lake Tahoe basin are working towards and this year’s forum will explore that theme. The forum will include a main keynote speaker, two general sessions, and breakout sessions designed to get a closer look at four key topics.

Volunteers sought for Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the wilderness? Are you committed to preserving its’ breathtaking beauty? Do you love working with people and spending time in the outdoors? Can you match your motive for volunteering with the mission and priorities of the Forest Service? Most importantly, do you have the time, willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve our most popular back-country natural area near Lake Tahoe?

Laser measurement of Sierra snowpack from the air being considered in Sacramento

At a price tag of $150 million, the California legislature is considering a bill that, if approved, would change the way the Sierra snowpack is measured each year.

For 90 years the snowpack has been measured at several locations including Phillips, just west of Lake Tahoe. Normally performed in front of media, staff from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) snowshoe into a spot where they stick a pole into the snow to measure the depth and water content of the snow.

LTCC offering deep discounts on whitewater rafting classes

When the snow starts to melt and the rivers in the Sierra start running fast, be prepared to enjoy the whitewater excitement by taking three classes at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) this spring. The Wilderness Education & Outdoor Leadership program at LTCC is offering three classes - Beginning and Intermediate Whitewater Rafting, and Whitewater Guide School - all available at deep discounts.

LTCC has drastically cut the fees to make it possible for more residents to safely prepare for what’s promising to be an incredible rafting season in the Sierras.

Incline Village Forest Service office to close temporarily

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will temporarily close the Incline Village office beginning Wednesday, December 26, 2018. All services will be available through the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe, including the sale of Access, Senior and Interagency passes along with fuelwood (seasonal) and wilderness permits. The South Lake Tahoe office also sells maps and offers backpacking, biking, hiking, off-highway vehicle and other recreational information for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Tahoe Fund looking for ideas that help solve Lake Tahoe's challenges

The Tahoe Fund is actively seeking new project ideas to help solve the challenges facing Lake Tahoe. The nonprofit is interested in projects with fundraising goals of $5,000 to $1,000,000 that will improve lake clarity, outdoor recreation, forest resilience, transportation and stewardship.

Organizations are invited to submit project ideas by January 31, 2019 at tahoefund.org/challenge.

Reel Rock Film Tour returns to South Lake Tahoe November 21

Event Date: 
November 21, 2018 - 6:00pm

The Wilderness Education Program at Lake Tahoe Community College presents the 13th year of Reel Rock Film Tour at the Duke Theatre on November 21, 2018.

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