Lake Tahoe Basin Mgt Unit

The South Lake Tahoe Forest Service office offers virtual services Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Call 530-543-2600, leave a message (Hours: M-F, 8-4:30 p.m.) with your phone number or email us at sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov, and we will respond at our earliest convenience.

Caldor Fire and Recovery Information

Caldor Fire information is available at 530-303-2455.
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Termination of Backcountry Closure Order

Oct. 15, 2021 - The Backcountry Closure Order (19-21-07), which temporarily closed Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country and focused access corridors along the West Shore during the Caldor Fire, is lifted effective today, Oct. 15, 2021. Read the news release at https://go.usa.gov/xMFZK.

Caldor Fire Emergency Closure Order

Oct. 15, 2021 - The Caldor Fire Emergency Closure Order is still in effect for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, for public safety. The closure order will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2021. View the closure order and map at https://go.usa.gov/xM9Jy.

CALDOR FIRE THREAT REMAINS

Sep. 22, 2021 - The Caldor Fire remains a very active fire. The fight is NOT over! Despite 76% containment, recent dry and windy weather has increased fire activity in some areas along the fire perimeter. Currently, there are roughly 65-miles of uncontained fire line with the majority of those miles located along the eastern edge. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xM5ew.

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Popular Recreation Activities

We have lots more information about recreation opportunities
across the forest!

Forest Service recommends responsible recreation

Jan. 2021 - Visitors to National Forest Lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin should practice responsible recreation at all times, including the following:

Practice Social Distancing. Provide space of at least six feet at all times during your visit.
Do Not Gather in Groups. Follow the latest guidance from officials.
Share the Trail. Alert other trail users of your presence and step aside to let them pass.
Pack Out Your Trash. Leave with everything you bring in and use.

Features

Fall Color in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Shrubs reveal fall color that ranges from light green and lemon yellow to a deep orange.

Oct. 1, 2021 - Follow the link above to view our fall colors webpage with suggested viewing locations around the Lake Tahoe Basin. For everything you need to know about viewing fall colors on National Forests and Grasslands across the country including information just for kids, stunning photos, and the science of fall colors, visit https://go.usa.gov/xMVvh.

Liberty Utilities to Continue Wildfire Mitigation

Power pole and lines in a remote forested area.

June 2, 2021 - Liberty Utilities will continue wildfire mitigation work in the Fallen Leaf Lake, Glen Alpine, Lily Lake and Bridge Tract areas. As part of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan, crews will convert bare overhead conductors to insulated covered conductors, replace utility poles to accommodate the increased weight of the new powerlines. Work will be accomplished with ground crews, vehicles, helicopters from June to October. Please follow temporary signs and use caution while recreating near these project areas. This infrastructure hardening protects against sparking and reduces the potential of wildfires in these remote areas. Learn more at https://california.libertyutilities.com/south-lake-tahoe/residential/safety/electrical/wildfire-mitigation.html.

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