U.S. Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Forest Supervisor's Office
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Voice: (530) 543-2600 TTY: (530) 543-0956 Hours: Mon thru Fri
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Follow the slideshow links for information on fire restrictions, recreation facility/forest road status, camping reservations, wilderness permits, summer recreation and more! Scroll down for Recent News.
Emergency Fire Restrictions Extended
Oct. 16, 2020 - Emergency Fire Restrictions have been extended across all National Forest lands in California, including the CA/NV sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoking and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited. View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7xBh.
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!
Oct. 9, 2020 - Autumn has arrived in the Sierra Nevada- leaves are turning and there is a noticeable chill in the air. The fall season also means bears are actively searching for food before winter arrives and it’s more important than ever to practice proper food and garbage storage to Keep Tahoe Bears Wild. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xGzU9.
Tahoe Basin Christmas tree online permit sales begin Nov. 16
Oct. 8, 2020 – Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu. Read the news release at https://go.usa.gov/xGtZV.
Emergency Camping Restrictions Extended
Oct. 2, 2020 - Emergency camping restrictions have been extended through November. Camping or overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness and backcountry areas including Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds. Hosted campgrounds reopened today, but keep in mind no campfires or charcoal are permitted. View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/xGsFf.
Forest Service issues closure order for Taylor Creek
October 1, 2020 - Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has issued a Forest Order that temporarily closes Taylor Creek and the surrounding area from Oct. 3 through Nov. 2, 2020. Read more and view the closure map at https://go.usa.gov/xGATc.
Recreational Fires, Charcoal Banned in Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region
September 4, 2020 - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team reminds residents and visitors that recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are not permitted on public or private property including residential properties, vacation/short-term rentals, campgrounds, resorts and other recreational areas throughout the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Region until the end of November or until rescinded. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xGjq7.
Forest Service Recommends Responsible Recreation
June 30, 2020 - Most National Forest developed campgrounds and beaches have reopened. Visit https://go.usa.gov/xwXAf to view the list under the "Recreation Conditions Report" heading.
Responsible recreation practices should be maintained 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.
From crystal blue waters to snow-capped peaks, Lake Tahoe is a special place. Part of what makes it special are the unique plants and animals that call the lake home. Tahoe Yellow Cress (Rorippa subumbellata) is one of these organisms. Follow the link above to learn more about Tahoe Yellow Cress.
Prescribed fire operations are a key component of active forest management and are carried out whenever weather, staffing and conditions allow in order to reduce excess vegetation that can feed unwanted wildfires. During active operations, prescribed fire notifications are sent out and a map with project locations and details is posted at http://tahoe.livingwithfire.info/get-informed/. Sign up for email notifications by sending an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.
Whether you are going out for a day hike or an extended backpacking trip follow the safety tips found at the link above to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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 is an interagency collaborative effort to restore resilience to the west shore's forests, watersheds, and communities. Follow the link above for more.
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