wilderness

USFS lifts fire restrictions on some National Forest lands

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

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.”

Tahoe National Forest remains closed until King Fire is "out"

9/29/14 8 p.m. update - The King Fire is now 92% contained and has remained at 97.099 acres burned. More personnel has been released and there are now 3,401 remaining on the fire.

Mop up and patrol continued. Continued the demobilization of excess resources. Continued to backhaul excess equipment and trash. Fire suppression repair is ongoing. Homes and damaged buildings on White Meadows Road are being evaluated for future damage from possible mud and debris flows caused by the last two days of rain. Some homes and buildings are being prepared with sand bags by crews.

The 20 acre Cascade Fire in South Lake Tahoe now 90% contained

9/29/14 update: Heavy precipitation over the weekend allowed firefighters to achieve 90 percent containment of the Cascade Fire near Snow Lake in the Desolation Wilderness. Crews will begin repairing impacts from fire suppression activities and will monitor the fire to detect any renewed activity later this week due to drier, warmer and windier conditions.

Bayview Trailhead and Campground and TaylorCreek Sno-Park on Hwy. 89 have reopened. The cause of the 20-acre fire is under investigation, but it has been determined to be human-caused.

USFS issues forest closures for El Dorado National Forest

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.”

Firefighters have put a line around 89% of the King Fire

9/28/14 10:00 p.m. update: 4,420 firefighters and support staff are still on the scene of the 97.099 acre King Fire which is now 89% contained.

After 4 days of precipitation with accumulations of 1-3 inches, fire spread has been halted, however heat remains in the heavier fuels and in the heavy duff sheltered from the rain under the dense timber canopy. As the weather turns warm and dry over the next several days, expect to see an increase in fire activity and smoke production; however spread potential is extremely low, doe to the successful suppression efforts.

Smoke in basin from the Happy Camp Fire; Yosemite Fire has burned 4,400 acres

Many thought the smoke filling the Lake Tahoe basin on Tuesday was from Yosemite's Meadow Fire, but because of the way winds were flowing the basin smoke was actually from the Happy Fire in Northern California.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Happy Fire had burned over 105,000 acres and is 30% contained. The lightning caused fire started on August 12 and is burning west of Yreka and I-5 along Hwy 96 in the Klamath National Forest.

Update: Meadow Fire in Yosemite has burned over 2,500 acres

9/8/14 6:45 p.m. update: The Meadow Fire in Yosemite grew considerably overnight and has burned about 2,582 acres so far. What started as a small fire after lightning on August 16 got out of control on Sunday.

According to Yosemite's website, it is burning within the Little Yosemite Valley on both sides of the Merced River. All trails in the area are closed. Earlier Monday, approximately 100 hikers and backpackers were evacuated from the fire area in LYV. The fire is burning in Yosemite Wilderness.

Free wildflower slideshow at LTCC

Event Date: 
September 12, 2014 - 7:00pm

LTCC faculty member Lisa Berry will present photos of wildflowers taken in the lake Tahoe basin.

Everyone is invited to this free event on September 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Board Room in the library building.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report for South Lake Tahoe

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

50th anniversary of National Preservation Act celebrated

Attendees of the Valhalla Art, Music and Theater Festival learned how to use a cross-cut saw, the primary tool still used today to keep trails open and accessible in the Wilderness. The event celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 National Wilderness Preservation Act.

U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit staff provided saws, logs and gloves and guided over 50 participants of all ages as they cut through a 10-inch log and received the souvenir slice branded with the 50th Wilderness Anniversary logo.

Camp Richardson Corral seeks reissue of 20 year permit

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.

South Lake Tahoe locals create Bakpocket eco-products

A new business in South Lake Tahoe is the creation of South Lake Tahoe locals Bryan Burnam and Jacob Hanneman, who have taken their passion for the outdoors to start Bakpocket Products.

Since August 8, the company has their newest product, the Adventure Hammock, listed on Kickstarter, which is a global funding platform designed to help small startup companies to promote their projects and products.

Wild Things Inc at the South Lake Tahoe Library

Event Date: 
July 25, 2014 - 2:00pm

Join us on a journey through the wilderness of North America. Watch in wonder as we present the animals that inhabit this rugged country. Come face to face with a 7 foot alligator, Bald Eagle, and more.

Another event as part of the summer program at the South Lake Tahoe Library at 2 p.m.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center's Friday Night Summer Programs Begin July 11

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.

Sierra Club Fundraiser at Stonehenge

Event Date: 
July 16, 2014 (All day)

The Lake Tahoe Area Sierra Club is bringing back their Annual Fundraiser to the incredible Stonehenge residence in Echo View Estates on July 16th. The annual evening of wine, food, and entertainment will also feature several local artists.. The founder of the Sierra Club, John Muir (impersonated by Don Baldwin) will be making an appearance, celebrating the 100th anniversary of his death.

Historical Marker Celebration at Echo Summit's 1968 Olympic Training Facility

Event Date: 
June 27, 2014 - 10:30am

The 1968 Olympics in Mexico City saw records fall and fists rise. Perhaps one of the more memorable Olympics all began at the training facility near South Lake Tahoe at the top of Echo Summit.

On Friday, June 27th a historical marker will be placed at the location of the Echo Summit training site in what is being called "Return to the Summit."

South Lake Tahoe Library Programs to Keep Kids Busy All Summer

The South Lake Tahoe branch of the El Dorado County Library has a full schedule of kid's entertainment for the summer.

Entertainers, for children of all ages – Fridays at 2:00 pm

June 20th MAD SCIENCE: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT H2O?
Children will make a splash as they dive in and learn about the amazing elements of the water cycle.

June 27th PUPPET ART THEATER: THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF!

The Valhalla Art, Music and Theatre Festival Opens June 25th

Event Date: 
June 25, 2014 - 7:30pm

The 2014 Valhalla Art, Music and Theatre Festival begins On Wednesday, June 25th with a concert featuring award winning songwriter and guitar player Ray Bonneville with very special guest Lance Canales and the Flood opening the show.

Lovers of all genres of music will appreciate these renowned American Roots and Blues artists. The Boathouse Theatre’s rear doors will be open to the lake view for this special evening! Advance tickets are $20 and $22 at the door. Information and tickets are on line at www.valhallatahoe.com or by calling 530-541-4975.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report for South Lake Tahoe

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

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore.

5/29
4:50 p.m. - Emerald Bay Road: AN 18 YEAR OLD MAN WAS ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF A CONCEALED BUTTERFLY KNIFE AS WELL AS METAL KNUCKLES.

5:46 p.m. - Mewuk Rd: BURGLARY

5/30

Tahoe Area Sierra Club Photo Contest

In Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the Tahoe Area Sierra Club is sponsoring a Photo Contest.

The 1964 landmark conservation bill protected the most pristine wildlands for future generations. Today, there are nearly 110 million acres in the country that have been designated as wilderness. Desolation Wilderness, Mokelumne, Granite Chief, and Carson-Iceburg are all within a short drive of Lake Tahoe.

Wilderness Movie Night: Alone Across Alaska, 1000 Miles of Wilderness

Event Date: 
April 25, 2014 - 7:00pm

Lake of the Sky Outfitters is showing the movie “Alone Across Alaska, 1000 Miles of Wilderness” on April 25 at 7 p.m.

It is the story of one man’s traverse of Alaska’s Brooks Range. Stunning scenery and abundant wildlife highlight this film.

It is free to attend, but seating is limited. RSVP to 530-541-1027.

Lake of the Sky Outfitters is located at 1023 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Sierra Club Meeting on March 5th

Event Date: 
March 5, 2014 - 7:00pm

Lauri Kemper, Assistant Executive Officer of the Lahontan Water Board will present information on current bacteria standards in the Lahontan Region. How may this affect your future confidence in surface waters you fish, swim and depend upon for drinking?

Come find out! Join us at 7 p.m. 1195 Rufus Allen Blvd. We will also introduce the new members of the TASC executive committee and review the highlights of major conservation and wilderness issues.

Location

Unity at the Lake Center
1195 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe
United States

Forest Service Lifts Fire Restrictions in Lake Tahoe Basin

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

Rim Fire Time Lapse August 2013

Time-lapse photography shows various perspectives of the 2013 Rim Fire, as viewed from Yosemite National Park.

The first part of this video is from the Crane Flat Helibase. The fire is currently burning in wilderness and is not immediately threatening visitors or employees.

The second half of the video is from Glacier Point, showing Yosemite Valley, and how little the smoke from the fire has impacted the Valley. - Yosemite National Park

Douglas County conservation bill introduced by Nevada Senators Reid and Heller

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller have introduced the Douglas County Conservation Act of 2013 designed to promote conservation, improve recreation opportunities, and provide for sensible development in Douglas County.

Paiute cutthroat trout restoration in Alpine County begins this summer

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

Desolation Wilderness Talk at SLT Library

Event Date: 
June 15, 2013 - 1:30pm

The Friends of the Library will host a talk on Desolation Wilderness. This afternoon event, is presented by Bill Finch, volunteer backcountry wilderness ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. He will show slides which he believes best exemplify the natural beauty found so close to South Lake Tahoe. He will share his wilderness expertise, preparing us for a summer of hiking in this spectacular area.

Join us for this free informational presentation at the South Lake Tahoe Library. For questions e-mail Tahoe.Programs@gmail.com, or call (530) 573-3185.

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd.
United States

Heavenly resort at Lake Tahoe launches summer activities Memorial Day weekend

After an action-packed winter season at Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is switching gears and opening with summer activities this Memorial Day weekend May 25-27. Heavenly will run the Heavenly Gondola for sightseeing, dining, family activities and hiking. Operating times will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tahoe Treks Lecture at Lake of the Sky Outfitters

Lake of the Sky Outfitters will host Ladies Night with Renee Gorevin of Tahoe Treks on April 26 at 7pm. Gorevin leads women on backpacking trips and provides wilderness education in the Sierra Nevada and other California locations. The talk is free. Seating is limited, so RSVP to (530) 541-1027.

Tahoe Rim Trail executive director featured on KUNR podcast

Mary Bennington, executive director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, is featured on Friday's KUNR program Beyond The Headlines.

The Tahoe Rim Trail is one of the world's premier trails. It passes through California and Nevada, six counties, one state park, three National Forests, and three Wilderness areas. This spectacular trail is 165 miles of single-track multiuse trail, winding from peak to peak around Lake Tahoe.

Public comment begins Saturday on proposed Meeks Creek Meadow restoration

Plans to restore around 300 acres of meadow, provide for wildlife habitat and re-establish natural fire breaks around the west shore of Lake Tahoe near Meeks Bay is up for public review.
A 30-day public comment begins Saturday, March 30 for the proposed Meeks Creek Meadow restoration project, the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit announced.
Here is a news release:

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care releases bear cubs into the wild

Two black bear cubs confiscated from a suspected poacher have been returned to the wilderness. The cubs spent seven months at a Lake Tahoe wildlife center with almost no human contact and now they are big enough to make it on their own. Here is the story of their release only on ABC7 News.

It is a big day for some bear cubs that almost did not get to grow up. They were found last summer at a Nevada County gas station, taken from a man charged with illegally killing their mother. They weighed just 15 pounds each and would have no chance alone in the forest.

Mountain lions in political crosshair

A silent predator emblematic of the Nevada wilderness is at the center of a political debate that has split top levels of state government.On one side is a Gardnerville-based sportsmen group, Ne...

Four cited for riding snowmobiles in wilderness

Four snowmobilers were cited for riding in the Mokelumne Wilderness on the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest.Three riders were cited on Jan. 21 and one was cited on Jan. 22. All...

Four cited for riding snowmobiles in wilderness

Four snowmobilers were cited for riding in the Mokelumne Wilderness on the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest.Three riders were cited on Jan. 21 and one was cited on Jan. 22. All...

Search and rescue seeks volunteers

The South Lake Tahoe/ El Dorado County Search and Rescue team is looking for volunteers to help conduct search-and-rescue missions in eastern El Dorado County and surrounding wilderness areas.Appli...

Agency, search and rescue host kids Winter Wilderness Survival program

Event Date: 
February 6, 2013 (All day)

For the past 17 years, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue have collaborated together to teach the 4th graders at Incline Elementary School about Winter Wilderness Survival, better known as the “Hug-A-Tree” program. The program focuses on teaching children what to do should they ever find themselves lost in the wilderness. This year the program will be held at the Incline Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Forest Service encourages responsible snowmobiling for Lake Tahoe backcountry users

With many people headed to the backcountry around Lake Tahoe there are areas the U.S. Forest Service has designated both on and off-limits areas for snowmobilers. Below is a news release and maps outlining rules, regulations and where to recreate around the basin.

David Beck is Back On the Husky Express in Hope Valley

As soon as the snow started to fly in Hope Valley, David Beck had the feeling that the short-lived "retirement" lifestyle he had been tolerating was going to be over very soon if he could have his way. He had the feeling that all he needed was to recover a little bit from his new knee replacement, and soon he could be out again mushing behind a full set of huskies on the snowy trails of Hope Valley.

Management plan for 10 Nevada wilderness areas OK'd

RENO, Nev. - Federal land managers have completed a management plan for 10 wilderness areas around northwestern Nevada's sprawling Black Rock Desert.Kristine Struck, a wilderness specialist for the...

Metamorphosis in the Desolation Wilderness

"Almost Somewhere: Twenty-eight days on the John Muir Trail" is a thought-provoking memoir commemorating the coming of age of a young woman who hikes with two female companions over 200 miles on...

Hiker rescued after days in Calif. wilderness

CHICO, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say a hiker rescued after being stranded in the snow for days in the Northern California wilderness would not have survived if he hadn't found a cabin and broken in...

Sierra Resort at Lake Tahoe opens mountain top to bottom and West Bowl on Saturday

With the support of multiple Lake Tahoe and Sierra early-season snowfalls, including 24 inches in the past two days, and plenty of cold weather days and nights, Sierra Resort will open top to bottom, including West Bowl, on Saturday, Dec. 15.

West Bowl offers long cruisers and intermediate to advanced runs, along with unbeatable views of Pyramid Peak and Desolation Wilderness. Beginners to experts now have the opportunity to enjoy over 2,212 feet of vertical terrain, three terrain parks, and lessons for all ages and ability levels.

Study finds nature nurtures creativity when unplugged in the backcountry

Backpackers scored 50 percent better on a creativity test after spending four days in nature disconnected from electronic devices, according to a study by psychologists from the University of Utah and University of Kansas.

Reservations begin Dec. 17 for Winter Trek Express at Lake Tahoe

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin accepting reservations for the 2013 Winter Trek Express program on Monday, December 17, 2012.

Teachers may reserve a spot by calling the Forest Service front desk at (530) 543-2694, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Winter Trek Express is a 5th-grade environmental education program that takes place at Heavenly Mountain Resort via the gondola. Forest Service rangers lead the class through the wilderness to learn snowshoe skills and discover winter adapting animals.

Sierra-at-Tahoe to open Thanksgiving

UPDATE 411PM: Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will open for the 2012-13 season on Thursday, November 22, 2012, offering Easy Rider Express lift, Rock Garden lift, and three surface lifts, giving guests access to four trails including, Broadway, Easy Street, Echo, and Lower Sleighride. Building on the reputation as one of the nation’s top terrain park resorts, Sierra Resort™ will offer a small to medium jib park on Broadway consisting of multiple features including new boxes and rails, giving eager guests a chance to get their park legs back underneath them.

Overdue hiker safely rescued from Desolation Wilderness

Desolation Wilderness hiker found

Search and rescue teams located the 28-year-old missing hiker on Thursday about 2:30 p.m. near Middle Velma Lake.Nathan Spearing, who suffered nothing more than wet feet, said he camped near Low...

Hiker missing in Desolation Wilderness

Search and rescue teams on Thursday continued looking for a 28-year-old male hiker who went missing in Desolation Wilderness near the Velma Lakes area. Nathan Spearing left Friday around noon fr...

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