Alerts
Safety First
- Please be aware of these alerts because many unexpected situations can present difficult challenges for forest visitors.
- Be well informed and prepared for your next visit to the forest.
- Before venturing out, contact the nearest Forest Service office for recent information on alerts, advisories, notices and closures.
- To report an emergency, please call 911.
Forest Alerts
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Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree Permit Program Remains Paused
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service’s Christmas tree permit program on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit remains temporarily paused. For online permits for nearby forests, check www.recreation.gov.
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National Forest Roads and Facilities Closed for Winter
The annual process of closing national forest recreation facilities and forest roads around Lake Tahoe is nearly complete.
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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit to Begin Prescribed Fires
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is planning prescribed fire operations beginning as early as Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the fall and winter as weather conditions allow.
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Fall Salmon Viewing at Taylor Creek
Located on the south end of Lake Tahoe, the Taylor Creek Visitor Center on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a popular hub for viewing fall colors and wildlife. Taylor Creek provides important habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and fish.
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Desolation Wilderness Food and Refuse Storage (Bear Canister) Restriction
Possessing or storing any food in Desolation Wilderness unless it is in a bear proof container.
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Meyers Landfill Area Closure
For public safety, Meyers Landfill and the surrounding area are closed to the public.
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Camping/Overnight Stay Restriction
On National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, camping is only allowed in areas listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. Most National Forest campgrounds have a 14-day limit per calendar year and a limit of six people, per campsite.
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Campfire Restrictions
National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under year-round campfire restrictions. Campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are only permitted within permanently installed iron rings in campgrounds listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order.
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Desolation Wilderness Restricted Use Area
Desolation Wilderness is a Congressionally designated wilderness area managed and protected under The Wilderness Act and is included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This unique area now totals 63,960 acres of wilderness land which is yours to enjoy, protect, and care for. Be sure to Leave No Trace so that future generations may return to enjoy its permanent but changing beauty. -
Food and Refuse Storage
The Food and Refuse Storage Order requires the proper storage of food and refuse (garbage) on all National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
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Winter Over-Snow Vehicle Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). This Order is effective from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.
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Harmful Algal Blooms
Harmful Algae Blooms may be present in lakes, streams and rivers in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding areas.
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Bubonic Plague
Bubonic Plague is naturally occurring in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors should always take precautions when visiting areas where active plague has been found.