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.

Plan Your Visit

Hope Valley. USDA Forest Service (Stock) Photo courtesy of District Ranger, Jonathan Cook-Fisher, Truckee Ranger District.

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.


  • Kokanee Salmon

    A placeholder image

    The Kokanee Salmon spawn is underway! View background information and frequently asked questions about this non-native species.

  • Fall Color

    A placeholder image

    Fall color season is underway in the Sierra Nevada. National Forest lands surrounding Lake Tahoe are a great place to view fall colors.

  • Fuelwood Permits

    A placeholder image

    Time is running out to cut firewood for winter! Fuelwood permits are on sale now at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe.

  • Prescribed Fire

    A placeholder image

    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.

Features

Lake Tahoe Feature Stories

Downhill skier navigates a steep, snowy slope with Lake Tahoe in the background.

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.

View Feature

Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship

Destination Stewardship cover photo featuring children tubing on a snowy hill.

“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.

View Feature