Tahoe National Forest Closure

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Here is a copy of the press release regarding the closure due to fire danger of the Tahoe National Forest. This area is north of the recent fire in South Lake Tahoe. It includes the Fordyce Creek Trail and means that vehicle use is prohibited. The Rubicon and Barrett Lake are in Eldorado Forest and not affected at this time. My bet is that if we don't get rain by August the Eldorado, Stanislaus and Toyobe will also close. Currently there are severe fire restrictions in all forests.

News Release

Tahoe National Forest

631 Coyote St .
Nevada City CA 95959
Modified July 4 to correct email link and add link to Forest Order.
Added additional link July 5.

June 29 , 2007

Contact:Ann Westling Public Affairs Officer 530-478-6205
Additional Fire Restrictions in the Tahoe National Forest

Nevada City… Due to continued hot, dry, and windy weather, fire restrictions in the Tahoe National Forest (TNF) will be increased beginning Monday, July 2, 2007, announced Judie Tartaglia, Deputy Forest Supervisor. “The fire near South Lake Tahoe is a good example of the explosive fire conditions this year. In making the decision to increase fire restrictions, we have tried to find a balance between minimizing the risk of human-caused fires and reducing the impacts for the recreating public and contractors. We need everyone to be especially vigilant when it comes to fire safety,” stated Tartaglia. The restrictions will affect several activities:

• Fireworks – Absolutely no fireworks are permitted in the National Forest.
  Campfires – Only permitted in those campgrounds that have water systems, metal campfire rings, fire engine accessibility and regular patrols by campground hosts. Visitors can contact any TNF office for a list of campgrounds where campfires are permitted.
  Portable Stoves and Lanterns - Permitted in all campgrounds and the backcountry with a valid campfire permit.
  Woodcutting –.Check the woodcutting hotlines each day to determine if chainsaws are permitted.
  Off-Highway Vehicle Use – Only permitted on designated roads; the Prosser Pit area near Truckee ; and the Sugar Pine OHV area north of Foresthill. (Not permitted on trails other than the areas mentioned.)
  Smoking – Limited to vehicles, buildings, and in a 3-foot cleared area.
• Contract/Permittee Operations – Any operation or permittee that uses internal combustion engines or fire, must have an approved fire plan.

For More Information - Contact any Tahoe National Forest office in Camptonville (530) 288-3231, Foresthill (530) 367-2224, Nevada City (530) 265-4531, Sierraville (530) 994-3401 or Truckee (530) 587-3558 or check out the webpage at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe.
On the Web

• FONT=Times New Roman]Forest Order 17-07-04 (.pdf) or (.html) [/font]
• Reference information concerning the rationale behind additional restrictions (.pdf) or (.html)