Conservancy: Van Sickle Bi-State Park to reopen, Seasonal dog closure at Upper Truckee Marsh

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy made three announcements on Friday, all going into effect on May 1. The gates and facilities at Van Sickle Bi-State Park will reopen, the seasonal dog closure to protect wildlife starts at the Upper Truckee Marsh, and the Tahoe Pines parking lot will reopen.

On May 1, park roads, parking lots, restrooms, and drinking fountains will all become available for visitors, and trash collection will resume at Van Sickle Bi-State Park in South Lake Tahoe.

The Conservancy co-manages the 725-acre Van Sickle Bi-State Park with Nevada State Parks. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and the historic Van Sickle ranch barn and cabins.

In addition, starting on May 1, the Conservancy will open the parking lot at its Tahoe Pines property in Meyers. Tahoe Pines features a fully accessible trail from the parking area to the Upper Truckee River, as well as picnic tables and bicycle parking.

The seasonal dog closure to protect wildlife starts at Upper Truckee Marsh. The Conservancy will temporarily close the marsh to dogs starting May 1. This annual seasonal closure protects birds and other wildlife during the breeding season. People must keep dogs away from the sensitive marsh habitat through July 31. Beginning August 1, people may resume bringing leashed dogs within the closed areas of the Marsh.

Conservancy land north of Venice Drive, along the west bank of the Upper Truckee River, remains open for year-round access to leashed dogs. A fully accessible trail leads from the end of Venice Drive to Lake Tahoe.

Conservancy staff and California Highway Patrol officers monitor these areas for compliance.

The Conservancy manages about 560 acres at the Upper Truckee Marsh, one of the largest remaining marshes in the Sierra Nevada, to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and water quality.