Tahoe Fund and USFS launch project to control trashed sleds in Lake Tahoe

What has become an out-of-control, unsightly and all too common practice at Lake Tahoe snow play areas now has a champion to control abandoned sleds.

Tahoe Fund Executive Director Amy Berry brought several organizations together to discuss potential solutions to resolve this issue. It had been on their radar for some time, but with the rapid growth of discarded sleds covering the landscape, Berry and the Tahoe Care Team of the agency knew something had to be done immediately.

It would be hoped that users would just take their sleds back with them, but that isn't happening so Berry and her team looked for a quick fix.

Their solution is a pilot sled corral program. They have installed a Lake Tahoe test site on Spooner Summit to see how it works. One of Tahoe Fund's partners is the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

"We’re optimistic this pilot solution could play a role in assisting the enormous amount of sled debris left behind by those who recreate on National Forest System lands," said Heather Noel of the USFS Legislative/External Affairs Office.

Materials to create the sled corral was donated by the USFS, Tahoe Fund donated the Take Care Tahoe signs, and others installed the enclosure with in-kind service. Volunteers will clean out and transport the sled debris to a nearby dumpster donated by State Parks.

This pilot program will determine future investment into the feasibility of the public using the sled enclosure. Those seeking an opportunity that helps keep Tahoe clean for all to enjoy are encouraged to contact INFO@TAKECARE.ORG.

The sled corrals can address the discarded sled problem, but Heather noted those using the recreation areas also leave trash behind and they need to utilize the bear-proof trash receptacles.

"Should the sled debris enclosure be utilized for trash, we would discontinue having the enclosure on forest land as the trash could bring bears in closer to sledding enthusiasts," said Noel.

Tahoe Meadows near Mt. Rose also has a sled corral in partnership with USFS at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Sleds being dumped on public lands is not just a Lake Tahoe issue and is one experienced by areas across the county. Why it is becoming popular to dump sleds that are either broken or no longer needed is not clear. During a recent stop in South Lake Tahoe, the "Leave No Trace" team suggested that it takes just one sled or piece of trash left behind to give the impression that it is okay for future users to do the same.

"Leave No Trace" said to help the environment by not only following the rule "Pack In Pack Out," but to pick up found items so others aren't encouraged to leave garbage behind.