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, there have been more than 500 wildfires on California National Forests with approximately 98 percent contained within the first 48 hours thanks to the vigilance of our fire personnel and partners.


“Our National Forests see the highest number of visitors during holiday weekends,” said Pacific Southwest
Region Director of Public Services, Jim Bacon. “With extreme drought and fire conditions statewide, extra
diligence can go a long way to ensure we all enjoy the outdoors this weekend while keeping everyone safe.”


Recreators are encouraged to prepare themselves and others as they plan to visit and enjoy their public lands. The following tips were provided by Forest Service recreation and public service specialists based on situations recently seen on California National Forests.


• Plan for heat warnings: Rising temperatures across California can pose potential risks for campers and hikers from heat-related illnesses that prevent the body from cooling down. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and plan early or late afternoon hikes to avoid the hottest part of the
day.
• Conserve water wisely: Always bring enough water when recreating outdoors and ensure all spigots and valves are tightly turned off at recreation sites and pumps to protect limited water supplies.
• Note hazard trees: Falling trees are an ever-present hazard when hiking and camping in National Forests. Be aware of your surroundings, including high winds and avoid parking or camping where damaged trees are present.
• Leave your site cleaner than you found it: Protect wildlife and water bodies by using trash receptacles correctly; or pack out what you pack in. Look around for dropped items, like trash and toys.
• Minimize campfire impacts: Consider fire restrictions before starting a campfire. Enhanced fire restrictions are in effect on National Forest lands at Lake Tahoe . Wood and charcoal fires are only permitted within provided metal rings and grills in campgrounds listed in Exhibit A of the Forest Order. Consider a portable camp stove for the least impact. Read more about LTBMU Fire Restrictions and learn about wildfire prevention and preparedness at Tahoe Living With Fire.
• Leave fireworks at home: All personal use fireworks are illegal on public lands because of the wildfire danger they pose to our communities and forests. Leave the personal use fireworks at home and attend one of the professional displays over Lake Tahoe instead.
• Keep Tahoe bears wild: Bear canisters are required for overnight visitors to Desolation Wilderness and are highly encouraged in other backcountry areas. Be sure to remove all food, garbage, and scented items from your vehicle before heading out. In campgrounds, store all food
and scented items in bear resistant containers (storage lockers/bear boxes), dispose of trash in dumpsters or trash receptacles properly and close and lock these containers. Read more about Keeping Tahoe Bears Wild.
• Respect rules for dogs: Please respect the rules on where dogs are allowed. Dogs are not permitted on National Forest designated swim beaches including Baldwin, Kaspian, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, and William Kent beaches. Read more about Dogs at Lake Tahoe.
• Respect rules for eBikes: Please be courteous to hikers and other bicyclists and respect the rules on where eBikes are allowed. Motor assisted bicycles (eBikes) are only allowed on National Forest motorized trails. For more information on where eBikes are allowed, take a look at the
LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Maps and eBike webpage.
• Recreate responsibly in the Caldor Fire area: Recreationists should use caution when recreating in the 2021 Caldor Fire area. Burned landscapes present numerous safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been worsened by the effects of the fire. Hikers and mountain bikers should be on the lookout for falling trees and limbs, ash pits, burned stump holes, and root chambers. Read more about Caldor Fire Area Safety Tips.
• Practice backcountry safety: Backcountry enthusiasts should always tell a family member or friend where they are going, when they expect to return, and then stick to the plan. Always check the weather before heading out. Sturdy footwear, proper clothing and gear is essential, and an
old-fashioned paper map and compass can come in handy. Always travel with a buddy, never alone. Keep in mind that mobile devices may not work in remote areas. Develop an emergency plan in case you cannot call for help.
• Consider public transportation: Holiday traffic and road construction make for extremely crowded roads and parking areas. Walk, carpool, or bicycle to avoid limited parking in crowded recreation areas. Where parking on the side of the road is allowed, be careful to not park on vegetation as this can cause damage to the environment and can spark a wildfire.
• Avoid cold water shock: Cold water shock is real and can be life-threatening. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming and participating in water activities at Lake Tahoe. Wearing a life jacket even if you’re a strong swimmer significantly increases your chance of survival. Visit the following links to learn more about Cold Water Safety and ways to prevent Cold Water Shock.
• Share the path: Yield to slower trail users, pass others safely, respect others and enjoy Lake Tahoe.


Visit Leave No Trace, Know Before You Go and Recreate Responsibly to learn more and follow

#RecreateResponsibly on social media.

The LTBMU wishes everyone a safe and fun Labor Day!