Tahoe bound Labor Day weekend visitors urged not to litter, start fires or feed the bears

Lake Tahoe is a cherished destination and it’s up to each one of us to take care of and protect this special place. This Labor Day weekend, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead, follow fire restrictions, leave areas cleaner than you found them and practice good stewardship habits.

The Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe will be closed on Monday, Sep. 2, 2024, in observance of the federal holiday. Normal hours resume on Tuesday, Sep. 3.

In addition to year-round campfire restrictions, enhanced campfire restrictions are in effect on National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin and will remain in effect through the Dec. 1 or until rescinded.

Under enhanced fire restrictions, campfires (wood, charcoal or any other solid fuels) are no longer permitted in Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake backcountry campgrounds. Campfires are allowed within permanently installed campfire pits and barbecue grills listed in Exhibit A of the forest order. Portable stoves with on/off switches are allowed in other areas with a valid permit.

Litter and debris left behind is a human health hazard and harmful to wildlife. It also degrades Lake Tahoe’s water quality. Become part of the solution and always carry a few trash bags in case trash cans and dumpsters are full or not available. We all have a responsibility to care for and sustain the places we love. Be a good steward and always pack out your trash and anything else brought in.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and prepare themselves for visits to National Forest and other public lands. The following tips were provided by Forest Service recreation and public service specialists based on common situations seen on California National Forests.

Plan for cool weather, cold nights: Weather in the Sierra Nevada this time of year is typically warm and dry, though nighttime temperatures can be cold and afternoon thundershowers often build over the mountains. Snow is possible during any month of the year. Be prepared for changeable weather and bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry.

Conserve water wisely: Always bring enough water when recreating outdoors and ensure all spigots and valves are tightly turned off at recreation sites to protect limited water supplies.

Use caution around hazard trees: Falling trees are an ever-present hazard when hiking and camping in National Forests. Be aware of your surroundings, especially during high wind events and avoid parking or camping where damaged trees are present.

Reserve campsites in advance: Lake Tahoe campgrounds are very popular this time of year. Be sure to reserve a spot in advance and remember dispersed camping, also known as car camping or overnighting, is not permitted in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it: Protect wildlife and water bodies by using trash receptacles correctly. When leaving an area, always look around for and remove any dropped items, like trash, toys and camping gear.

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.

Keep Tahoe bears wild: Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visitors to Desolation Wilderness and bear-resistant containers are required in other backcountry areas. Remove all food, garbage, and scented items from vehicles before heading out on the trail and close and lock vehicle windows and doors.

In campgrounds, store all food and scented items in bear resistant containers (storage lockers/bear boxes) and be sure to close and lock them. Always dispose of trash properly in dumpsters or trash receptacles and close and lock them. Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild here.

Respect rules for dogs: Please respect the rules on where dogs are allowed and be sure to pick up after them. Dogs are not permitted in designated swim areas including Baldwin, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, and William Kent beaches. Learn more about dogs at Lake Tahoe here.

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 allowed only on National Forest trails that are designated for motorized use. For more information, view the LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Maps page here.

Recreate responsibly in recently burned areas: Recreationists should use caution when accessing areas that have recently burned- including the 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. Be on the lookout for burned or falling trees and limbs, ash pits, burned stump holes, and root chambers.

Be aware of forest thinning and powerline projects: Several forest thinning (fuels reduction) and powerline maintenance projects are underway in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Forest visitors should use caution when accessing areas where crews and heavy equipment are working and be aware of helicopter operations around powerlines. View forest thinning project locations at Tahoe Living With Fire here.

Practice backcountry safety: Backcountry visitors should always tell a family member or friend where they are going, when they expect to return, then stick to the plan. Always check 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, avoid parking on vegetation because this can damage the environment and could 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 if you get into trouble.
Share the path: Yield to slower trail users, pass others safely, and be courteous and respectful of others.

To learn more about good stewardship habits, visit Leave No Trace, Know Before You Go, Recreate Responsibly and the Lake Tahoe Destination Stewardship Plan to learn more about how you can help take care and be a good steward of the forest.