parks

Nine candidates apply to fill STPUD board seat through 2020, special meeting Thursday

Event Date: 
June 11, 2020 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a special board meeting for the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) on Thursday, June 11 starting at 9:00 a.m. to discuss who will fill the remainder of Jim Jones's term.

Jones, a longtime member of the board, passed away on May 7.

Nine residents filled out an application and expressed a desire to be the temporary board member until December 2020. Jones's seat would have been up for election in November.

East Shore Express to Sand Harbor not operating this summer

LAKE TAHOE, Nev, - Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) announced today that the East Shore Express, its popular summer seasonal transit service from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, will not operate in 2020. TTD plans to resume the East Shore Express service in summer 2021.

Prescribed understory burn in Sugar Pine Point State Park starts June 1

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – California State Parks will conduct an understory burn on four acres in Sugar Pine Point State Park beginning Monday, June 1, weather permitting.

Smoke may be visible.

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team lists all current burn projects on their website at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/. The one next week at Sugar Pine is the only one currently scheduled.

City of South Lake Tahoe facilities to start reopening

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe will be opening their boat ramp at El Dorado Beach on Friday, May 29. Only boats with valid Tahoe, Echo Lake or Fallen Leaf Lake seals and a 2020 Tahoe sticker will be able to launch. "Tahoe Only" stickers are available for purchase at this launch site. They will be open Friday through Sunday only at this time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Only one boat will be able to occupy the dock at a time. The boat ramp will be not be accepting cash and wireless payment technology will be utilized.

Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Lake Tahoe boat ramps to start opening up for boats not needing inspection

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Boat ramps around Lake Tahoe will start opening this week, but at this time only vessels with an intact Lake Tahoe inspection seal can launch and no uninspected vessels from outside the Tahoe Region will be able to get on the water.

Lake Tahoe's East Shore Trail now has new interpretive features

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Tahoe East shore Trail has become an interpretive trail after 23 new educational signs were installed thanks to funds from the NV Energy Foundation. The signs provide information on regional history, the environment, and local wildlife.

The popular trail runs between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park with parking on SR28 at Tunnel Creek in Incline.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County businesses move towards green light on reopening

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many South Lake Tahoe businesses will be able to open soon, but not until they have plans in place that comply with the State’s COVID-19 guidelines and the State approves and publishes the public health director's signed Variance Attestation and supporting documents.

Prescribed burn operations at Sugar Pine, Glenbrook and Zephyr Cove

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) and California State Parks will conduct understory burns at Lake Tahoe in the coming days.

TDFPD is planning on burning in Glenbrook on May 12 and in Zephyr Cove on May 20, 2020. State Paks is planning on burning at Sugar Pine Point State Park on the West Shore on May 11 and May 18. Both are weather permitting and smoke be visible.

Glenbrook - Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 3.00
Zephyr Cove - Warrior Way, Burn Type: Understory, Total Acreage: 2.00

Portion of Tahoe East Shore Trail closed to stop visitation surges

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A portion of the popular East Shore Trail will be closed starting May 8. Nevada State Parks has closed access to Sand Harbor via the Tahoe East Shore Trail temporarily due to expected visitation surges. Most of the trail will remain open.

Popular Sand Harbor has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to one hour past dusk. The cost per car is $10.

Governor outlines guidelines for reopening Nevada with phase one Saturday

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has unveiled his plan for the state to reopen under phase one starting May 9, 2020. Outdoor malls, restaurants, hair salons, and barber shops are among those able to reopen with new standards for safety.

"We must stay safe so we can stay open," said Sisolak of the ability to move into phase 2 by the end of May, or sooner.

"The beginning of the reopening of our economy is not the end of the coronavirus," said Sisolak during a press conference Thursday afternoon. "It's still with us, as strong as ever. It will not go away until there's a vaccine."

Four-week acting online workshop starts in May in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
May 11, 2020 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A four-week on-line acting workshop will be starting on May 11, 2020. Take 2 Performers Studio and Tahoe Production House have teamed up to bring this workshop to youth with a focus on television and film acting.

This is an interactive class where students will develop a solid foundation and acting techniques including improv, auditioning skills for film and television, and on-camera experience with instructors Justine Reyes and Holly Lorge.

Prescribed burn operations resume on Lake Tahoe's northwest shore

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has resumed prescribed fire operations in the Tahoe Basin. California State Parks is currently conducting operations at Burton Creek State Park on Tahoe’s northwest shore and will continue over the next three weeks, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible. View map with project locations/details at https://www.tahoelivingwithfire.com/get-informed/ and sign-up for prescribed fire notifications by sending an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.

Operation information:

What is being burned - Seven acres of hand piles

Douglas County commissioners and residents deliver letter to Sisolak asking for phased reopening

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on April 29, 2020, regarding recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impacts to local businesses in the county. The Board decided unanimously to deliver a letter to Governor Sisolak in support of reopening Douglas County and hand-delivered the letter in unison with community members and the Sheriff's Office at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.

Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely

Beautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.

County health officer sets the record straight about non-essential businesses and travel

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Since California Governor Newsom issued "Shelter in Place" orders for the state on March 19, life changed for millions of people. What was once commonplace, changed overnight.

Navigating through what is essential and what is nonessential has been a struggle for many.

The El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams created a statement Friday to reiterate business, activity and travel restrictions. She also said that she and county leaders may have to impose stricter limitations than imposed by the state should some current practices continue.

Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities weekly tip: #3 Talking to kids about wildfire

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Network of Fire Adapted Communities is presenting their third "Tip of the Week," an ongoing series for the public since they are unable to perform their normal community outreach services.

Below are tips, lessons, videos, and hands-on activities for the children in the home.

This Week's Tip: Talking to Kids About Wildfire

Sierra State Parks holding Earth Day drawing contest for all ages

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra State Parks Foundation is hosting an Earth Day Drawing Contest for all ages. Show them what you love about Lake Tahoe and the planet!

Age divisions are as follows; Pre-K and Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-12, and Adults. There will be prizes awarded to the winner of each age division.

Incline Village GID votes to ban smoking from all facilities

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to prohibit the use of any form of tobacco at all district-owned and operated facilities, including restrooms, spectator and concession areas.

Per Nevada statutes, marijuana and vaping use were already prohibited in all public spaces.

The move by the board was to "help protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents and guests of Incline Village and Crystal Bay."

South Lake Tahoe parks to remain closed during pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Parks run by the City of South Lake Tahoe that were closed for the season will remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We aren’t discouraging public access to the parks, we want our residents to get outside during this crisis,” said Public Works Director Ray Jarvis. “We are going to keep the parks closed to vehicle access though to discourage large gatherings and to continue to encourage people to follow state and federal guidelines.”

Douglas County to VHR owners and tourists: Do not rent homes, Do not visit at this time

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Consistent with directives issued by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and the guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, Douglas County is urging travelers and short-term rental owners/managers, to take this threat to our community seriously, act responsibly and refrain from renting vacation home properties to non-essential travelers at this time.

North Lake Tahoe artists selected for East Shore Trail mural

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - A husband and wife artist team from North Lake Tahoe has been selected to paint the tunnel mural on the popular new Tahoe East Shore Trail. Over 34 people responded to the public call for submissions by the Tahoe Fund and a team of local nonprofits, private section and government agencies collaborated to select the winner.

America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe rescheduled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another event casualty due to the coronavirus is the 29th annual America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Originally set for Sunday, June 7, it has been rescheduled to combine with the 18th annual Tour de Tahoe, set for Sunday, September 13, 2020. This due to the uncertainty of current and changing CDC coronavirus COVID-19 restrictions and mandates by national, state and county health agencies.

Stay-at-home FAQs from California Department of Health

The California State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health have ordered all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence, except as needed to maintain continuity of operation of the federal critical infrastructure sectors.

Some people may be confused and hear different messages and wonder exactly what are "essential services". To list what the State order covered they have come out with a guideline to help navigate these unchartered waters.

What does this mean?

Some El Dorado County buildings closed due to snow; Courts still open

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many El Dorado County offices in South Lake Tahoe and other areas are closed Monday due to snow.

El Dorado County officials have closed the following buildings due to weather conditions:

Planning and Building
Environmental Management and Union Mine Disposal Site
Department of Transportation (other than road and snow crew)
Airports, Cemeteries, Parks
District Attorney
County Counsel
Child Support Services
Auditor
CAO's office
Human Resources
Assessor
Surveyor
Elections

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations in the Tahoe Basin over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Aspen 1011 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Off Pioneer and Marshall trails near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 02/28/2020

Twin Peaks 1091 - USDA Forest Service - Location: Near corner of Pawnee Drive and Iroquois Circle, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 30.00.

Presentation on Lake Tahoe Events Center February 27

Event Date: 
February 27, 2020 - 1:30pm

STATELINE, Neve - The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners will hear a presentation from the Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) on the Tahoe South Events Center Project during their February 27 board meeting which starts at 1:30 p.m.

The presentation will include project updates, status and all project-related studies, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approval process and related transportation funding requirements, financing package from all funding sources, and the proposed pledge by the Douglas County Redevelopment Area No. 2 (RDA #2).

Upcoming meetings to update public on Lake Tahoe's SR89 West Shore plan

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The public is invited to explore the future of Lake Tahoe's West Shore during one of three public opportunities offered by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, and Tahoe Transportation District. The State Route 89 Recreation Corridor Management Plan outlines the projects needed to improve the visitor experience, reduce traffic congestion, and preserve the environment from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoma.

Prescribed fire operations to continue around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) has plans to continue prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe over the next several weeks, weather, conditions and staffing permitting.

In the map above, the following operations are scheduled (clockwise starting with Sugar Pine Point State Park):

Sugar Pine Point State Park - California State Parks
Rod Beaudry Trail northwest of Ehrman Manion
Burn Type: Hand Pile
Total Acreage: 2.00
Planned Ignition: 03/02/2020

Burton Creek State Park - California State Parks
Burton Creek State Park, North of Rocky Ridge

Forest Service hosts off-highway vehicle grant open house in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 20, 2020 - 4:00pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will host an open house in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, to provide information and seek public input on their annual California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division grant applications. The OHMVR applications request funding for trail maintenance and operation of facilities for off-highway vehicle access in the Tahoe Basin.

Vail awards $2.8 million in grant support to 76 Lake Tahoe area nonprofits

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts EpicPromise has selected 76 local nonprofits in the Lake Tahoe area to receive one of their 2019-20 community grants, totaling $2.8 million in grant support.

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Kirkwood recently held a breakfast to honor the recipients. The followed with a similar celebration at Northstar, the third area Vail resort.

Sierra Speaker Series: A Sentimental Journey Along Highway 395

Event Date: 
March 21, 2020 - 5:00pm

TRUCKEE, Calif. - Sierra State Parks Foundation presents a presentation on covering the history of Highway 395. The March 21 talk will be held at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center located at 12593 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, CA. The discussion will start at 5pm. There is a suggested $5 donation to attend and the State Park parking fee is waived for the evening. Refreshments available and book signing will occur after the presentation. Seating is limited. Come early to visit the exhibits and peruse the fabulous park store.

USFS seeks public input on Off-Highway-Vehicle recreation grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The public is invited to an open house hosted by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) on Thurdsay, February 20 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They will be providing information and seeking public input on their annual California Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division grant applications.

The OHMVR applications request funding for trail maintenance and operation of facilities for off-highway vehicle access in the Tahoe Basin.

Free Olympic Heritage Trail Day at Sugar Pine Park

Event Date: 
February 22, 2020 - 10:00am

TAHOMA, Calif. - You don't have to be an Olympian to explore the self-guided trails of the Olympic Heritage trails at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Sierra State Parks Foundation, the local nonprofit park partner, is hosting a free park day in honor of the 60th anniversary of the 1960 Winter Olympics, which took place in Squaw Valley and the West Shore of Lake Tahoe.

This is a great opportunity to explore the Olympic Heritage trails and interpretive displays while learning about the cultural and natural history of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Prescribed fires to continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal land management agencies, will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin as conditions, staffing and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

The following 12 areas are on the schedule:

Aspen Lily Lake 1011 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
Location: Powerline Road (Forest Road 12N08), off Pioneer Trail near South Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles - Total Acreage: 14.00 - Planned ignition: 1/25/20

Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.

Proposed plans for SR-28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit released

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - New plans have been released on the State Route 28 corridor from Sand Harbor to Spooner Summit on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. After the success of the East Shore Trail from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, the plan is to continue the shared-use trail with other improvements to highway safety and infrastructure; summer recreational access; water, air and scenic quality; and increase non-motorized access to the corridor.

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has issued a draft decision for the proposed improvements to this area.

60th anniversary of Squaw Valley Olympics to be celebrated at Sierra State Parks event

Event Date: 
February 15, 2020 - 5:00pm

It has been 60 years since the 1960 Winter Olympics were held in Squaw Valley and Sugar Pine Point State Park at Lake Tahoe. To celebrate this anniversary, the Sierra State Parks Foundation is hosting a presentation on the event with author David Antonucci on February 15, 2020.

Prescribed burns to continue around Lake Tahoe, weather and snow permitting

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin. They may not be able to continue prescribed fire operations at some sites because of increased snow loads, but some units are able to continue burning.

Billboard to help spread word of responsible recreation in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone has seen the pictures, piles of broken plastic sleds left behind in the snow, trash left behind on the beaches and even pet waste disposal bags left along the trails.

Shared on social media, these photos of irresponsible people enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe have spread like runny pancake batter. The reason most visit and live around the Lake Tahoe Basin is for the natural beauty everywhere one looks. The majestic peaks and pine-tree filled mountains, the crystal blue water, beaches lining much of the 72-mile circumference of the pristine Lake Tahoe.

Artists needed to create mural on East Shore Trail tunnel, the target of recent graffiti

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Since its opening in June 2019, the new Tahoe East Shore Trail connecting Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park has quickly become an attraction for both residents and visitors interested in exploring Tahoe’s famed East Shore on foot or by bicycle. To augment the natural beauty of the immediate surroundings and transform a utilitarian tunnel into an enjoyable, relevant art experience, the Tahoe Fund and Tahoe Public Art have joined together to commission a mural that will be unique to the space.

Prescribed burn operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team, which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies, are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin over the next few weeks, weather permitting.

The 13 areas currently on the planned operations:

The old Tahoe Pines Campground near the intersection of US Hwy 50 and South Upper Truckee Rd. by the California Tahoe Conservancy. 8 acres of Machine Piles.

Upper Kinsbury, Valley Side by the Tahoe Douglas Fire District. 40 acres of Hand Piles.

Drivers stopped for snow play adventures continue to park dangerously & illegally

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. With the fun and excitement awaiting, many seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules,

Dozens of new California laws go into effect in 2020

New laws will be going into effect in California in the new year, putting into place California legislature action during 2019. There are many changes including road safety and distracted driving penalties, roadkill rules, minimum wage, independent workers and rent caps.

Except where noted, these laws are effective January 1, 2020:

Traffic Safety

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting several new laws passed this year:

California Tahoe Conservancy board approves forest health, aquatic species and marsh restoration funds

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board has authorized spending $1,036,750 to implement three high-priority projects to reduce fire risk and improve forest health in South Lake Tahoe and on the west shore.

During their meeting on Thursday, the CTC Board approved funding for projects that include:

- Spending up to $211,250 on forest thinning on Conservancy land in the South Lake Tahoe Ski Run and Bijou neighborhoods,

- A grant to the South Tahoe Public Utility District for up to $338,000 for forest thinning on the grounds of its treatment plant, and

Purchase of one electric bus, four diesel buses on LTUSD agenda Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Timing seems perfect to have a fleet of electric buses for the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD), but trustees have the purchase of just one on their Friday night agenda along with the purchase of four diesel buses.

The Board's annual organizational meeting is set for December 13 at 5:00 p.m. instead of their normal Tuesday meeting. During the meeting, they will elect a new board president and clerk, and elect representatives to El Dorado County School Boards Association and Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation, and assign annual duties for the trustees.

Column: Lake Tahoe West Landscape Restoration Strategy.

As the Fire Chief serving the north and west shores of Lake Tahoe, I am acutely aware and concerned about the potential for catastrophic wildfire here.

AlertTahoe fire camera system detects 57th fire in Lake Tahoe

The AlertTahoe 11-camera system surrounding the Lake Tahoe Basin has been credited for detecting its 57th fire since first being installed in 2013.

As the Kincade Fire in Sonoma and the Easy Fire in Southern California raged, a camera in Lake Tahoe spotted a small fire on the West Shore. Fire crews were able to respond and quickly put it out.

Unique Lake Tahoe experiences available at Sierra State Parks online auction

lAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular Sierra State Parks Foundation annual end-of-the-year online auction is now live, offering the public chances to win four unique experiences, perfect for a Christmas present or unforgettable summer in Lake Tahoe.

From now until December 31, 2019, at 11:59 p.m., people can submit bids on experiences: Vikingsholm Tour & Tastings at Vikingsholm Castle, Breakfast on the Porch at the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, Dinner for Eight inside the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, and Stake Your Claim BBQ Dinner at Emerald Bay (lake level).

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin, weather and staffing permitting

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next few weeks in the Tahoe Basin, weather, conditions, and staffing permitted.

Scheduled Prescribed Burns:

Tahoe Pines Campground

Syndicate content