The South Lake Tahoe Forest Service Supervisor’s Office is open 8-4:30, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Questions can also be answered by calling 530-543-2600 and leaving a message or emailing us at sm.fs.paltbmu@usda.gov, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Caldor Fire closure order lifted at Lake Tahoe

Nov. 17, 2021 - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted the Caldor Fire closure order effective Wed., Nov. 17, 2021. LTBMU staff have mitigated immediate hazard trees along roads and trails within the Caldor Fire area, but the public should be aware that many hazards still exist including fire-weakened trees and smoldering pockets of fuel. Read the news release at go.usa.gov/xe9dj.

Lake Tahoe Basin Christmas tree permits sold out!

Nov. 17, 2021 – Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin sold out today, Nov. 17, 2021. No additional permits will be authorized for this season. Christmas trees may also be purchased from private Christmas tree farms in El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer counties. Thank you to all who participated in the 2021 Christmas Tree Permit Program!

What are you looking for?

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

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

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.

View All Features

Spotlights

Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!

Lake Tahoe is Bear County. Store food/garbage in bear resistant containers. Keep your distance and never feed any wild animal. More at tahoebears.org.

Reading Forest Now on Video!

Reading Forest is now available on video courtesy of the CA Tahoe Conservancy! The inspirational artwork is on display at Taylor Creek Visitor Center through Nov 2021. 

Know Before You Go

National Forests provide a variety of fun and exciting activities, but visitors must avoid hazardous situations. For information on staying safe in the forest, visit the link above.

Lake Tahoe West

Lake Tahoe West is an interagency collaborative effort to restore resilience to the west shore's forests, watersheds, and communities. Follow the link above for more.

View All Spotlights