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!

Plan Your Visit

Glen Alpine Waterfalls by Shannon Maguire, USFS Wilderness Ranger.

The South Lake Tahoe Forest Service Supervisor’s Office 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.


May 25, 2023 - Tips for a safe Memorial Day weekend at Lake Tahoe
The unofficial start of summer is here, and warm temperatures have accelerated the melting of the Sierra Nevada’s enormous snowpack. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit cautions residents and visitors that rivers, streams, and creeks are running high, fast, and cold! Snowmelt water is bitterly cold and exposure even a few minutes can cause hypothermia. If you choose to participate in water activities, keep these tips in mind: never swim alone, always wear an approved life jacket, keep a close eye on children and pets, and avoid strong currents. Read More

May 24, 2023 - Discover Your New Favorite National Forest Spot This Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day weekend, as we honor all the heroes who gave their lives in military service to this nation, also marks the kickoff of summer for many visitors to national forests. With the strong storms and heavy snow over the past few months, some forest areas and sites are closed due to lingering snowpack, flooding or road damage. Crews are using all available resources to get these areas open and safe for the public to enjoy. Read More

May 23, 2023 - Free Yard Signs Encourage Drivers to Take it Slow in Tahoe
Summer in Tahoe means warmer weather and wildflowers, but it also means more cars driving around the lake. Take Care Tahoe is taking on traffic safety by distributing free yard signs to the public that encourage drivers to “Take it Slow, Tahoe.” Read More

May 23, 2023 - Spring is an active time for Tahoe bear cubs and yearlings
As temperatures start to warm and snow begins to melt, a new crop of bear cubs are emerging from winter dens with their mothers. Yearlings, which were born last year, are also on the move. Some are still with their mother bears, some are solo after separating before denning, and some may be showing signs of disease. Read More

May 5, 2023 – Lake Tahoe Celebrates Community Wildfire Preparedness All Year
In recognition of National Community Wildfire Preparedness Day on May 6, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) is encouraging people and organizations everywhere to come together to take action, raise awareness, and reduce wildfire risks. The TFFT is stressing the importance of wildfire preparedness throughout the year to continue protecting communities and Lake Tahoe’s environment from the increasing risk of wildfire. Read More

May 3, 2023 – Forest Service anticipates delayed spring openings at Lake Tahoe
Spring conditions in the Lake Tahoe Basin have finally arrived, but our epic winter will likely delay the official opening of many National Forest recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, forest roads and trailheads. We encourage patience and understanding as we work through the process of opening these sites. Read More


  • LTBMU 50th Anniversary

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    We are excited to announce that April 1, 2023, marks the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit!!

  • Prescribed Fire Information

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    Prescribed fires are a vital forest management tool used by land managers to help protect communities and improve forest habitat.

  • Current Conditions

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    With rising temperatures, rivers, creeks and streams are flowing high, fast and cold! Use caution when visiting and plan ahead.