Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

Overview

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) encompasses over 156,000 acres of National Forest lands straddling California and Nevada around Lake Tahoe. Currently, winter seasonal closures are in effect for most forest roads, recreation facilities, campgrounds, beaches, picnic areas, and restrooms. The Forest Service's Christmas tree permit program remains temporarily paused. Prescribed fire operations continue through fall and winter as conditions allow to reduce overgrown vegetation and protect communities from wildfires. Winter recreation is open including skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sledding. Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness, and bear-resistant containers are required in all other backcountry areas. Campfire restrictions are currently in place. There are active harmful algal bloom advisories, and bubonic plague warnings are posted. The Kokanee salmon spawn is occurring, typically running late October through November and as late as February. The Taylor Creek Visitor Center and most developed facilities reopen Memorial Day weekend through mid-October annually.