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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Caldor Fire closure area reduced at Lake Tahoe

Oct. 25, 2021 - The Caldor Fire closure area has been reduced and a new forest closure order has been issued to reflect these changes. The new closure limits public access within the Caldor Fire burn footprint as well as roads and trails leading into the fire area to protect the public. Read the news release at https://go.usa.gov/xeqdQ.

Caldor Fire (reduced) Emergency Closure Order No. 19-21-08

LTBMU urges extreme caution during storm event

Oct. 22, 2021 – The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch beginning Saturday evening, and a Winter Storm Watch beginning Sunday evening for the Sacramento Region, including the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). The amount of precipitation expected creates a risk of debris flows, flooding and rockfall especially in steep canyons within the Caldor Fire area. Read the news release at https://go.usa.gov/xMSEF.

Caldor Fire 100 percent contained

Oct. 21, 2021 – The Caldor Fire has been declared 100 percent contained as of today, Oct. 21, 2021. Now that the fire has reached full containment, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is reevaluating closure areas outside of the fire perimeter and is working to reopen these areas as soon as possible. A Forest Closure Order for areas within and leading to the fire perimeter will remain in effect into summer 2022, or until immediate hazards can be minimized. Read the news release at https://go.usa.gov/xMJR6.

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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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