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.
Forest Service urges responsible recreation during July 4 holiday
July 1, 2020 - The July Fourth holiday at Lake Tahoe will look a bit different this year with Tahoe Basin firework shows canceled and concerns about responsible recreation. The holiday weekend is still a great opportunity to get outdoors and celebrate our nation’s birthday by enjoying your public lands provided you follow local, state and federal guidance for staying healthy and safe.
“With an expected increase in the numbers of visitors to our most popular recreation sites over the holiday weekend, I want to remind everyone that the fire danger remains high,” remarked Acting Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison. “Lighting fireworks is prohibited and enforcement is in high gear. If you witness the illegal use of fireworks or illegal campfire activity, please call 911.”
June 30, 2020 - As a reminder, we have extended the due date for submission of applications for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions to the close of business on July 31, 2020. Follow the link below to read more about the extension and visit the Campground Prospectus webpage at https://go.usa.gov/xvrg2.
June 30, 2020 - Fire restrictions are in effect for National Forest lands in the Tahoe Basin as of May 30, 2020. This means wood (campfires) and charcoal fires are only allowed within metal fire rings in developed campgrounds with an onsite host. Wood (campfires) and charcoal fires are not allowed in Desolation Wilderness or Meiss Country; along the Tahoe Rim Trail or Genoa Peak Road; in rock fire rings; on National Forest beaches; or in the general forest. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xwb6w.
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.
CAL FIRE suspends burn permits in Alpine, Amador, El Dorado, and Sacramento counties
June 10, 2020 – 2020 started out with the driest February since the 1850’s in California. This coupling with warming temperatures and recent winds are quickly drying out the annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Areas of Alpine, Amador, El Dorado and Sacramento Counties. This suspension takes effect at 12 AM on Monday, June 15, 2020 and bans all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xwPAu.
Keep Tahoe Bears Wild! Agencies remind public to practice social distancing and proper food, garbage storage
May 21, 2020 - Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xwqKy.
Wildfire Preparedness is up to all of us
May 4, 2020 - The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) is proud to once again partner with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE), and partners across the State, reminding communities and the public that live and work within wildland and forested areas about importance, especially this pandemic emergency, of preparing their homes and properties for wildfire. Read more at go.usa.gov/xvd7Z.
Attention Forest Service Visitors
April 9, 2020 - As a reminder, the Forest Service office in South Lake Tahoe has moved to virtual services. If you need assistance or have questions, call 530-543-2600 and leave a message or email us at pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience.
Atención Visitantes Del Servicio Forestal
9 de Abril de 2020 - Como recordatorio, la oficina del Servicio Forestal en South Lake Tahoe se ha movido a servicios virtuales. Si necesita ayuda o tiene preguntas, llame al 530-543-2600 y deje un mensaje o envíenos un correo electrónico a pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us y nos pondremos en contacto con usted lo antes posible.
Visiting National Forests
March 31, 2020 - Please avoid visiting national forests if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest. If an area is crowded, move to a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.
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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