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Alerts

This page contains information about Forest Orders, advisories, notices and closures.

  • Be prepared for your next visit to the forest. Be aware of these alerts because many unexpected situations can present difficult challenges for forest visitors.
  • To report an emergency, please call 911.

Forest Alerts

  • Meeks Bay Resort Alcohol Prohibition

    Annual July 4 Alcohol Prohibition for Meeks Bay Resort.
    Alert Start Date: July 4, 2026
    Forest Order: #19-26-03
  • Chambers Landing Beach July 4 Alcohol Prohibition

    Annual Alcohol Prohibition Forest Order for Chambers Landing Beach.
    Alert Start Date: July 4, 2026
    Forest Order: #19-26-04
  • Nevada Beach July 4 Alcohol Prohibition

    Annual Alcohol Prohibition Forest Order for Nevada Beach.
    Alert Start Date: July 4, 2026
    Forest Order: #19-26-02
  • Zephyr Cove Resort and Zephyr Shoals Alcohol Prohibition

    Annual July 4 Alcohol Prohibition for Zephyr Cove Resort and Zephyr Shoals.
    Alert Start Date: July 4, 2026
    Forest Order: #19-26-01
  • Daily Burn Status

    Daily Burn Status for woodcutting and contractors includes the Burning Index, Project Activity Levels, Fire Danger Adjective Rating, Energy Release Component, Ignition Component, and Burn Day Status. This page is updated daily by 6 p.m. during the field season with information from the Camino…
    Alert Start Date: April 3, 2026
  • National Forest Roads and Facilities Closed for Winter

    The annual process of closing national forest recreation facilities and forest roads for the winter season is complete. Seasonal closures apply to forest roads and buildings, restrooms and parking areas at many recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, interpretive sites, picnic areas and…
    Alert Start Date: November 21, 2025
  • Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage (Bear Canister) Restriction

    Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
    Alert Start Date: July 18, 2025
    Forest Order: #19-25-06
  • Meyers Landfill Area Closure

    For public safety, Meyers Landfill and the surrounding area are closed to the public.
    Alert Start Date: April 9, 2025
    Forest Order: #19-25-01
  • Help Halt Golden Mussel Invasion

    In October 2024, the California Department of Water Resources discovered non-native, highly-invasive golden mussels in the Bay-Delta near Stockton, California. Once established, golden mussels can spread rapidly, significantly damaging natural ecosystems, water infrastructure, agriculture, and…
    Alert Start Date: October 1, 2024
  • Campfire Restrictions

    National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under year-round campfire restrictions. Campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are only permitted within permanently installed iron rings in campgrounds listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. Campfires are not allowed in Desolation…
    Alert Start Date: June 28, 2024
    Forest Order: #19-24-04
  • Camping/Overnight Stay Restriction

    On National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, camping is only allowed in areas listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. Most National Forest campgrounds have a 14-day limit per calendar year and a limit of six people, per campsite. For more information about camping, visit Campgrounds in the…
    Alert Start Date: June 28, 2024
    Forest Order: # 19-24-05
  • Desolation Wilderness Restricted Use Area

    Desolation Wilderness is a Congressionally designated wilderness area managed and protected under The Wilderness Act and is included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This unique area now totals 63,960 acres of wilderness land which is yours to enjoy, protect, and care for. Be sure to…
    Alert Start Date: March 9, 2024
    Forest Order: #03-24-01 Eldorado National Forest/19-24-02 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
  • Food and Refuse Storage

    The Food and Refuse Storage Order requires the proper storage of food and refuse (garbage) on all National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Forest Order requires all food and garbage that is not personally attended to be stored in a container designed to prevent access by bears and…
    Alert Start Date: March 7, 2024
    Forest Order: #19-24-03
  • Winter Over-Snow Vehicle Restrictions

    Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). This Order is effective from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.
    Alert Start Date: January 1, 2024
    Forest Order: #19-24-01
  • Bear Canisters

    Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness and bear-resistant containers are required in all other areas.
    Alert Start Date: July 18, 2022
    Forest Order: #19-22-05
  • Bubonic Plague

    Bubonic Plague is naturally occurring in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors should always take precautions when visiting areas where active plague has been found. For general precautions, symptoms and helpful links, visit our Bubonic Plague at Lake Tahoe webpage.
    Alert Start Date: January 1, 2010
  • Harmful Algal Blooms

    Harmful Algae Blooms may be present in lakes, streams and rivers in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas. For resources, safety tips, frequently asked questions, local bloom reports and to report possible blooms, visit the State of California Harmful Algal Blooms Portal.
    Alert Start Date: January 1, 2010