Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Welcome to the Jewel of the Sierra!
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit encompasses over 154,000 acres of National Forest lands around beautiful Lake Tahoe and offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Beautiful Lake Tahoe! USDA Forest Service Stock Photo by Jaclyn Tain.
The Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe is open Monday through Friday, 8-4:30 p.m. excluding federal holidays. We also offer virtual services by calling 530-543-2600, during business hours. If you reach the recording, we are helping another customer. Leave a message with your name and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also email us.
-
Sierra Avalanche Center
Recreationists should always check avalanche advisories and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry.
-
Winter Recreation
Popular winter outdoor activities at Lake Tahoe include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding and much more!
-
Winter Safety
Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and the limitations of your body and equipment - plus a little common sense - can help ensure safe and enjoyable outings.
-
Tahoe Rim Trail
Visit the Tahoe Rim Trail Association website for information on the trail including permits, conditions, maps and much more.
-
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities and improve forest health.
-
Zephyr Cove
View the comment summary and key themes from the Zephyr Cove Resort Community Workshop that was held on April 10, 2024.
-
Bear Canisters
Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness and bear-resistant containers are required in all other areas.
-
Daily Burn Status
View the Daily Burn Status for woodcutting and contractors including the Activity Levels, Burn Day Status, Fire Danger Adjective Rating and Indices.
-
Fire Restrictions
National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under year-round campfire restrictions. Visit the Fire Restrictions webpage to learn more.
-
Forest Orders
Forest Orders protect the natural environment, ensure the health and safety of visitors, and promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience.
-
Fire Danger Rating
Learn about daily fire danger rating adjectives of Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Extreme.
-
Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions signal an increase in wildfire danger.
-
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.
-
Harmful Algae
Harmful Algae may be present in recreation areas. For resources, safety tips, FAQs, local bloom reports and to report possible blooms, visit the State of California portal.
Recent News
-
Agencies Continue Lake Tahoe Prescribed Fire Operations
Release Date: Jan 21, 2025
-
Ski With A Ranger Returns to Heavenly Mountain Resort!
Release Date: Jan 21, 2025
-
Prescribed Burning Continues This Week at Lake Tahoe
Release Date: Jan 13, 2025
Features
Lake Tahoe Feature Stories
Check out the latest feature stories from the Lake Tahoe region that inform and inspire a better understanding of environmental awareness and stewardship at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship
“The way we access and rely on public lands is changing. From hiking to skiing, now is the time to better coordinate and improve the picture,” said Erick Walker, Forest Supervisor.