Due to a lapse in federal funding, this USDA website will not be actively updated. Once funding has been reestablished, online operations will continue. On-going operational updates will be posted here (https://www.fs.fed.us/shutdown) as we are able to provide them.
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.
U.S. Forest Service
North Shore Office
855 Alder Ave.
Incline Village, NV
(U.S. Mail should be sent to the South Lake Tahoe address listed above) Voice: (775) 831-0914 Hours: Wed thru Fri
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Follow the photo links below for information on camping, Winter Trek Snowshoe Program, snowmobiling, winter recreation and much more!
Forest Service office closed Dec 24 & 25 and Jan 1
December 19, 2018 - The Forest Supervisor's office in South Lake Tahoe will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Monday and Tuesday, December 24 and 25. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, December 26. We will also be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in observance of New Year's Day. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, January 2.
Incline Village Forest Service office to close temporarily
December 19, 2018 - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will temporarily close the Incline Village office beginning Wednesday, December 26, 2018. All services will be available through the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe, including the sale of Access, Senior and Interagency passes along with fuelwood (seasonal) and wilderness permits. Read more at https://go.usa.gov/xEx6Q.
Sierra Avalanche Center
December 2018 - Backcountry visitors should always check weather and conditions before heading out. Great information along with daily avalanche forecasts are available through the Sierra Avalanche Center website at https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/.
Prescribed Fire Updates
November 30, 2018 - Weather permitting, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the U.S. Forest Service may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe. A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://tahoe.livingwithfire.info/get-informed/. To receive prescribed fire notifications, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.
Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree Permits Sold Out!
November 20, 2018 - No further permits will be issued for this season. For information on permit sales in nearby National Forests and other areas, visit https://go.usa.gov/xPAYx and view the contact information under the heading "Permit Information for Surrounding Areas".
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.
