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 camping reservations, Desolation Wilderness permits, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Tallac Historic Site, winter recreation and much more!
Sierra Avalanche Center
Hikers, backpackers and other forest visitors should always check weather and conditions before heading into the backcountry. Great information and daily avalanche forecasts are available on the Sierra Avalanche Center website at https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/.
Prescribed Fire Updates
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.
The western pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata) is a freshwater mussel that is native to the Tahoe basin. The species ranges from Alaska south to central California and east to Nevada, Wyoming, Utah and Montana. Western pearlshell mussels inhabit cold creeks and rivers with clean water, where you can find them wedged between cobbles, partially burrowed in sand, underneath mats of aquatic vegetation, or beneath undercut banks. They have an average lifespan of 60 to 70 years, some living more than one hundred years, making them one of the longest-lived animal species on Earth. If you find western pearlshell mussels, please do not handle or disturb individuals due to their sensitivity and rarity in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Follow the link above to read more about this amazing native species.
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.
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.
