No Smoking, No Campfires Allowed in Tahoe National Forest as Drought Persists

The Tahoe National Forest has put in place a series of fire restrictions controlling smoking and campfire burning as temperatures rise and drought-stricken vegetation bakes in the summer heat, officials announced Tuesday. Visitors to the forest may still make campfires in approved fire rings in designated day-use and campground sites but not outside of those locations due to Stage 1 fire restrictions, which went into effect on Wednesday morning.

The website of the Forest Service has a list of campgrounds within which campfires are allowed. Smoking is not permitted in Stage 1 restrictions, except enclosed vehicles or buildings, selected campgrounds, and barren areas with a minimum three-foot diameter. Motor vehicles are not permitted to be driven off of gravel, paved, or dirt roads or trails in the forest, unless they are in an area that is specifically designated for off-highway vehicles.

Jason Withrow, the management officer for Tahoe National Forest Fire said on Tuesday that they are enforcing fire restrictions in undeveloped areas to safeguard the forests and neighboring communities as the Tahoe National Forest approaches critical fire conditions.

Withrow added that at this point in the summer, the park is still allowing fires in the designated developed recreation areas because that is where they are most safe to use.

The press release states that the decision to impose fire restrictions is based on the observations of fire management officials, who keep an eye on fuel moisture levels, wildfire conditions in the forest, and expected weather patterns.

The press release from the Forest Service emphasized the necessity of constantly monitoring campfires, checking that combustion engines have a functional spark arresting device, as well as limiting the use of combustible materials like cigarette butts and pyrotechnics, The Sacramento Bee reports.

Taho National Forest

The elevation of the lands in the Tahoe National Forest ranges from 1,500 feet in the American River Canyon on the forest's western edge to more than 9,400 feet atop Mt. Lola along the Sierra Crest.

The Tahoe National Forest is renowned for its untamed beauty, excellent opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, historic sites, and extraordinarily productive timberlands. The Granite Chief Wilderness Area offers seclusion, natural splendor, and fantastic hiking trails.

The Yuba River (north), American River, Yuba River (south), Sierraville, and Truckee are the four ranger districts that make up the Tahoe National Forest. These locations are where you can go for these recreation activities. The Big Bend Museum and Big Bend Visitor Information Center are both connected to the Forest. There are many interpretive programs available in the Forest.

The Foresthill Divide is a fantastic location with lots of places for both solitude and social interaction as well as recreational opportunities. The French Meadows area east of Foresthill and the Sugar Pine / Big Reservoir area east and north of Foresthill are the two primary recreation areas.

Due to centuries of trans-Sierra migration and travel across Donner Pass, the Tahoe National Forest has an incredibly rich historic and prehistoric setting. Before and during the California Gold Rush in the 1840s and 1850s, more than 200,000 people passed through Big Bend on their way to the state. Near the center, covered wagon wheels still show signs of rust, and during the summer, staff members of the Visitor Center guide walk along the emigrant trail.

Related article: How To Keep Warm Camping Without Fire