Forestry Program
The Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) launched its Forestry Program in 2024 to support forest health, wildfire resilience, and community safety throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. In its first year, the program quickly gained momentum—planning and supporting 11 forestry projects, building strong partnerships, and developing internal expertise in project permitting, mapping, plan writing, and oversight.
Supporting Forest Health & Wildfire Resilience
Tahoe RCD plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing hazardous fuels reduction efforts. By collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service – Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Tahoe National Forest, local fire districts, and other key partners, the Forestry Program helps streamline permitting processes and ensure that strategic forest management projects move forward efficiently.
These collaborations enhance communication among land managers and help accelerate critical work to reduce wildfire risk and promote healthy forest ecosystems across the Basin.
Featured Projects
In partnership with the Tahoe Truckee Airport District and North Tahoe Fire, this project focuses on reducing hazardous fuels along Highway 89 between Tahoe City and Alpine Meadows—an essential evacuation corridor. The project addresses dead and dying trees, ladder fuels, and ground fuels across 92.4 acres using hand thinning and burn pile creation. Tahoe RCD is coordinating closely with the U.S. Forest Service and local fire agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to support future fuels reduction efforts in the area.
Currently in the bidding phase, this collaborative project with Lake Valley Fire and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue integrates student involvement into real-world forestry work. High school students joined foresters to identify hazard trees around campus, gaining hands-on experience while helping plan the project. Once implemented, this effort will enhance defensible space and promote fire-safe landscaping on school grounds.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Goals
- Complete permitting and initiate restoration work at Trout Creek Meadow
- Expand fuels reduction to additional sites, including schools and public lands
- Support large-scale collaborative efforts like Lake Tahoe West through technical assistance and project management
- Continue refining environmental review and permitting processes to improve efficiency
The Forestry Program is an essential part of Tahoe RCD’s mission to foster environmental stewardship and build community resilience. Through innovative partnerships, strategic planning, and science-driven restoration, we are helping to protect Tahoe’s forests, watersheds, and community.