Here’s What Visitors Need to Know—and Why Your Voice Matters. For more than 14 years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring and covering the Sierra Nevada. During that time, I’ve watched parking lots fill earlier each season, permit systems expand, and trailheads become busier than I ever imagined. I’ve also watched volunteers, rangers, nonprofit organizations … Read more
South Lake Tahoe, CA – If you love birds, nature walks, and hands-on outdoor fun, don’t miss the Wild Tahoe Festival, happening Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just off Highway 89 north of South Lake Tahoe. This free, one-day event brings together two beloved gatherings—the … Read more
By Sierra Rec Magazine Staff As Memorial Day Weekend 2025 approaches, many of us are preparing for a well-earned escape into the Sierra. It’s a time to honor those who gave their lives in military service — and a moment to reconnect with the mountains, lakes, and trails we cherish. Lake Tahoe National Forest sites … Read more
Reservations for the Winter Trek Program open on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Take Your Students to New Heights with Winter Trek at Heavenly Mountain Resort For residents of the Reno-Tahoe region, winter is a time to embrace the beauty of the Sierra Nevada, and few experiences highlight this better than the Winter Trek Conservation Education … Read more
Get ready for an exciting new chapter in conservation efforts at Marlette Lake! After years of planning and dreaming, Clean Up The Lake is thrilled to kick off its first-ever backcountry cleanup at Marlette Lake this week. The initiative, aimed at removing submerged and shoreline litter while performing environmental research, marks a significant milestone for … Read more
Trail Alert Tahoe – Crews Masticating Vegetation Near Neighborhoods to Reduce Wildfire Risk LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Oct. 7, 2024 – Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT) forest thinning projects are underway and scheduled to continue through this fall, conditions and weather permitting. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will be masticating around the … Read more
Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project in Lake Tahoe: What It Means for Trail Enthusiasts and E-Bike usage SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — In exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts and trail lovers, the USDA Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice (DN) for the … Read more
Tahoe Basin Pauses Christmas Tree Permit Program for 2024: A New Chapter in Forest Management and Holiday Traditions For many families living in or visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin, venturing out to cut their own Christmas tree has been a cherished tradition. The annual Christmas Tree Permit Program, run by the USDA Forest Service Lake … Read more
Forest Service Restoration Plan includes changes to original proposal SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., April 4, 2024 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in partnership with the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD), issued the final decision for proposed restoration of Burke Creek on Lake Tahoe’s southeastern shore. The purpose of the Burke Creek Restoration … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Oct. 24, 2023 –The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is pleased to announce the sale of Christmas tree permits for the Lake Tahoe Basin begins Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Permits will be sold in-person only at the Forest Supervisor’s office in South Lake Tahoe at 35 College … Read more
Even with Warm Temperatures in the 10 Day forecast Lake Tahoe Basin begins Winter Shut down of recreation Facilities SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Oct. 5, 2023 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the annual process of closing National Forest recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter … Read more
Environmental Assessment includes analysis of e-bike use at Lake Tahoe SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Sep. 29, 2023 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has released the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Basin Wide Trails Project which addresses trail system access and connectivity on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. … Read more
Lake of the Sky Amphitheater to host “History of Lake Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit” by Don Lane Friday September 23. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Sep. 22, 2023 – Great Basin Institute (GBI) and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) invite the Lake Tahoe community to join us at the … Read more
Changes coming to prevent misuse and abuse of Tahoe beaches LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif., July 14, 2023 – Recent international news stories showed shocking images of volunteers and nonprofits removing thousands of pounds of litter from one Lake Tahoe beach following the July 4th holiday. The media coverage caused public outrage and drew widespread attention to the … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., June 27, 2023 – The Fourth of July holiday is next week and marks one of the busiest times of year in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has provided the following helpful information and links to ensure a safe holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe. … Read more
A Trail Talk with the TRTA and The Tahoe Institute of Natural Science Incline Village, CA – The Tahoe Basin is home to many species of raptors. Have you ever wondered about how they live, what theyeat, or where they nest? Did you know that all raptor species have multiple eyelids? Or that a primary … Read more
Desolation volunteers train and prep for a Late and Wet season in back country South Lake Tahoe – May 22, 2023 – This past Saturday over 50 volunteers of Desolation Wilderness gathered in South Lake Tahoe for an annual training and season overview with the authorities at Lake Tahoe Basin Management and Eldorado National forest. … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., March 16, 2023 – Due to the atmospheric rivers impacting the Lake Tahoe region, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) are advising the public to avoid the Taylor-Tallac Restoration Project area adjacent to the southwest end of Lake Tahoe. The LTBMU … Read more
Snowshoeing to Big Meadow has been on my winter hiking bucket list for years. There’s nothing quite like hiking out to a snow filled meadow surrounded by nature, mountains and views in every direction. Big Meadow Trailhead is located off of Highway 89 between Christmas Valley and Hope Valley, south of South Lake Tahoe. The … Read more
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Will hold webinar for public feedback to be held March 21 – First-Ever Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – March 2, 2023 – Buried beneath an ever-deepening blanket of snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin lie more than 580 miles of official dirt trails that provide recreation, transportation, fitness, and … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Feb. 21, 2023 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in partnership with the Nevada Tahoe Conservation District (NTCD) is seeking comments on a proposal to complete restoration efforts at Burke Creek and Rabe Meadow on Lake Tahoe’s southeast shore. The Burke Creek Rabe Meadow Riparian Restoration Project … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2023 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce the 2023 Ski with a Ranger conservation education program at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to Ski with a Ranger beginning Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. Tours will depart from Tamarack Lodge at … Read more
Lake Tahoe Basin Tree Permits will Be sold In Person Only This Season SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Oct. 26, 2022 –Cutting a Christmas tree offers families a traditional holiday experience and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is pleased to announce the sale of Christmas tree permits begins Monday, Nov. 14, … Read more
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2022 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has begun the annual process of closing recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads. Campgrounds, picnic areas, … Read more
A Few Things to Know if Heading to Tahoe This Weekend regarding Bears, Fires, Access and Caldor Fire Responsibilities SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Sep. 1, 2022 – With Labor Day weekend approaching, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) reminds visitors to recreate responsibly, plan ahead, and adhere to fire restrictions.This year, … Read more
Proposals will be accepted for Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, and Zephyr Cove SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Sep. 1, 2022 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) announced today the solicitation of proposals for three separate concession resort and campground special use permits. New permits will be issued for 20-year terms and may be … Read more
We can all prevent wildfire! LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., July 21, 2022 – Fire season is year-round. In the past, wildfires normally occurred in late summer and early fall when temperatures were high, humidity was low and vegetation extremely dry. Local, state, and federal fire managers now know that devastating wildfires can occur any time of year. … Read more
Bear Proof Your Next Desolation Wilderness Visit Desolation Wilderness – July 13, 2022 – To be clear bear proof canisters have been suggested or highly recommended for sometime by the National forest Service when visiting Desolation wilderness. But, just as fire have been banned for over 20 years and people still create fires in Desolation. … Read more
Taylor Creek Visitor Center will open for the 2022 season on Thursday, June 2 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 24, 2022 – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and Great Basin Institute are seeking volunteers to support operation and stewardship efforts at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center this summer. Volunteer duties include monitoring trail activity … Read more
Residents, stakeholders invited to participate to improve destination and recreation management LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Lake Tahoe residents, community members and stakeholders interested in the responsible management of tourism and recreation are invited to take part in workshops next month to create a destination stewardship plan that will balance the needs of Lake Tahoe’s environment, businesses, … Read more
$50 million in investments for 15 projects that will address hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention in Lake Tahoe Basin WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior announced today it will commit more than $348 million for 62 projects throughout Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin dedicated to recreation improvement, wildlife habitat conservation, … Read more
PLACERVILLE, Calif. – The boundaries of the Caldor Fire Closure, Forest Order 03-21-18 will be adjusted to reflect changing fire conditions and other hazards associated with the fire area. The closure area is expected to become smaller as fire containment increases and the forest receives rain and snow. Removal of hazard trees and suppression repair activities are also factors … Read more
PLACERVILLE, Calif. – With record breaking drought conditions causing extremely low fuel moistures, the Eldorado National Forest is increasing its fire restrictions to a forestwide campfire ban, beginning Monday, July 26, 2021. No wood or charcoal fires will be allowed anywhere in the forest under these new restrictions. The restrictions apply to all campgrounds, developed sites, … Read more
New Fee’s being implemented in some recreational hot spots. Bayview Trailhead now has a $10 Parking Day Use Fee. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 26, 2021 – The majority of National Forest recreation sites around the Tahoe Basin are now open and the 2021 season promises to be a busy one for Tahoe Recreation, the new concessionaire … Read more
Looking BackDecember is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region. The … Read more
Thursday January 7, Live Zoom Public Workshop about Meeks Bay restoration LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop about the Meeks Bay Restoration Project from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on … Read more
Tahoe Basin Christmas tree permits sold out! SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Nov. 17, 2020 – Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin sold out today, Nov. 17, 2020. This week, 2,000 online permits were issued on a first-come, first served basis. No additional permits will be authorized for this season. Nearby … Read more
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health in Lake Tahoe SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Nov 4, 2020 – Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be … Read more
Forest Service issues closure order for Taylor Creek SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2020 – Due to continued public health safety concerns related to COVID-19, trail improvement work, the risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a Forest Order that … Read more
September 18, 2020 – National Forest trails, trailheads, beaches and interpretive areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin will re-open for day-use only beginning tomorrow, Sep. 19, 2020. Camping and overnighting will not be permitted, and campgrounds will remain closed. Emergency Fire Restrictions will remain in effect through Nov. 30. Additionally, some National Forests across California will re-open, while others … Read more
