United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

 
 Cover photo:

View over Homewood on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, looking 

toward South Lake Tahoe. 

 Credit – all photos, graphs and maps: 

U.S. Forest Service staff, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

may be duplicated for public use (not for profit)

Non-Discrimination Policy 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and 

applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, 

religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual 

orientation, or all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program, or 

protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the 

Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)

To File an Employment Complaint 

If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency's EEO Counselor (PDF) within 

45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional 

information can be found online at: www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html.

To File a Program Complaint 

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program 

Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html, or at 

any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of 

the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 

D.C. 20250-9410, 

by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. 

Persons with Disabilities 

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you wish to file either an EEO or 

program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-

6136 (in Spanish). 

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information above on how to 

contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) 

please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

TOC ■ i

Land Management Plan 

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION TO THE LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN ..................................... 1

PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................. 1

THE LAKE TAHOE BASIN MANAGEMENT UNIT (LTBMU) ................................................................... 1

PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY................................................................................................... 4

PLAN FORMAT AND CONTENT ....................................................................................................... 5

Three-Part Format of the Forest Plan ......................................................................................... 5

FOREST PLAN CONSISTENCY ........................................................................................................ 9

RELATIONSHIP TO PLANS OF OTHER AGENCIES ............................................................................. 10

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Regional Plan ........................................................................ 10

Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, Basin Plan .................................................................... 11

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Administrative Code .................................. 11

PART 1: VISION ....................................................................................................................... 14

Ecological Sustainability .......................................................................................................... 14

Social and Economic Sustainability ........................................................................................... 37

PART 2: STRATEGIES .............................................................................................................. 47

2.1 ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY .............................................................................................. 47

Physical Resources Program Strategy ....................................................................................... 47

Physical Resources Objectives ................................................................................................. 50

Climate Change Strategy ........................................................................................................ 50

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management Program Strategy .............................................. 51

Forest Vegetation and Fuels Management Objectives ................................................................ 54

Biological Resources Program Strategy ..................................................................................... 55

Biological Resources Objectives ............................................................................................... 62

2.2 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................... 64

Partnership and Volunteers Strategies ...................................................................................... 64

Recreation Program Strategy ................................................................................................... 64

Recreation Program Objective ................................................................................................. 67

Recreation Special Uses Program Strategy ................................................................................ 67

Interpretation and Education Program Strategy ........................................................................ 68

Scenic Quality Strategies ......................................................................................................... 68

Cultural Resources Program Strategy ....................................................................................... 68

Cultural Resources Objectives ................................................................................................. 69

Tribal Relations Program Strategy ............................................................................................ 70

Tribal Relations Objective ....................................................................................................... 70

Access and Travel Management Program Strategy .................................................................... 70

Access and Travel Management Program Objectives ................................................................. 71

National Trails System Program Strategy .................................................................................. 72

National Recreation Trails Strategy .......................................................................................... 72

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) Strategy ...................................................................... 72

Built Environment Program Strategy ........................................................................................ 73

Built Environment Objectives ................................................................................................... 74

Lands Program Strategy ......................................................................................................... 75

Research and Monitoring Projects Strategy ............................................................................... 75
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

ii ▪ Index of Topics 

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels Program Strategy ....................................... 76

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels Objectives .................................................. 76

Wilderness Strategy ............................................................................................................... 77

2.3 MANAGEMENT AREAS, SUITABLE USES, AND RESOURCE OVERLAY MAPS ...................................... 78

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 78

Wilderness Management Area ................................................................................................. 79

Backcountry Management Area ............................................................................................... 81

General Conservation Management Area .................................................................................. 82

Santini-Burton/Urban Forest Parcels Management Area ............................................................. 84

Suitable Uses and Management Practices by Management Area ................................................. 85

Resource Overlay Maps .......................................................................................................... 92

2.4 DESIGNATED SPECIAL AREAS ............................................................................................... 98

Wilderness Areas ................................................................................................................... 98

National Trails System ............................................................................................................ 99

National Recreation Trails ....................................................................................................... 99

Other Designated Special Areas ............................................................................................. 100

2.5 RECOMMENDED SPECIAL AREAS.......................................................................................... 101

PART 3: DESIGN CRITERIA ................................................................................................... 104

3.1 MANAGEMENT FOR MULTIPLE USES ..................................................................................... 105

3.2 ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................................ 105

Physical Resources Standards and Guidelines ......................................................................... 105

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management Standards and Guidelines ............................... 108

Biological Resources Standards and Guidelines ....................................................................... 111

Biological Resources Other Sources of Information .................................................................. 118

3.3 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................. 118

Recreation Standards and Guidelines ..................................................................................... 118

Recreation Other Sources of Information ................................................................................ 119

Recreation Special Uses Standards and Guidelines .................................................................. 120

Recreation Special Uses Other Sources of Information ............................................................. 120

Interpretation and Education Standards and Guidelines ........................................................... 121

Interpretive and Education Other Sources of Information ........................................................ 121

Scenic Resources Standards and Guidelines ............................................................................ 121

Scenic Resources Other Sources of Information ...................................................................... 122

Cultural Resources Standards and Guidelines .......................................................................... 122

Cultural Resources Other Sources of Information .................................................................... 123

Tribal Relations Standards and Guidelines .............................................................................. 123

Tribal Relations Other Sources of Information ......................................................................... 123

Noise Standards and Guidelines ............................................................................................. 123

Noise Other Sources of Information ....................................................................................... 124

Access and Travel Management Standards and Guidelines ....................................................... 124

Access and Travel Management Other Sources of Information ................................................. 125

Built Environment Standards and Guidelines ........................................................................... 126

Built Environment Other Sources of Information ..................................................................... 127

Lands Standards and Guidelines ............................................................................................ 127

Lands Other Sources of Information ...................................................................................... 127

Lands (Non-Recreation) Special Uses Standards and Guidelines ............................................... 128

Lands (Non-Recreation) Special Uses Other Sources of Information .......................................... 128

Minerals Standards and Guidelines ......................................................................................... 129

Minerals Other Sources of Information ................................................................................... 129

Range Standards and Guidelines ........................................................................................... 129

Range Other Sources of Information ...................................................................................... 130

3.4 DESIGNATED SPECIAL AREAS STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES .................................................... 130

Designated Special Areas Other Sources of Information ........................................................... 132
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

TOC ■ iii

3.5 RECOMMENDED SPECIAL AREAS STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ................................................ 133

Recommended Special Areas Other Sources of Information ..................................................... 133

3.6 MANAGEMENT AREA STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ................................................................ 134

Management Area Other Sources of Information ..................................................................... 134

Forest Plan Maps

Plan Map 1. Management Areas 

Plan Map 2. Special AreasPlan 

Plan Map 3. Special Areas – Insets 

Plan Map 4. Fire Management Units 

Plan Map 5. Wildland Urban Interface 

Plan Map 6. Geologic Hazards 

Plan Map 7. Stream Environment Zones 

Plan Map 8. Communication Sites 

Plan Map 9. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

Plan Map 10. Minimum Scenic Integrity 

Plan Map 11. Minimum Scenic Stability 

Plan Map 12. PAC & HRCA 

Plan Map 13. Species Refuge Areas: Aquatic 

 Resources 

Plan Map 14. Species Refuge Area: Whitebark 

 Pine 

Plan Map 15. Existing Developed & Permitted 

 Recreation Sites 

Plan Map 16. Existing Developed & Permitted 

 Recreation Sites – Inset 

Plan Map 17. Recreation Residence Tracts 

Plan Map 18. Snowmobile Areas 

List of Tables 

Table 1. Modeled Pre-Settlement Historical Reference Conditions......................................................26 

Table 2. Tree and Snag Density, Coarse Woody Debris (CWD) Loading for the Four Major 

 Forest Types and Aspen........................................................................................................................27 

Table 3. LTBMU Management Areas and acreage.................................................................................78 

Table 5. Suitable Uses and Management Activities by Management Area..........................................86 

Table 6. Summary of Available Areas for Timber.................................................................................91 

List of Figures

Figure 1. Map of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit – Forest Overview..........................................3 

Figure 2. Forest Plan Content and Structure.......................................................................................8 

Figure 3. Cross-Section of a Typical Mixed-Conifer Late Seral Forest Ecosystem...........................20 

Figure 4. LTBMU Management Areas by category..............................................................................79 

Figure 5. Map of Upper Truckee River Wild River Corridor...............................................................103 

 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 1

Introduction to the Land and Resource 

Management Plan 

Purpose 

The purpose of this Land and Resource Management Plan—also known as the Forest Plan—is to 

provide strategic guidance to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) for forest 

management over approximately the next 15 years. This plan guides the restoration or 

maintenance of the health of the land, to promote a sustainable flow of uses, benefits, products, 

services, and visitor opportunities. 

The plan provides a framework for informed decision making, while guiding resource 

management programs, practices, uses, and projects. It does not include specific project and 

activity decisions. Those decisions are made separately, after more detailed analysis and public 

involvement. 

The Forest Plan is adaptive in that it can be amended when appropriate, to update the 

management direction based on new knowledge and information. The Forest Plan is strategic in 

nature and does not attempt to prescribe detailed management direction to cover every possible 

situation. While all components necessary for resource protection and restoration are included, 

the plan also provides flexibility needed for the responsible official to respond to uncertain or 

unknown future events and conditions such as fires, floods, climate change, changing economies, 

and social changes that may be important to consider at the time decisions are made for projects 

or activities. 

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) 

The Lake Tahoe Basin is situated on the eastern side of the Sierra Crest and extends across the 

state line between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is 12 miles wide and 22 miles long, with 

a maximum depth of 1645 feet. The lake is fed by 63 streams, but only one stream, the Truckee 

River, flows out. Elevation ranges from approximately 6,225 feet at lake level to 10,881 feet at 

Freel Peak. The basin topography is dominated by steep mountainsides with smaller areas of 

relatively flat land near the lake. 

The LTBMU was established in 1973, to facilitate consistent management of National Forest 

System (NFS) lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin watershed. These lands were previously 

managed by three separate national forests: the Tahoe, the Eldorado, and the Toiyabe. 

While the LTBMU is small in comparison to most National Forests, as the Tahoe Basin's largest 

land manager, its issues, resources and values are (in comparison) very large. The Forest Service 

manages 78% of all lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin; National Forest ownership in the Lake Tahoe 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

2 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

Basin has grown from 35,000 acres in the 1950s to 154,850 acres. NFS lands include 3,366 

urban forest parcels on sensitive lands acquired through the Santini-Burton Act. 

The Lake Tahoe Basin is a mix of forested landscapes and urban communities surrounding the 

deep clear waters of Lake Tahoe. The work of the Forest Service is accomplished in conjunction 

with many partners. Other federal, state, and local agencies, and members of the public, work 

together with the LTBMU to conserve and restore natural and cultural resources, and enhance 

the recreational values of Lake Tahoe. 

Lake Tahoe is a destination of regional, national and international significance, with over 5.7 

million annual visits. Visitors are primarily from California and Nevada (76%), with the 

remaining 24% from other parts of the United States and abroad. Recreation and sightseeing 

opportunities are available in a wide range of alpine settings, from highly urbanized to remote 

Wilderness environments. But while it is possible to find solitude, the LTBMU as a whole is far 

from isolated – approximately 5 million people live within a 4-hour drive, 25 million live within 

a 1-day drive, and public air and ground transportation is also available. 

The recreation-based economy of the Tahoe Basin relies on the setting of snow-covered 

mountains, forests, streams, lakes, meadows, wetlands, and beaches managed by the LTBMU. 

Approximately 56,000 permanent residents choose to live at Tahoe because of the breathtaking 

scenery and wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. The LTBMU contributes to the touristbased economy through provision of recreation opportunities including downhill skiing, crosscountry/backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, beach access, camping, and sightseeing. 

Ongoing conservation education programs inform residents and visitors of all ages about the 

natural environment in which they live, work, and play. 

Partnerships continue to be important. Numerous groups provide their assistance in such 

activities as trail maintenance and construction, historic building maintenance, and interpretive 

programs. Many of the resorts, campgrounds, and the Tallac Historic Site are operated by 

private enterprises under special use permits – these partnerships support the local economy by 

providing jobs. 

Natural values and benefits provided by the lands and waters under LTBMU management 

include clean water that flows to Lake Tahoe, clean fresh air, and habitat for a multitude of plant 

and animal species. Although extensive timber harvest, stream channel alteration, and other land 

uses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries disturbed the natural balance of the Tahoe Basin, 

much restoration work has already been accomplished. Nonetheless, most of our natural 

resource management activities focus on restoring and enhancing forest health, watershed 

processes and water quality, and a diversity of wildlife habitats, as well as providing community 

wildfire protection. Restoring the balance of natural systems will help them adjust more easily to 

a changing climate. Management activities are undertaken to benefit both humans and the many 

other species that share these mountains. Many common forest activities such as mining, grazing, 

and timber harvesting are either not a part of LTBMU management or play a very small role. 

 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 3

Figure 1. Map of Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit – Forest Overview 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

4 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

Planning for Sustainability 

The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the 

Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. On the 

LTBMU, planning for sustainability is accomplished by integrating landscape systems with 

social and economic values. Management strategies and activities applied to the landscape are 

designed not just to “sustain” existing conditions but to improve the functionality of the 

landscape in support of desired settings and ecosystem services. Forest plan components are 

presented in terms of “ecological sustainability”, addressing desired outcomes for biological and 

physical aspects of NFS lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and in terms of “social and economic 

sustainability”, addressing desired outcomes related to societal benefits. 

Ecological, social, and economic systems are interdependent and cannot be ranked in order of 

importance. However, there is a difference in how the Forest Plan approaches these elements. 

Forest Plan management direction provides guidance to maintain or restore elements of 

ecological sustainability, and guide the LTBMU’s contribution to social and economic 

sustainability. This is because the Forest Service has more influence over the factors that impact 

ecological sustainability on NFS lands (biodiversity, forest health, water quality, etc.) than it 

does for social and economic sustainability (employment, income, community well-being, etc.). 

National Forest System lands can provide valuable contributions to economic and social 

sustainability, but that contribution is just one in a broad array of factors that influence the 

sustainability of social and economic systems. 

Climate change will influence local natural resource management and the ecological, social, and 

economic environments, and is thus a factor considered in planning for sustainability. 

Ecosystems will be managed for resiliency to prepare for uncertain future outcomes with 

approaches that support adaptation to changing future conditions. 

The Forest Service is developing national policy for addressing the uncertainties associated with 

management in the face of a changing climate. The LTBMU climate change assessment and 

strategy will be updated as additional guidance is provided by the agency. If we actively manage 

ecosystems before climate-related effects induce change, long term management goals may be 

attained more effectively with fewer resources. Short term adaptations build resistance and 

resilience so that ecosystems are better able to withstand change, while long term adaptations are 

needed to avoid thresholds being crossed where one ecosystem abruptly transitions into another. 

The six adaptation or mitigation management strategies that are current focus areas for Forest 

Service response to climate change (USFS 2008, 2011) are: (1) building adaptive capacity of 

ecosystems through ecological restoration, (2) enhancing watershed health, (3) sequestering 

forest carbon, (4) reducing existing stresses, (5) sustainable operations, and (6) fostering sciencemanagement partnerships and public education. All six of these actions are addressed in this 

Forest Plan. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 5

Plan Format and Content 

This plan was prepared under the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA, 16 U.S.D. 

1604, et seq.) and the provisions of the 1982 planning regulations (36 CFR Part 219, 1982). The 

2012 planning regulations currently in effect allow use of the previous regulations for plan 

revisions initiated before the 2012 regulations took effect (36 CFR 219.17 (b) (3), 2012). 

While this Forest Plan was drafted to comply with the 1982 NFMA planning regulations, nothing 

in the Forest Plan (or EIS) should be construed as incorporating any portion of the regulations 

themselves. 

This Forest Plan does not grant, withhold, or modify any contract, permit or other legal 

instrument, and does not authorize projects or activities. Decisions to approve or authorize 

specific projects are considered separately from the plan when the time is ripe to make such 

decisions. Project decisions must be consistent with the applicable plan management direction. 

The Forest Plan – not the FEIS – is the guiding document for determining Forest commitments, 

intentions, etc., and to the extent the two documents are inconsistent on what the Plan may 

require, the Plan language governs. 

NEPA compliance is required for any project level decision that may have an impact on the 

environment. Project level decisions must be informed by site-specific analysis through an open, 

public process. This allows the latest science and public input to be employed at the time 

decision is to be made. 

Three-Part Format of the Forest Plan 

One of the goals of this revision process is to create a strategic plan that is in step with 

contemporary planning theories and practices while adhering to the provisions of the 1982 

planning regulation. 

The Forest Plan includes management direction (36 CFR 219.3, 1982), and explanatory material. 

The management direction is the Plan content that must be followed in planning and 

implementing management activities, and is also referred to as the Plan components. 

Management direction in the Forest Plan includes: 

 Desired Conditions 

 Objectives 

 Management Areas and Suitable Uses 

 Designated and Recommended Special Area guidance 

 Standards and Guidelines 

The explanatory material includes introductory text, definitions (glossary), and other material. It 

also includes the Program Strategies, which describe the preferred means of accomplishing work 

to move the Plan area toward the desired conditions. 

While some of the management direction applies to all NFS lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin, 

other direction applies only to specific areas, such as designated special areas or areas shown on 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

6 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

the resource overlay maps. Relevant laws and regulations always take precedence over any 

Forest Plan direction. 

The Forest Plan is organized in three parts, described below. 

Part 1: Vision 

This section describes the aspirational picture for the future of the LTBMU. The Desired 

Conditions (DCs) comprise the multiple-use goals (36 CFR 219.11(b), 1982). A desired 

condition is a description of specific ecological, social, and/or economic attributes toward which 

management of the land and resources should be directed. Desired conditions are specific 

enough to allow progress toward their achievement to be determined, but do not include 

completion dates. 

It is important to recognize that the Forest Service has multiple reasons for taking actions and 

some of those reasons may conflict with other goals. Individual projects may not be able to 

support a given DC, or may in fact appear to be in conflict with it. For example, a habitat 

connectivity DC is not supported by a proposed project that would reduce connectivity. At any 

point in time, there are multiple goals at play, and achieving all those goals simultaneously is 

generally not possible for every project. In some instances, achieving a long term goal may 

require moving in the opposite direction in the short term. Conflicts among goals are inherent in 

multiple use planning; this is recognized in the planning regulations (36 CFR 219.27(a), 1982). 

Part 2: Strategy 

The Strategy section describes how the Forest intends to move the Plan area toward the desired 

conditions. This part of the Plan includes the Program Strategies and Objectives, the 

Management Emphasis Areas and Suitable Uses, and descriptions of the Designated and 

Recommended Special Areas on the LTBMU. 

The Objectives are specific goals to be accomplished in a specified time period (36 CFR 219.11 

(b), 1982). Objectives represent milestones on the path to achievement of the desired conditions. 

Objectives are based on reasonably foreseeable budgets. 

The Management Area and Suitability of Areas sections provide broad guidance about the 

kinds of activities and uses that are appropriate in a given area. Resource Overlays (see Forest 

Plan maps), such as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) or the Protected Activity Centers 

(PACs) for goshawks and California Spotted Owls focus the scope of appropriate activities and 

uses while Standards and Guidelines provide more specific boundaries and constraints on 

activities and uses. This body of prescriptive direction (36 CFR 219.11(c), 1982) guides 

management towards attainment of objectives and desired conditions. 

This section is the first place a project manager looks to determine whether a proposed project 

would be consistent with the Plan. The Management Area descriptions provide general guidance 

about the existing and desired character of the lands, while the suitability table and 

accompanying descriptions provide more specific guidance about suitable uses and activities. 

The Resource Overlays are described in this section; these maps inform project planners about 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 7

the kinds of resources which may be present in a proposed project area. Standards and 

Guidelines related to the Resource Overlays supply information on the kinds of resource 

management limitations that may be imposed in the proposed project area. 

Designated and Recommended Special Areas are lands within the National Forest System that 

receive special management consideration because of their unique or special characteristics, such 

as wilderness, research natural areas, historic sites, or national scenic and recreation trails. While 

most of the management direction for these areas is found in the Forest Service Manual, 

Handbooks, and site-specific management plans, the Forest Plan also includes specific 

management direction (desired conditions, objectives, standards and guidelines) that applies to 

designated special areas. 

In addition to the above management direction, the LTBMU Forest Plan also includes Program 

Strategies, which describe the principal management approaches the responsible official is 

inclined to use in implementing the Forest Plan. This explanatory material provides clarification 

and informs the project managers and decision makers about the intent of the Plan. 

Part 3: Design Criteria 

Design criteria are the sideboards and safeguards that guide activities and uses. Standards and 

guidelines (36 CFR 219.11c) establish constraints and boundaries for management activities. 

A Standard is a mandatory constraint on project and activity decision making, established to 

help achieve or maintain the desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable 

effects, or to meet applicable legal requirements. 

A Guideline is a constraint on project and activity decision making that allows for departure 

from its terms, so long as the intent of the guideline is met. The rationale for any deviation, 

however, must be documented in the project record. Guidelines are established to help achieve a 

desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable effects, or to meet applicable 

legal requirements. 

It is important to note that the Design Criteria are not intended to cover every management 

circumstance, but provide a basic set of resource protections. Individual projects or activities 

often require additional resource protection measures in the decision document, contract 

provisions, or special use permit requirements to account for unique or site-specific conditions 

and maintain consistency with the Forest Plan, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies. 

Some of the most frequently used management direction found in public laws, regulations, 

Forest Service manuals, and handbooks is referenced in this section as “Other Sources of 

Information,” but the direction itself is generally not repeated in this Plan, nor does this section 

provide and exhaustive list of all applicable law and regulation. 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

8 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 

The Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (Appendix A) utilizes status and trend 

monitoring and effectiveness monitoring to measure the degree to which on-the-ground 

management is maintaining or making progress toward the desired conditions and objectives for 

the plan. The monitoring plan will be adjusted as needed to respond to new information and 

unanticipated changes in conditions. The Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Plan is a subset 

of the monitoring for the LTBMU. Additional, project-specific monitoring may be required for 

some projects. 

Figure 2. Forest Plan Content and Structure 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 9

Forest Plan Consistency 

As required by NFMA and the planning regulations, all projects and activities authorized by the 

Forest Service must be consistent with the Forest Plan (16 USC 1604 (i); 36 CFR 219.10(e), 

1982). A Forest Plan consistency analysis is completed for each project and activity during the 

planning process. The following paragraphs describe how a project or activity is consistent with 

Forest Plan management direction. 

Management Areas and Suitable Uses: The project or activity must be suitable for the 

proposed location as follows: 

1. A project or activity would occur in an area that the Plan identifies as suitable for that 

type of project or activity, or for which the plan is silent with respect to its suitability for 

that type of project or activity. 

2. The project or activity must be compatible with the management area description. 

Standards: The project or activity complies with applicable standards. 

Guidelines: The project or activity: 

 Is designed to comply with applicable guidelines as set out in the plan; or 

 Is designed in a way that is equally effective in carrying out the intent of the applicable 

guidelines. 

Previous Decisions: Previous decisions incorporated in this plan are identified in Appendix K. 

Projects and activities must be consistent with these decisions. 

Ensuring Project or Activity Consistency with the Forest Plan: Where a project or activity as 

proposed would not be consistent with the Forest Plan as described above, the Responsible 

Official has the following options: 

1. Modify the proposal so that the project or activity will be consistent; 

2. Reject the proposal or terminate the activity; 

3. Amend the plan contemporaneously with the approval of the project or activity so that the 

project or activity is consistent with the plan as amended. The amendment may be 

specific to the project or activity or may apply more broadly to a portion of the plan. 

Consistency Requirements for Management Indicator Species (MIS) and Species Viability:

MIS status and species viability are monitored at the bioregional level. There is no requirement 

for monitoring or evaluation of MIS and species viability at the project level. A project or 

activity is consistent with the Forest Plan with respect to MIS and species viability if it is 

consistent with the Standards and Guidelines. 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

10 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

Relationship to Plans of Other Agencies 

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Regional Plan 

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is a land use planning and regulatory entity that 

works toward the achievement of environmental thresholds within the context of a regional plan 

and corresponding code of ordinances. TRPA policies cross political boundaries and encompass 

the entire watershed within the Lake Tahoe Basin. The TRPA regional plan is available online at 

www.trpa.org. 

Public Law 96-551, the revised Tahoe Regional Planning Compact, established the TRPA. Often 

referred to as the Bi-State Compact, it is the agreement between the States of Nevada and 

California on goals for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Findings in the Compact reaffirmed that the Lake 

Tahoe region has outstanding environmental and recreational values that are being threatened by 

increasing urbanization. Congress originally gave consent to the compact through PL 91-148 in 

1969. Weaknesses in that agreement brought about the revision in 1980. 

Directed by the compact, the TRPA established Environmental Threshold Carrying Capacities 

(Thresholds) for the Basin. The Compact defines Thresholds as “an environmental standard 

necessary to maintain a significant scenic, recreational, educational, scientific or natural value of 

the region or to maintain public health and safety within the region.” (Article V.b.) The TRPA 

has established Thresholds for nine resource areas: water quality, air quality, scenic resources, 

soil conservation, fish habitat, vegetation, wildlife habitat, noise, and recreation. The Compact 

also directs the TRPA to prepare a Regional Plan implemented through agency ordinances, rules 

and regulations that “achieves and maintains the adopted Thresholds.” (Article V.c.) 

Under Article X. Sec. 2 of the Compact, “The Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other 

appropriate agencies are authorized, upon request of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, to 

cooperate with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in all respects compatible with carrying out 

the normal duties of their agencies.” The Federal role in the Lake Tahoe Basin is further defined 

by Executive Order 13057 (July 26, 1997) and the subsequent Agreement of Federal 

Departments and Agencies on Protection of the Environmental and Economic Health of the Lake 

Tahoe Region and A Memorandum of Agreement Between the Federal Interagency Partnership 

on the Lake Tahoe Ecosystem, the States of California and Nevada, the Washoe Tribe of Nevada 

and California, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. This Executive Order directs federal 

agencies having principal management or jurisdictional authorities in the Lake Tahoe Region to 

establish a Partnership that will, among other things, “support appropriate regional programs and 

studies needed to attain environmental threshold standards.” E.O. 13057 Section 1-101, 103(d). 

The Executive Order also directs the Forest Service (as a party to the Tahoe Federal Interagency 

Partnership) to establish a Memorandum of Agreement (also referred to as a Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU)) with the TRPA that facilitates coordination and documents areas of 

mutual interest and concern and opportunities for cooperation, support or assistance. The current 

MOU defines, at the project analysis level, the cooperative framework between the Forest 

Service and the TRPA and how findings regarding Threshold attainment will be applied. The 

1988 MOU (as amended in 2009) will remain in effect until a revised MOU is adopted that 

reflects this Forest Plan and the TRPA Regional Plan. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 11

The Forest Service will continue to work cooperatively with the TRPA in the attainment and 

maintenance of applicable thresholds. The Forest Service expects that over time, the 

achievement of the desired conditions through the application of the strategies and management 

direction identified in the Forest Plan will contribute to the attainment and maintenance of 

applicable thresholds. 

Lahontan Water Quality Control Board, Basin Plan 

The primary responsibility for the protection of water quality in California rests with the State 

Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and nine Regional Water Quality Control 

Boards (Regional Boards). The State Water Board sets statewide policy for the implementation 

of state and federal water quality laws and regulations. The Lahontan Regional Board 

(LRWQCB) adopts and implements water quality standards and control measures for surface and 

ground water, including the Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (Lahontan 

Basin Plan). The Lahontan Basin Plan outlines water quality conditions, actual and potential 

beneficial uses, and water quality problems associated with human activities, including those 

within the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

The Basin Plan designates beneficial uses for water bodies and establishes water quality 

objectives, waste discharge prohibitions, and other implementation measures to protect those 

beneficial uses. Water quality control measures include Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), 

which may be adopted as Basin Plan amendments. The Forest Service’s Land Management Plan 

is consistent with the Basin Plan and addresses TMDLs established in the Lake Tahoe Basin, 

including the California Lake Tahoe TMDL, approved by EPA on August 16, 2011. 

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Nevada Administrative 

Code 

The Nevada Administrative Code outlines the responsibilities of the Nevada Division of 

Environmental Protection (NDEP) for cooperating with federal agencies in managing public land 

and quantifying existing water rights, monitoring water use, distributing water, reviewing water 

availability for new development, reviewing the construction and operation of licensed facilities, 

reviewing flood control projects, monitoring water resource data and records, and providing 

technical assistance to the public and governmental agencies. The Forest Service cooperates 

with NDEP on projects in Nevada. The Forest Service’s Land Management Plan is consistent 

with the Basin Plan and addresses TMDLs established in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the 

Nevada Lake Tahoe TMDL Report, approved by EPA on August 16, 2011. 

 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

12 ▪ Plan Format and Content 

Pathway Regional Vision Statement 

An interagency and public collaborative process called Pathway 2007 (Pathway) was initiated in 

2004 to develop a common vision for the Lake Tahoe Basin and to coordinate planning efforts of 

the Forest Service (Forest Plan revision), the TRPA (Regional Plan Update), and the Lahontan 

Regional Water Quality Control Board/ Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (Lake 

Tahoe TMDL). 

The Pathway process led to a regional vision statement for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Desired 

conditions and vision statements quoted and adapted from Pathway in this Forest Plan are shown

in italics. 

A Look into the Future – The Lake Tahoe Basin is an exceptional place where communities 

thrive in harmony with the natural environment. The overwhelming presence of nature is 

apparent. The Lake is blue and clear, the air is clean, the region’s ecosystem health, and 

natural sounds evident. Within communities, the economy is strong and sustainable; the 

population diverse and vital, the richness of everyday life is obvious. Based on mutual respect 

and the integration of human and natural communities, a balance exists that inspires and 

motivates residents, businesses, visitors, and governments alike to work together to maintain the 

Lake’s value as a national and international treasure. Lake Tahoe is a truly unique and special 

place. 

Air Quality – Air quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin is healthful for residents, visitors, ecosystems, 

and supports excellent visibility. 

Noise – Noise levels provide for community and neighborhood serenity, abundant quiet 

recreational areas, and are not harmful to wildlife. 

Recreation – The Lake Tahoe Basin’s unique natural, cultural, and human environments provide 

sustainable recreation opportunities consistent with public desires and natural resource 

capacities. Recreation is linked to irreplaceable natural assets, the regional economy, and social 

well-being. 

Scenic Quality – The Lake Tahoe Basin is internationally recognized for its outstanding natural 

beauty and is a resource of national significance. Characteristic views within the Basin are of 

the natural appearing forest, meadows, mountains, and expansive blue lake. The built 

environment harmonizes with this natural appearing setting in a sustainable manner that 

supports a vibrant community and healthy economy. 

Socio-Economics (Social and Economic Systems) – There is a sustainable balance between 

environmental protection and conservation practices that provide the basis for the region’s 

unique natural characteristics, a base recreation and tourism economy, other diverse economic 

sectors, attractively built communities, diverse social populations, and an exceptional quality of 

life. The Lake Tahoe Basin is an international model for sustainable alpine communities that 

apply the best-known practices in economic development, environmental protection, regulatory 

and planning process, community design, and inclusive resident and visitor communities. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Introduction ■ 13

Soil Conservation – Soil resources are conserved for the betterment of the environment and 

public. Soils function naturally, and land-use activities are assigned to suitable soils and 

landscape settings. Risks to life and property from natural hazards are reduced to acceptable 

levels. 

Stream Environment Zones (SEZ) – SEZs function at natural levels within the context of the 

watershed, and provide values commensurate with their functions. Societal and beneficial uses of 

SEZs, such as water management, cultural and scientific purposes, limited agriculture and 

recreation, are compatible with the naturally functioning conditions of SEZ lands. 

Transportation – An innovative multimodal transportation system is in place that gives priority 

to viable alternatives to the private automobile, appeals to users, and serves mobility needs, 

while improving the environmental and socioeconomic health of the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Vegetation – Vegetation in the Lake Tahoe Basin is healthy and dynamic with the full 

complement of native plant communities, wildlife habitats, and ecological processes. 

Water Quality – Exceptional water quality provides restored clarity, environmental and human 

health, and human enjoyment of Lake Tahoe waters. 

Wildlife and Fisheries – Environmental conditions in the Lake Tahoe Basin support healthy and 

sustainable native terrestrial and aquatic animal populations and vegetation communities. 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

14 ▪ Part 1 

Part 1: Vision 

Desired conditions (DCs) are long term goals, expressed as a state of being. The desired 

conditions form the base of the Plan and help to shape the other Plan components. They express 

the sustainable ecological, social, and economic management goals towards which the LTBMU 

directs management activities. 

Some resources may currently be at or near the state described in the desired condition, requiring 

little more than maintenance, while achievement of the desired conditions for other resources 

may require many decades. 

The desired conditions in this Plan were developed either as part of the Pathway process (those 

shown in italics), or specifically for the LTBMU. The Pathway desired conditions are more 

general than most of the desired conditions developed specifically for the LTBMU. 

The integration of these management goals will help the LTBMU improve the overall 

sustainability of ecological and socioeconomic systems. Integration of multiple resource goals 

and a planning and design approach that optimizes investments to achieve multiple desired 

outcomes, recognizes the interconnections between ecological and social systems. 

Ecological Sustainability 

Desired conditions for natural resources are included in this section, and include the physical 

resources (air, water, soil, watersheds, climate change, forest vegetation, fuels and fire 

management, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and species, and invasive species). 

Physical Resources 

Physical resources in the Lake Tahoe Basin are a key management emphasis for the Forest 

Service as well as our partner agencies. Physical resources include air quality, natural hazards, 

and physical components of watershed health, which include soil quality, surface and ground 

water quality, and geomorphic and hydrologic watershed processes. 

Air quality management direction is found in several places throughout the Plan. Maintenance 

of air quality in the Class I airshed over Desolation Wilderness is discussed under Special Areas. 

The degree of darkness of the night sky is partly dependent on air quality – particulates in the air 

reflect light, making the night sky appear less dark and the stars less visible than under clear 

conditions. The dark night sky is discussed under Scenic Quality and Built Environment. 

Direction to mitigate air quality impacts from smoke is found in the Air Quality Strategies 

section. Human health concerns related to dust from naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) are an 

air quality issue on many National Forests, but the LTBMU has no mapped rock formations that 

contain asbestos minerals, so NOA is not discussed in this Plan. 

Several kinds of potential natural hazards are present in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Knowledge of 

the risks associated with these hazards is essential to public safety. The LTBMU has completed 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 15

a Natural Hazard Study to aid in project planning; including a map showing the approximate 

locations of various kinds of hazards (see Resource Overlay Maps). 

A number of physical and biological elements in the Lake Tahoe Basin influence watershed 

response to natural or human-caused disturbance events. Watersheds have formed from different 

geologic materials (granite rock, volcanic rock, and glacial deposits), which have been acted 

upon by climate, vegetation, and other organisms over time to form particular soils and 

landforms with distinct ground and surface water drainage patterns. 

The LTBMU was created from lands of three national Forests so that the Lake Tahoe Basin 

watershed could be more consistently managed as a unified whole. Coordinated planning and 

partnerships are integral to watershed management. Watershed restoration projects are 

undertaken to restore watershed processes and ecosystem structure, function, and composition 

impacted by past human disturbances such as: 

 Urbanization of watersheds and encroachment of urban development into Stream 

Environment Zones (SEZs), resulting in a reduction in the size of SEZs and 

corresponding reductions in SEZ function. 

 Grazing of livestock in meadows, resulting in soil compaction, changes in the distribution 

and composition of wetland, meadow, and riparian vegetation, soil erosion, streambank 

slope failure, and channel degradation; 

 Legacy impacts such as old logging roads and other roads, railways, skid trails, flumes 

and diversions, which altered stream channel and surface water flow patterns, and 

resulted in fragmentation of riparian corridors. 

 Diversion of stream flows and flood irrigation of certain meadows for pasture resulting in 

alterations in stream channel conditions, stream flow, and the composition of meadow 

vegetation; 

 Relocation and straightening of stream channels, resulting in channel incision, channel 

widening, streambank erosion, lowering of groundwater, reduction in frequency of 

overbank flow, and increased downstream flooding; 

 Exclusion of fire, along with altered hydrology (i.e. lowered groundwater tables), 

resulting in the encroachment of conifers into meadows, subsequently resulting in the 

drying out of these areas; and 

 Breaching of barrier beaches, resulting in reduced functionality of SEZs close to the 

Lake. 

The desired conditions for air quality, water quality, and soil quality are all interrelated and 

contribute to watershed health. Air quality can affect water quality; the Lake Tahoe TMDL 

includes requirements to reduce fine sediment and nutrient loading from atmospheric sources, 

and acid deposition from air-borne particles is monitored in high-elevation lakes throughout the 

Sierra Nevada. Ozone may damage vegetation. Adequate soil cover (vegetation, duff, and plant 

litter) protects soils from wind and water erosion, benefiting air and water quality. Soil and 

vegetation maintain water quality by processing nutrients and contaminants through uptake, 

retention, and chemical transformations. Soils improve water quality by retaining sediment and 

filtering water (precipitation, surface runoff, and overbank flows). 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

16 ▪ Part 1 

In addition to ecosystem benefits, physical resources provide social and aesthetic benefits that 

are recognized in the desired conditions for air quality and the clarity of Lake Tahoe. Similarly, 

social systems are enhanced through the maintenance of stream flows that support water-related 

recreation and groundwater levels that support groundwater-dependent ecosystems such as 

meadows and aspen stands that provide highly valued scenic backdrops. Soils contribute to 

scenic and recreational values through their role in sustaining healthy vegetation. 

Air Quality 

DC1. Air quality in the Lake Tahoe Basin is healthy for humans and ecosystems. (Pathway) 

DC2. Visibility in the Lake Tahoe Basin is at 2001 – 2003 levels or better. (Pathway) 

Natural Hazards 

DC3. Risks to life and property from natural hazards are reduced to acceptable levels through 

identification/mapping, avoidance of activities and development in hazardous areas, and 

modification of existing development to lessen potential impacts. Natural hazards include 

flooding, mass wasting (landslides, etc.), earthquakes, liquefaction, seiches, avalanches and 

volcanic hazards. (Pathway) 

Soil Quality 

DC4. Soils function commensurate with their land use to sustain native plant and animal life, 

regulate water flow, flooding and infiltration, cycle nutrients, and filter pathogens, excess 

nutrients and other pollutants.(Pathway) 

DC5. Land coverage does not exceed the capability of the soil resources to offset the effects of 

impervious cover. The effects of impervious cover and disturbance are fully mitigated on a 

storm water zone basis. (Pathway) 

DC6. Soils infiltrate, transmit and store water at rates and in quantities commensurate with the 

soil and ecosystem type. 

DC7. Soil productivity sustains healthy populations of native and desired non-native plant 

communities that are appropriate for the soil type. Surface and subsurface soil organic matter are 

within the expected range for the soil and ecosystem type. 

DC8. Accelerated (human-caused) soil erosion and resultant sediment and nutrient transport to 

surface waters do not impact soil productivity or water quality. 

Water Quality 

Forest Service management primarily affects the water quality of Lake Tahoe through effects on 

other water bodies, especially the streams that drain into Lake Tahoe. Thus, the overall goal of 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 17

achieving the Pathway DC for Lake Tahoe is directly correlated to achieving all the desired 

conditions described throughout this section. 

DC9. Lake Tahoe’s status as one of the few extremely nutrient-poor (ultraoligotrophic). lakes in 

the world – with unique transparency, color, and clarity is preserved (adapted from Pathway) 

DC10. Water quality conditions in the Lake Tahoe Basin protect human and environmental 

health. (Pathway) 

DC11. Water quality provides for all designated beneficial uses of surface and ground waters 

and meets the goals of the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act; surface waters are 

fishable and swimmable, and surface and ground waters are suitable for drinking after normal 

treatment. 

Hydrologic and Geomorphic Processes 

This section includes desired conditions related to watershed resilience, stream channel 

geomorphic processes, and physical and chemical attributes of SEZs, as well as surface and 

ground water levels, groundwater recharge and discharge, and attenuation of peak flows. 

Watershed resilience is expected to become increasingly important under a changing climate. 

Climate projections for the Lake Tahoe Basin include decreasing snowpack, earlier peak 

snowmelt, higher runoff in the winter and early spring, and decreased summer runoff. Flood 

potential would increase, principally due to earlier dates of peak daily flows and the increase in 

the proportion of precipitation falling as rain. Geomorphically stable stream channels and 

floodplains that exist in a state of dynamic equilibrium are better able to adjust to climate change 

impacts to hydrology, with fewer adverse impacts to aquatic habitat, water quality, or water 

quantity. 

The term SEZ is specific to the Lake Tahoe Basin. Stream Environment Zones are areas that owe 

their biological and physical characteristics to the presence of surface or ground water. The SEZ 

concept includes wetlands as defined by the Army Corps of Engineers, but is broader, 

encompassing some soil-vegetation communities that are drier than wetlands. It is important to 

note that SEZs are ecological communitites, not simply riparian buffer zones of a designated 

width. SEZs include lands adjacent to perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams, meadows 

and marshes, other areas of near-surface water influence, and groundwater-dependent 

ecosystems such as marshes, springs and fens. 

Although desired conditions related to watershed function and the physical and chemical 

functions of SEZs are discussed in this section, while their biological functions are discussed 

under Biological Resources, the physical and biological characteristics of SEZs are 

interdependent. For example, desired conditions for fish habitat in streams are inextricably tied 

to the structural and geomorphic desired conditions for stream channels that also contribute to 

watershed stability and water quality. 

DC12. SEZ physical and chemical processes function naturally within the constraints and 

dynamics of the watershed, including, but not limited to, natural hydrologic processes, water 

quality, and stormwater treatment capacity. (Pathway) 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

18 ▪ Part 1 

DC13. Beneficial uses of SEZ lands for water management, cultural and scientific purposes, 

limited agriculture, and recreation are compatible with the naturally functioning conditions, as 

stated by desired conditions for physical, chemical, and biological functioning. (Pathway) 

DC14. Watershed characteristics, such as hydrologic, fluvial, and littoral geomorphic 

processes, approximate natural conditions where attainable. (Pathway) 

DC15. Watersheds have the following characteristics: 

a) They are resilient and recover rapidly from natural and human disturbances. 

b) They exhibit a high degree of connectivity along the stream, laterally across the 

floodplain and valley bottom, and vertically between surface and subsurface flows. 

c) They provide important ecosystem services such as high quality water, recharge of 

streams and aquifers, the maintenance of riparian communities, and moderation of 

climate variability and change. 

d) They maintain long-term soil productivity. 

DC16. Stream processes associated with the geologic setting, valley type, geomorphology, and 

sediment transport influence erosion and deposition such that streams are in dynamic 

equilibrium. Channel pattern, profile, dimension, and degree of channel-floodplain connectivity 

exhibit characteristics consistent with valley types. Sediment regimes are close as possible to 

those with which aquatic and riparian biota evolved. Coarse woody debris forms and maintains 

pool and cover habitats. Streams do not exhibit signs of chronic sediment overloading 

(aggradation) or accelerated (human-caused) bank and bed erosion (incision and gully 

formation). 

DC17. The physical structure and condition of streambanks and shorelines minimizes erosion 

and sustains desired habitat diversity. Healthy streambank and shoreline vegetation aid in 

streambank and shorezone stabilization, limit erosion, and provide channel and floodplain 

stability. 

DC18. Groundwater levels and stream flow volume and timing sustain surface waterdependent and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Groundwater recharge and discharge, and 

water tables, are not adversely impacted by management activity, and soil infiltration capacity is 

unimpaired in most areas. Levels of base flow during low-flow periods support flow-dependent 

baseline values and functions, including, but not limited to, riparian vegetation, water for wildlife 

groundwater recharge, wetlands, native and sport-fish habitats, recreation use, and aesthetics of 

flowing water. 

Climate Change 

DC19. Ecologic and socioeconomic systems are resilient and have the capacity to adapt to 

climate change. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 19

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management 

Comstock-era logging, fire exclusion, livestock grazing, and other past management practices 

have significantly altered ecological conditions throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. These 

practices have contributed to increased forest vulnerability to drought, disease, and insect 

outbreaks, as well as high severity, stand-replacing wildfire, increasing risks to communities, 

natural resources, and scenic quality. In addition, fire exclusion has resulted in encroachment of 

shade-tolerant conifers into meadows and aspen stands, and their ecological and scenic values 

are at risk. As our understanding of ecosystem processes has improved, it has become apparent 

that a more complete integration of restoration efforts is necessary to successfully restore natural 

ecological processes and enhance and maintain the scenic quality for which the Lake Tahoe 

Basin is renowned, while reducing wildfire hazard to communities and key wildlife habitats. 

Climate change is expected to bring rising air temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, 

leading to an increased risk of high severity fire and shifts in species ranges, presenting complex 

challenges for management in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Perhaps chief among these challenges is 

how to sustainably balance restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems and fuels reduction projects to 

protect public and private assets, with the legal and biological necessity of preserving habitat for 

species that require dense canopy, late seral conditions. 

Compared to pre-Comstock conditions, forest types are structurally much more homogeneous, 

and stand densities have increased in the montane and upper montane zones. Late seral conifer 

forests are under-represented compared to pre-Comstock conditions, and post-fire early seral 

conditions are found in large contiguous blocks rather than in scattered patches. Overall, these 

changes have had a negative effect on biodiversity, and forest resilience to fire, drought, insects, 

and pathogens has been compromised. 

Where it is possible to achieve, reestablishment of fundamental ecosystem processes (fire, 

hydrology, propagule dispersal, etc.) will enhance the ability of Lake Tahoe Basin ecosystems to 

achieve dynamic equilibrium with changing climates. Since almost all predictions suggest a 

warmer and drier future, replication of forest composition and pattern based on historic (preComstock) reference conditions is probably not optimal. However, since pre-Comstock 

conditions are seen as a waypoint on the trajectory to sustainable conditions under projected 

future climate conditions, they are appropriate interim goals for forest stands in the Lake Tahoe 

Basin. Achieving approximate pre-Comstock conditions to the proportions outlined in Table 1 

will help to restore key ecological processes that are currently absent or compromised. Stands 

that approximate pre-Comstock structure and composition would be better able to adapt to a 

warmer, drier climate than stands with the current structure and composition. 

DC20. A full range of native species, development stages, habitats, and ecological processes 

occurs. (Pathway) 

DC21. Fuel conditions pose low wildfire risk to communities (Pathway). 

DC22. Disturbance processes occur in the ecosystem within the historic range of variability, 

and, where this is not feasible due to inherent risks, surrogates (e.g. prescribed fire, thinning) are 

used carefully to effectively mimic natural disturbance. Disturbance processes and/or their 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

20 ▪ Part 1 

surrogates create and maintain forest conditions that are well-adapted to current and future 

climates. 

DC23. Stand and landscape conditions provide a diversity in vegetation types (Table 1), stand 

structures, and species compositions that resembles patterns (figure 3) resulting from the 

interaction of disturbance regimes (e.g., wildland fire, insect and disease outbreaks, landslide and 

avalanche, windthrow, flooding, pre-Comstock aboriginal manipulations), variations in the 

physical landscape (e.g., elevation, soils, site productivity, aspect, slope), and the reigning 

climate. Forest structure should vary over the landscape in relation to topographic variables of 

slope, aspect, and slope position. 

DC24. The effects of disturbances like wildfire and insect/disease outbreak are similar to those 

expected under the natural range of variability for different parts of the landscape in the Lake 

Tahoe Basin, and, compared to the current disturbance regime, are less likely to result in major 

losses in wildlife habitat quality. 

 

Figure 3. Cross-Section of a Typical Mixed-Conifer Late Seral Forest Ecosystem 

Illustration of the structural complexity and spatial patterning (horizontal heterogeneity) typical of highquality (structural classes 4 and 5) late seral forest ecosystems (drawn by Robert Van Pelt; from Spies et 

al. 2006). 

DC25. Unplanned fires in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) and in Jeffrey pine/mixed 

conifer forests tend to spread slowly to moderately, depending on winds, and burn as a surface 

fire. Occasional single-tree or group torching might occur when the fire burns through a dense 

clump of young trees. This burning thins the stand, promotes rapid growth of surviving trees, 

and creates occasional large snags by killing adjacent large trees. Unplanned fires occurring 

outside of the WUI in densely stocked fir or lodgepole pine forests may produce intense, standreplacing events consistent with natural fire regimes. 

DC26. WUI zones (Map 7), are open canopied and dominated primarily by larger, fire-tolerant 

trees (e.g. thick-barked, self-pruning pine species). The WUI incorporates patterns of fuel 

condition that modify wildfire behavior by slowing large fire spread and reducing overall fire 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 21

intensity and severity. Defensible space exists for all structures on Forest Service administrative 

sites, Forest Service permit authorization sites, and within 100 feet of non-federal structures. 

Forest Vegetation Types 

White fir-mixed conifer, Jeffrey pine, and the red fir types constitute approximately 60% of the 

land area in the Lake Tahoe Basin. This also includes areas where the majority of vegetation and 

terrestrial habitat management actions will occur. Therefore, more detailed desired conditions 

for these major vegetation types on the LTBMU have been developed (Tables 1 and 2). 

Due to the ecological importance, declining extent and concerns for degrading condition of aspen 

stands in the basin, desired conditions for aspen also have been included here. 

Except where it occurs in the WUI or where there are major insect outbreaks, the lodgepole pine 

type is not a major focus of land management concerns in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Likewise, the 

subalpine forest type is not the focus of land management concerns in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and 

therefore desired conditions are less detailed than for other forest types. 

 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

22 ▪ Part 1 

Jeffrey Pine 

Structure 

DC27. At the scale of the Lake Tahoe Basin as a whole, forest dominated by Jeffrey pine 

occupies more area than in 2003 and the trend is upward. At the landscape scale, the Jeffrey pine 

type is a highly heterogeneous mosaic of forest conditions composed of structural stages ranging 

from young to old trees (Table 2). 

Forest appearance is variable but 

generally uneven-aged and open; 

areas of even-aged structure are 

rare. Where they are even 

identifiable, patch sizes are 

generally extremely small (0.01 to 

0.5 acres), and the mixing of trees 

of different ages and sizes makes 

identification of stands or seral 

stages difficult. The Jeffrey pine 

type is composed predominantly of 

vigorous trees, but dead and 

declining trees are a component 

and provide for snags and coarse 

woody debris (CWD). Stand basal 

areas range from 30 to 250 square 

feet per acre, with most stands falling below 100 square feet per acre. (See Table 2 for tree and 

snag density, CWD, loading). 

Function 

DC28. Natural ecological processes occur with little direct human influence. Fire and fire 

surrogates approximate a fire return interval of 7-20 years in Jeffrey pine stands. Standreplacing fire occurs on an average of 5% of burned acres, with occasional more severe fires 

driven by extreme weather. Fires burn primarily on the forest floor and do not spread between 

canopy trees as active crown fire. Occasional crown torching leads to forest openings and 

generation of large snags. Except in extremely rare events, contiguous areas of crown mortality 

after fire are less than 5 acres in size. High severity patches are principally confined to higher 

density, closed canopy stands and/or warm, upper slopes. Frequent, low severity fires are 

characteristic in this type; including throughout spotted owl and goshawk protected activity 

centers (PACs) and home range core areas (HRCAs). 

Composition 

DC29. The Jeffrey pine forest type is dominated by Jeffrey pine, with white fir as an associate. 

At the stand scale, the proportion of Jeffrey pine to shade tolerant species (e.g., white fir, red fir, 

incense cedar) is 3:1 or greater, except in moist and/or high productivity sites, where the 

proportion of shade tolerant species may be somewhat higher. Stands of (nearly) pure Jeffrey 

pine are not uncommon. Other accessory conifer species are present, especially in moist sites 

(e.g., incense cedar, lodgepole pine), areas of cold air drainage (e.g., lodgepole pine), and in very 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 23

low productivity sites (e.g., western juniper, western white pine). Shrub cover is generally low to 

moderate due to frequent fire (or surrogates), but may be high in patches, especially where 

canopy cover is low, and where rocks, thin soils, and/or low fuel loads provide protection from 

frequent fire. Montane chaparral species are commonly found in such situations, and include 

species of manzanita and ceanothus, and bush chinquapin. In some open canopy stands of Jeffrey 

pine, sagebrush, bitterbrush, and other dryland shrubs may form an almost continuous 

understory. Diversity and cover of understory grasses and forbs is relatively high. In dense 

canopy stands, small and medium trees may be relatively dense. Early seral stands may support 

high levels of shrub cover. 

 

White Fir – Mixed Conifer 

Structure 

DC30. At the scale of the Lake Tahoe Basin as a whole, forest dominated by white fir 

occupies less area than in 2003 and the trend is downward. At the landscape scale, the white firmixed conifer type is a heterogeneous mosaic of 

forest conditions composed of structural stages 

ranging from young to old trees (Table 2). Forest 

appearance is variable but generally unevenaged; occasional areas of even-aged structure are 

present. Many stands on the landscape are open 

canopied (less than 50% canopy cover) and 

support a significant component of pines, but 

denser canopy stands are also common, 

especially on north slopes, in canyon bottoms, 

and at higher elevations. Where they are even 

identifiable, patch sizes are generally small (0.05 

to 0.75 acres) and the mixing of trees of different 

ages and sizes makes identification of stands or 

seral stages difficult. The white fir-mixed conifer 

type is composed predominantly of vigorous 

trees, but dead and declining trees are a 

component and provide for snags and coarse 

woody debris (CWD). Stand basal areas range 

from 40 to 350 square feet per acre, with most 

stands falling below 250 square feet per acre. 

(See Table 2 for tree and snag density, CWD 

loading). In white fir-mixed conifer forest, stand basal areas range from 40 to 350 square feet per 

acre, with most stands below 50 square feet per acre (See Table 2 for tree and snag density, and 

CWD loading). 

Function 

DC31. Natural ecological processes occur with little direct human influence. Fire and fire 

surrogates approximate a fire return interval of 10-30 years in white fir-mixed conifer stands. 

Frequent, low to mixed severity fires are characteristic in this type, including throughout spotted 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

24 ▪ Part 1 

owl and goshawk PACs and HRCAs. Stand-replacing fire occurs on an average of 15% of 

burned acres, with occasional more severe fires driven by extreme weather. Fires burn primarily 

on the forest floor, rarely spreading between canopy trees as active crown fire. Crown torching 

leads to forest openings and generation of large snags. Except in rare events, contiguous areas of 

crown mortality after fire are less than 10 acres in size. High severity patches are principally 

confined to higher density, closed canopy stands and/or warm, upper slopes. Where this type 

overlaps the WUI, fires occur as surface fire due to fuels treatments. 

Composition 

DC32. In the Lake Tahoe Basin, the white fir-mixed conifer forest type is dominated by white 

fir, with Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, red fir and incense cedar as important associates. At the stand 

scale, the proportion of white fir to shade intolerant pines (e.g., Jeffrey pine, sugar pine) varies 

from about 1:1 on drier and warmer sites to 2:1 or greater in moist and/or high productivity sites. 

Sugar pine is an important member of the forest canopy, and the combination of decreased 

canopy cover of shade tolerant conifer species (from increased fire and fire surrogates) and the 

planting of blister rust-resistant seedlings leads to increases in its density and basal area. Shrub 

cover is generally low, due both to frequent fire (or surrogates) and areas of high tree canopy 

cover. Shrub cover may be high in patches, especially where rocks, thin soils, and/or low fuel 

loads provide protection from frequent fire, or in areas where high severity fire has occurred. In 

open stands, the forest understory is dominated by low shrubs, grasses and forbs. In dense 

canopy stands, small and medium trees may be of relatively high density. Early seral stands may 

support high levels of shrub cover. 

Red Fir 

Structure 

DC33. At the landscape scale, the red fir forest 

type is a heterogeneous mosaic of forest conditions 

composed of structural stages ranging from young 

to old trees (Table 2). Forest appearance is 

variable but primarily composed of small, 

intergrading patches of even-aged trees. Stands are 

both closed (greater than 50% canopy cover) and 

open canopied. Dense canopy conditions are more 

common at lower elevations, where white fir may 

share dominance with red fir (red fir-white fir 

forest), but patches of high canopy cover are also 

found at higher elevations, usually in areas of 

deeper soils. Higher elevation red fir stands often 

share dominance with western white pine (red firwestern white pine forest) and may be very open 

and patchy, with substantial cover of montane 

chaparral species. Patch sizes are small to medium 

(0.05 to 5 acres), but may be larger, especially at 

lower elevation. The red fir forest type is 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 25

composed predominantly of vigorous trees, but dead and declining trees are a component and 

provide for snags and CWD. Most CWD is found in the later stages of decay. In red fir-white 

fir forest, stand basal areas range from 50 to 700 square feet per acre, with most stands below 

350 square feet per acre. In higher elevation red fir-western white pine forest, stand basal areas 

range from 5-600 square feet per acre, with most stands below 250 square feet per acre. (See 

Table 2 for tree and snag density, and CWD loading). 

Function 

DC34. Natural ecological processes occur with little direct human influence. Fire and fire 

surrogates approximate a fire return interval of 30-75 years in red fir stands, with fire return 

intervals increasing generally with elevation. Infrequent, low to mixed severity fires are 

characteristic in this type. Stand-replacing fire occurs on an average of 15-20% of burned acres, 

with occasional more severe fires driven by extreme weather. Fires are generally small, restricted 

in size by high fuel moistures and/or the patchy nature of the forest. Fires burn primarily on the 

forest floor, but crown torching is not uncommon and leads to forest openings and generation of 

large snags. Except in rare events, contiguous areas of crown mortality after fire are less than 10 

acres in size. High severity patches are principally confined to higher density, closed canopy 

stands and/or warm, upper slopes. 

Composition 

DC35. In the Lake Tahoe Basin, the red fir forest type is dominated by red fir, with white fir 

and Jeffrey pine as important associates at lower elevations, and western white pine, lodgepole 

pine, and Jeffrey pine at higher elevations. Other conifers include sugar pine, mountain hemlock, 

and western juniper. At higher elevations, especially in sites of low productivity, western white 

pine remains an important member of the forest canopy. Where feasible, the planting of blister 

rust-resistant western white pine seedlings leads to sustainability of its density and basal area. 

Lodgepole pine density in higher elevation red fir forests is reduced in areas where very dense 

stands regenerated after 19th century logging. Shrub cover is very heterogeneous. Shrub cover is 

generally low at lower elevations, except where there are gaps in the tree canopy, but maybe high 

(but patchy) at higher elevations, depending on the distribution of the tree canopy, soil depths, 

moisture availability, and other factors. Understory shrubs include gooseberry and snowberry. 

Montane chaparral shrub species (which occur primarily in openings) include huckleberry oak, 

bush chinquapin, and species of manzanita and ceanothus. Grass and forb cover is generally low, 

but can be high in stands with low canopy cover and suitable soil moisture. In dense canopy 

stands, small and medium trees may be of high density. Early seral stands may support high 

levels of shrub cover. 

 
 Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

26 ▪ Part 1 

Table 1. Modeled Pre-Settlement Historical Reference Conditions 

Vegetation 

Description 

Approx. 

Percent 

of Area 

1935 

Approx. 

Percent 

of Area 

2003 

Average Percent of Vegetation Type 

EarlySeral 

MidSeral, 

Closed 

Canopy 

MidSeral, 

Open 

Canopy 

LateSeral, 

Open 

Canopy 

LateSeral, 

Closed 

Canopy 

White fir mixed 

conifer 10 21 10-20 5-15 10-15 30-40 20-30 

Jeffrey pine 37 19 5-15 5-10 25-30 45-50 5-10 

Red fir 15 18 10-20 20-30 5-15 15-25 25-35 

Notes: 

 Historic Reference Condition modeling for major LTB forest types, developed from non-linear 

forest stand dynamics (state and transition) modeling, using disturbance regimes from pre-EuroAmerican settlement period. Climate inputs from 20th century. Values cannot be reliably applied 

to landscape units less than about 10,000 acres in area (Safford and Schmidt 2007). 

 1935 percent of area from Forest Service 1935 Vegetation Type Map (Wieslander); 

 2003 percent of area from Lake Tahoe Basin Existing Vegetation Map, Version 4.1, updated for 

the 2007 Angora Fire. 

 Early, mid, and late seral stages represent stand quadratic mean diameters of 0-5”, 5-25”, and 

>25” dbh respectively. 

 For white fir, and the red fir types, an “open” canopy has less than 50 percent closure while a 

closed canopy has closure greater than 50 percent; for Jeffrey pine, the open-closed cutoff is 

40%. For detailed seral stage definitions, see Historic Reference Condition Mapping, Safford and 

Schmidt 2007.
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 27

Table 2. Tree and Snag Density, Coarse Woody Debris (CWD) Loading for the Four Major Forest 

Types and Aspen 

Forest Type 

Stocking (stems) Basal area (feet2/acre) 

Low Median Mean High Low Median Mean High 

White fir-mixed 

conifer 

25 80 100 300 40 150 200 350

Jeffrey pine 15 60 70 200 30 80 100 250

Red fir-white fir 25 80 100 300 50 250 350 700

Red fir-western 

white pine 

10 70 80 250 5 200 250 600

Forest Type 

Snags (>15” dbh/acre) Coarse Woody Debris (tons/acre) 

Low Median Mean High Low Median Mean High 

White fir-mixed 

conifer 

0 3 6 25 0 2 10 150

Jeffrey pine 0 1 3 15 0 1 6 100

Red fir-white fir 2 4 7 25 0 10 20 150

Red fir-western 

white pine 

2 3 5 20 0 5 10 120

Lodgepole Pine 

DC36. Tree densities and basal areas are maintained at levels similar to current conditions in 

most stands. The areal extent of lodgepole pine-dominated forest is slightly reduced from 2009. 

Wherever possible, ecological processes occur with little direct human influence. 

DC37. Stand density, age distribution, and structural heterogeneity are such that lodgepole 

pine is more resilient and tree mortality occurs at levels that would typically not exceed a few 

trees per acre. A heterogeneous pattern of mortality results in the creation of snags and CWD 

that varies irregularly across the landscape, and does not result in degrading wildlife habitat or 

scenic character. Levels of dwarf mistletoe are reduced, and infection by mistletoe does not 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

28 ▪ Part 1 

result in stunting growth and/or premature tree mortality. Tree mortality caused by mountain 

pine beetle, and tree hazards associated with dwarf mistletoe, are limited in recreation areas. 

Sub Alpine 

DC38. Forest conditions are the result of natural ecological processes, which occur with little 

direct human influence. 

DC39. Stand density, age distribution, and structural heterogeneity are such that whitebark 

pine, lodgepole pine, red fir, and other sub alpine tree species are more resilient, and tree 

mortality does not contribute to substantial deviations from typical patterns of vegetation 

succession. Tree mortality levels caused by mountain pine beetle do not contribute to an overall 

decrease in species sustainability. 

Aspen 

Structure 

DC40. The area of aspen-dominated forest in the Lake Tahoe Basin is greater than in 2009 and 

trending upward. In aspen stands, aspen dominate the overstory, with conifers comprising <25% 

of the canopy. Overall canopy cover is high (generally greater than 50%), and aspen comprise 

more than 75% of the overstory. Aspen forest is multi-layered, but sufficient light penetrates the 

canopy to support 

abundant undergrowth. 

Aspen stands are 

regenerating, restored, 

and/or maturing through 

natural disturbances or 

surrogate activities. In 

stable stands, aspen 

perpetuates itself with 

regular low-level 

regeneration; in seral 

stands, aspen 

regeneration is vigorous 

after ecological 

disturbances. Conifer 

density surrounding 

aspen stands is low 

enough that aspen stand expansion may occur if subsurface moisture availability permits. In 

early and mid-seral aspen stands, fire resistant conifers with late seral characteristics may 

comprise up to 25% of overstory canopy cover. Based on disturbance history, multiple age 

cohorts of aspen may be present. Conifer regeneration only rarely successfully introduces new 

trees into the stand, due to high seedling and sapling mortality from fire or fire surrogates. Basal 

areas range from 5-600 square feet per acre, with most stands falling below 250 square feet per 

acre. (See Table 2 for tree and snag density, and CWD loading). 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 29

Function 

DC41. Fire and fire surrogates approximate a fire return interval of 25-50 years in aspen 

stands. Many low intensity fires burning in surrounding conifer forest types do not enter aspen 

forest due to high moisture content in the fuel and soil. Stand-replacing fire in aspen forest is 

uncommon, and most fires that enter stands burn at low to moderate severity, with only scattered 

mortality of overstory aspen individuals. Early and mid-seral aspen stands strongly ameliorate 

fire behavior and burn severity within aspen stands as well as in conifer stands immediately 

downwind. 

DC42. Structural heterogeneity in aspen stands is high, and attracts a broad diversity of 

wildlife species due to the availability of cover, forage, and nesting opportunities. 

DC43. Native insect and disease species are allowed to fulfill their ecological role in the aspen 

community, with minimal risk of compromising stand resilience. 

DC44. Organic ground cover and herbaceous vegetation provide protection of soil, moisture 

infiltration and retention, and contribute to plant and animal diversity. Soil moisture in aspen 

stands is generally higher than in surrounding conifer stands, due to higher water tables, lower 

rates of evapotranspiration, and higher organic matter content in the soil, which aids in moisture 

retention. There is little or no bare ground. Natural and anthropogenic disturbances are sufficient 

to maintain desired overall tree density, structure, species composition, coarse woody debris, and 

nutrient cycling. 

Composition 

DC45. Total vegetation cover and diversity is generally high in aspen stands, especially in the 

forb and grass components of the forest understory. Depending on location, elevation, and site 

characteristics, a number of conifer species may be present (up to 25% canopy cover), and other 

hardwoods like alder or willow may occur nearby. Shrub layers may be present, and may include 

a number of relatively shade-tolerant species (e.g., serviceberry, snowberry, gooseberry, currant) 

and also dryland shrubs (e.g., sagebrush, bitterbrush), depending on site characteristics. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

30 ▪ Part 1 

Meadows 

Meadow vegetation occurs at elevations ranging from lake level to almost 10,000 feet. Meadow 

vegetation is characterized by dense graminoid (grasses, sedges, rushes) and forb cover, with or 

without a shrub component. While meadows account for a small percentage of the overall Lake 

Tahoe Basin landscape, they are of great ecological importance. Meadows in the Lake Tahoe 

basin are a spatially limited resource that plays a crucial role in hydrologic processes, erosion 

control, nutrient cycling, and habitat for many plant and animal species. 

Meadows are usually classified based on vegetation, elevation, water table, landform, hydrology, 

and soil characteristics. Water table level and seasonal water table patterns are the most 

important factors determining the distribution of meadow vegetation, but meadow size and 

composition is further affected by climate, fire, and herbivory. In the Lake Tahoe Basin, dry 

meadows are found on floodplains or drainageways and at the dry edges of stream terraces. This 

type is moist in the early growing season and dry as the season progresses. Moist meadows are 

also found on floodplains or drainageways and stream terraces, but these sites are wet to moist 

through the growing season in most years. Wet meadows are found on sites that have watersaturated soils within 50 cm of the surface for most of the year. Fens are wet meadows that 

occur in organic soils where the water table is at the soil surface for most of the year. 

Past land use and recurrent droughts have impaired natural function and processes of many 

meadows in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Perhaps the most significant 

documented trend in many montane 

meadows in the Sierra Nevada is soil 

drying and resulting changes in 

meadow structure, composition, and 

function. Reasons for meadow 

drying include past overgrazing, road 

construction (which alters 

hydrology), conifer encroachment, 

which may be largely due to lack of 

fire since the beginning of fire 

suppression policies, and climate 

warming. Montane meadows have 

been identified as one of the most 

vulnerable and impacted habitat 

types of the Sierra Nevada, and 

meadow ecosystems are an important focus area for restoration efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

 

Structure 

DC46. At the scale of the Lake Tahoe basin as a whole, the area of high functioning meadow 

vegetation is higher than in 2009 and the trend is up and meadow wetness is maintained or 

increasing as determined by species composition. A high diversity of meadow types is 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 31

represented by soil drying and conifer encroachment that is due to human management is halted 

and reversed. Meadows affected by soil drying and conifer encroachment due to climate effects 

may also be targeted for treatment, depending on management goals. Bare ground cover is 

reduced in many meadows. Healthy stands of willow, alder and aspen grow in appropriate places 

within and adjacent to meadows.

Function 

DC47. Fire (prescribed or natural) or fire surrogates maintain and/or reclaim meadow 

landscapes from encroaching conifers, and increase the vigor and diversity of herbaceous 

meadow vegetation. Where necessary and possible, stream down-cutting and meadow soil loss is 

halted. Meadows continue to adequately carry out important hydrologic functions. Meadows 

with perennial and intermittent streams: 

a) dissipate stream energy from high flows and result in increases in infiltration 

rates, reducing erosion and improving water quality; 

b) filter sediment and capture bedload, with subsequent floodplain development; 

c) enhance floodwater retention and groundwater recharge through increased rates of 

infiltration; and 

d) support healthy root systems which stabilize streambanks against down-cutting 

action. 

DC48. Organic ground cover and herbaceous vegetation provide protection of soil, moisture 

infiltration and retention, and contribute to plant and animal diversity. Natural and anthropogenic 

disturbances are sufficient to maintain desired vegetation structure, species composition, and 

nutrient cycling. 

Composition 

DC49. A diversity of plant functional types are present and regeneration occurs naturally 

within each meadow type. In places where past human disturbance has affected meadows, the 

abundance of plant functional types identified as rare species are decreasing. Meadow species 

composition is predominantly native, perennial species. The abundance of exotic species is 

reduced. 

Biological Resources 

The Lake Tahoe basin provides habitat for a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species. Past 

land use management has degraded some sensitive habitat while other habitats have been less 

affected. In addition to habitat degradation, non-native species and invasive species 

introductions have drastically altered some terrestrial and aquatic habitats. 

Terrestrial and aquatic habitats are important both for native species that depend on them, and for 

future generations of the recreating public to enjoy. Toward this end, desired conditions have 

been developed to guide future management in the preservation, enhancement, and, in some 

cases, restoration of biological resources. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

32 ▪ Part 1 

Habitat and Species Diversity 

This section provides specific management direction to maintain habitat quality and abundance 

to support native species and habitat on the LTBMU. 

DC50. The functional, physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s 

aquatic ecosystems are maintained at or above a sustainable level. (Pathway) 

DC51. SEZ biological processes function naturally within the constraints and dynamics of the 

watershed. Vegetation, terrestrial wildlife, and aquatic communities are healthy and 

sustainable. (Pathway) 

DC52. The functional, physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s 

terrestrial ecosystems are maintained at or above a sustainable level. (adapted from Pathway - 

vision) 

DC53. The diversity, distribution and health of biotic communities, and associated species in 

aquatic and terrestrial habitats (such as lakes, fens, wetlands, SEZs, and coniferous forests) 

perpetuate their unique ecological functions and biological diversity, and support sustainable 

populations of native plants and animal species. The connectivity, both spatial and temporal of 

these aquatic and terrestrial habitats at the landscape level allows for physically, chemically, and 

biologically unobstructed movement of native species sufficient for their survival, migration, 

reproduction and dispersal. 

DC54. In-stream flows and floodplain inundation frequencies sustain aquatic habitats. 

Perennial flowing streams and associated lakes support a community of macro-invertebrates 

indicative of healthy aquatic habitat conditions, and naturally reproducing populations of native 

plant and animal species. Aquatic habitats are free of aquatic organism barriers and provide 

habitat characteristics needed for all life-history requirements. 

DC55. Undeveloped and minimally disturbed shoreline and lagoon habitats are sufficient to 

support native species dependent on the interface between lake and terrestrial ecosystems. Where 

fluvial ecosystems meet the lake shoreline (including Lake Tahoe), geomorphic conditions and 

associated barrier beach formations support marsh and lagoon habitats. 

DC56. The abundance, spatial distribution, and size and decay classes of both standing (snags) 

and CWD meet the habitat requirements of native species that utilize these structures. 

DC57. Terrestrial and aquatic habitat connectivity continues to provide unobstructed 

movement sufficient for survival, migration, reproduction, and dispersal given the potential 

effects of climate change on habitat and species. 

DC58. The pattern and degree of forest fragmentation is consistent with natural landscape 

heterogeneity, including all seral stages, and meets the habitat needs of terrestrial wildlife species 

that are generally vulnerable to extensive forest openings, edge effects, and gaps in the forest 

canopy. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 33

DC59. Ecological conditions throughout the Plan area contribute to the recovery of Federal 

Threatened (T) and Endangered (E) species, and prevent listing of Federal Candidate species (C), 

Federal Proposed species (P), and Forest Service Sensitive species (FSS). 

DC60. The forest supports well distributed and connected habitat for FSS, and TRPA identified 

native species. These identified populations and habitats are ecologically sustainable, selfsustaining, well-distributed, and well-connected. 

DC61. Ecological conditions sustain or enhance native species and support self-sustaining 

communities of native plants and animals. 

DC62. Inherent genetic variability within native plant populations is conserved and is sufficient 

to respond and adapt to changing climates and environment conditions. 

DC63. Native non-game fishes, including but not limited to, Lahontan tui chub, Tahoe sucker, 

Lahontan redside, Paiute sculpin and mountain whitefish are well distributed in watershed stream 

reaches and are able to utilize near shore lake habitats throughout their historic range. 

DC64. Selected rocky habitats support healthy and sustainable populations of rare plant and 

animal species including but not limited to Tahoe draba (Draba asterophora var. asterophora), 

Cup Lake draba (Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa), long-petaled lewisia (Lewisia 

longipetala), and Mount Lyell salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus). 

DC65. Cliff, cave, and cave surrogate habitats (e.g., mines, buildings, etc.) recognized as 

important to the survival, migration, reproduction, and dispersal of species dependent on these 

habitats are suitable and accessible for these uses consistent with site capability. Measures to 

protect and ensure human safety are compatible with maintaining or enhancing accessibility for 

these species. 

DC66. Conifer stands adjacent to wetlands, wet meadows, and open water habitats including 

but not limited to the areas between Emerald Bay and Taylor Creek, and near Marlette Lake, and 

in newly discovered special status raptor locations, have the following characteristics: 

a) Conifer stands are open canopied, late seral, and Jeffrey pine-dominated in 

composition and structure; 

b) Several trees exist in each stand that are larger in diameter and taller than the 

dominant tree canopy, particularly trees greater than 40 inches dbh and at least 100 feet 

tall with dead tops and robust, open branch structures; 

c) Higher than average levels of snags for the stand type are present, composed of the 

largest tree size classes and diverse decay classes. 

DC67. Late and mid seral closed canopy habitat contains elements (e.g., snags, coarse woody 

debris, large trees, dense canopy) important to mature forest-associated species. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

34 ▪ Part 1 

Invasive Species Management (Aquatic and Terrestrial) 

This management direction is included to help maintain habitat quality and native species 

diversity. The management direction is applied to species identified as invasive by the California 

Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), 

California Invasive Plant Council, Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group, and Lake 

Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinating Committee. 

DC68. Invasive species do not adversely affect native species, human health, ecosystem 

processes, or other NFS resources. 

DC69. Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are self-sustaining and resistant to the establishment 

of invasive species. 

DC70. Invasive species management prioritizes prevention and early detection and rapid 

response actions. 

Protected Activity Centers and Home Range Core Areas (PACs and 

HRCAs) 

This section describes the desired conditions for northern goshawk and California spotted owl 

PACs and California spotted owl HRCAs. PACs and HRCAs are established and maintained to 

protect suitable habitat components for these species. 

DC71. Suitable nesting and foraging habitat within California spotted owl and northern 

goshawk PACs and California spotted owl HRCAs is maintained and degraded habitat is 

enhanced. 

DC72. California spotted owl and northern goshawk PACs have the following mature-forest 

structure: 

a) at least two tree canopy layers, 

b) dominant and co-dominant trees with average diameters of at least 24 inches dbh, 

c) at least 70 percent canopy cover, and 

d) higher than average levels of snags (preferably larger than 45 inches dbh) for the stand 

type, and downed woody material (preferably larger than 20 inches in diameter at the 

large end) in diverse decay classes, distributed unevenly. 

DC73. California spotted owl HRCAs have the following structure: 

a) at least two tree canopy layers, 

b) dominant and co-dominant trees with average diameters of at least 24 inches dbh, 

c) at least 50 percent canopy cover, and 

d) higher than average levels of snags (preferably larger than 45 inches dbh) for the stand 

type, and downed woody material (preferably larger than 20 inches in diameter at the 

large end), in diverse decay classes, distributed unevenly. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 35

DC74. Highly suitable California spotted owl and northern goshawk breeding, roosting, and 

foraging habitats exist in spotted owl and goshawk territories within and overlapping the Lake 

Tahoe basin; these habitats trend towards resistance to large-scale disturbances such as severe 

wildland fire and pathogen/disease/insect mortality outbreaks. The trend in spotted owl and 

goshawk occupancy, survival, and productivity in these territories are maintained or increased 

over time within the capability of the landscape. 

Species Refuge Areas 

Species Refuge Areas (SRAs) are defined as areas of quality habitat for Federal Threatened (T), 

Endangered (E), Candidate (C), and Proposed (P) species (FSH 1909.12, Ch. 40, Sec. 43.22a). 

These areas either currently provide habitat for Federal TEPC species or may provide habitat 

needed for future recovery. 

Species included are Lahontan cutthroat trout, Sierra Nevada yellow legged frog, Tahoe yellow 

cress, and whitebark pine. This list is subject to change when species are added or removed. 

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

DC75. Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT) populations are naturally self-sustaining, welldistributed, and well-connected, forming meta-populations that can expand and endure natural 

disturbances. Culverts or other structures do not inhibit migration unless deemed necessary to 

maintain upstream population integrity. Current and future water-bodies identified by the Tahoe 

Basin Recovery Implementation Team support naturally reproducing populations of LCT. 

Current recovery areas in the Upper Truckee River watersheds (from Meiss Meadows to the 

Southern extent of Christmas Valley) and Fallen Leaf Lake(including Glen Alpine Creek) are 

suitable for LCT and have the following characteristics: 

a) Upper Truckee River, upstream of the natural fish barrier, is free from non-native 

trout and aquatic invasive species, such as whirling disease pathogens; 

b) Fallen Leaf Lake and Glen Alpine Creek are free of aquatic invasive species and 

support LCT life histories. 

c) In addition, current and future fluvial and lacustrine systems where recovery 

occurs exhibit the following aquatic habitat characteristics: riffles, runs, pools, 

spawning gravels, CWD, and in-lake structure are complex and well-connected 

and free of non-native species that would inhibit LCT success. 

Sierra-Nevada Yellow-legged Frog 

DC76. Sierra Nevada (mountain) yellow-legged frogs occupy, persist, and colonize in historic 

lake and stream habitats that are fishless. Habitat for self-sustaining populations is present in 

identified lakes, streams, and meadow habitats. Suitable habitat is free from invasives, including 

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus (Bd), and introduced fishes (e.g. brook trout), and has 

well-connected micro-habitats for frog dispersal. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

36 ▪ Part 1 

Tahoe yellow cress 

DC77. Tahoe yellow cress persists in sandy beach habitat around Lake Tahoe, despite periodic 

high water levels and human-related impacts. Viable populations are maintained at core sites that 

occur on NFS lands as identified in the Tahoe yellow cress Conservation Strategy. At other sites, 

occurrences may decrease or disappear, but losses are counterbalanced by establishment of new 

sites, as determined by the species metapopulation dynamics. 

Whitebark pine 

DC78. Stand density, age distribution, and structural heterogeneity are such that stands are 

resilient to disturbance (e.g. wildfire and climate change) and resistant to pathogen infestations 

(such as white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle). 

DC79. Tree mortality in whitebark pine stands does not substantially deviate from typical 

patterns of vegetation succession. Mortality levels caused by pathogens do not contribute to an 

overall decrease in species sustainability. 

DC80. Mature cone-bearing whitebark pine trees are well distributed spatially to allow for 

natural regeneration and to protect and conserve genetic diversity in situ, in particular diversity 

that may be related to WPBR-resistance. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 37

Social and Economic Sustainability 

This section includes desired conditions that focus on the human environment, including 

stewardship and partnerships, recreation, conservation and interpretive education and visitor 

services, scenic quality, cultural resources and tribal relations, noise, the road and trail system 

and other aspects of the built environment, lands and minerals, and permitted uses. These 

desired conditions represent goals to provide important social benefits to Lake Tahoe Basin 

communities, part-time residents, and visitors, and contributions to the local economy. 

Partnerships and Volunteers 

The LTBMU relies on its dedicated partners and volunteers to successfully manage the NFS 

lands and to attain stewardship goals across jurisdictional boundaries. Current partnerships with 

other entities help reduce hazardous fuels, build trails, restore historic sites, provide interpretive 

programs, restore habitats, remove invasive plants, and take part in many other management 

activities. 

DC81. LTBMU and partner organizations capitalize on mutual interests and goals to 

efficiently and effectively achieve desired outcomes. Community members, interested 

stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and leaders from local jurisdictions are well-informed of 

ecosystem processes and management challenges, and work cooperatively to resolve issues. 

These partners gather and share information allowing for more accurate and responsive 

decision-making. (Adapted from Pathway) 

DC82. Partners and volunteers are engaged in coordination, development, and delivery of 

educational and community outreach programs. 

DC83. Resource management and stewardship objectives are accomplished through 

collaboration with partners and volunteers. 

Recreation and Human Values 

The LTBMU provides visitors and area residents an extraordinary variety of outdoor recreation 

opportunities concentrated within a relatively small area of NFS lands surrounding Lake Tahoe. 

The concentration of use (over 5.7 million visits per year on average) on around 155,000 acres is 

among the highest of any National Forest in the country, and based on US Census data is 

expected to increase. 

The spectrum of recreation opportunities within the Lake Tahoe Basin varies from highly 

developed resorts to remote wilderness. Visitors can find full service amenities at developed 

sites such as Camp Richardson Resort and Heavenly Mountain Resort, or solitude within the 

Desolation Wilderness. 

Those wishing to access Lake Tahoe may enjoy developed beach sites such as Pope, Baldwin, 

Meeks, and Nevada Beach, while the scenic east shore provides opportunities for more remote, 

less developed lakeshore access and stunning panoramic views of the lake and the Sierra 

Nevada. Interpretive opportunities are numerous, with local area history presented at the Tallac 

Historic Site, and natural history interpreted at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

38 ▪ Part 1 

More remote backcountry areas, such as Freel and Dardanelles Inventoried Roadless Areas, 

Desolation, Stanford Rock, Granite Chief, and Mt. Rose Wilderness Areas, provide dispersed 

recreation opportunities to visitors seeking solitude or outdoor adventure. 

Visitors seek a multitude of experiences on NFS lands that cannot be adequately captured by the 

term ‘Recreation’ and can be difficult for public land managers to quantify. LTBMU lands 

provide opportunities to experience solitude, physical challenge, social interaction, spiritual 

meaning, and a myriad of other values. Providing for these qualitative experiences enhances the 

diversity of recreation opportunities available in the Lake Tahoe Basin and is an important 

component of the LTBMU recreation program. 

Sustainable Recreation 

The aim of sustainable recreation management is to integrate recreation program activities with 

landscape processes, social values, and economic consideration to provide high quality 

recreation opportunities can be perpetuated through the long term. 

Sustainable recreation is a systems-based approach to managing recreation within the larger 

context of landscape values, services, and processes. The three themes encompassed by 

sustainability are social (recreation opportunities), economic (built environment), and 

environmental (natural setting). No one theme is prescriptive of sustainability in and of itself; all 

three must successfully be integrated in the landscape in order to achieve sustainable 

recreation. By addressing facilities issues in concert with resource protection, sustainable 

recreation management increases the longevity and quality of developed and dispersed recreation 

opportunities on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. 

Potential adverse effects to natural, cultural, and social resources may occur if recreation is 

unmanaged. Over the life of this Forest Plan, recreation will be managed on the LTBMU for a 

variety of values, including natural resource conditions, aesthetic value, and human experience. 

By managing for these values in a sustainable way, the Forest Service will continue to deliver a 

wide range of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities on NFS lands. 

In support of meeting sustainable recreation objectives, the following desired conditions have 

been developed: recreation opportunities, public access (socio-economic), and recreation 

development (built environment). 

 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 39

Recreation Opportunities 

DC84. A spectrum of high quality recreational opportunities are provided, while Lake Tahoe 

Basin’s natural setting as an outstanding recreation destination is maintained. (Pathway) 

DC85. Landscape-scale recreation opportunities encompass the many unique natural features 

available in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

DC86. A diversity of recreation opportunities, programs, and facilities contribute to community 

vitality and the economic sustainability of local communities in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

DC87. Recreation opportunities enable long-term connections between people and their public 

lands, and are adapted for a changing visitor base. 

DC88. Recreation projects are developed with the involvement of neighboring communities, 

partners, state and local agencies, tribes, and adjacent Forest Service units. 

Public Access 

DC89. Encourage additional access where lawful and feasible to high-quality natural areas 

and shorezone consistent with desired resource conditions. (Pathway) 

DC90. The public has opportunities to access Lake Tahoe shorelines and NFS lands. 

DC91. The role of humans in the natural environment is recognized. 

Recreation Development 

DC92. Programs and facilities are economically sustainable and can be successfully 

perpetuated through the long term. 

DC93. Recreation development meets a wide range of social expectations while maintaining 

the quality of the setting and natural resources. 

DC94. Management actions do not attract and habitute bears and other wildlife. 

Recreation Special Uses 

Recreation special use permits facilitate recreational opportunities on NFS lands for services not 

provided by the Forest Service. Recreation sites under special use permit are more commercial 

in nature than sites under Forest Service management, and offer a variety of services for a fee. 

Recreation special use permits include resorts, ski areas, recreation residences, outfitting and 

guiding, events, marinas, and organizational camps. In addition to the desired conditions 

described above, the following desired conditions apply specifically to recreation special uses. 

DC95. In response to identified need and consistent with suitable uses, recreation special use 

permits facilitate delivery of services that complement those provided by the Forest Service. 

DC96. Existing special use permits are administered to standards set by the Forest Service 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

40 ▪ Part 1 

Interpretation and Education 

Interpretation and education on the LTBMU are provided through interpretive programs, 

conservation education, and visitor services. The goal of the interpretation and education 

program of work is to educate visitors and the local community about public lands, natural and 

cultural resource management, recreation opportunities, and stewardship principles. 

Providing a coordinated system of interpretive facilities and programs is an important way to 

help residents and visitors understand the connection between their behavior and the 

sustainability of Lake Tahoe’s natural setting. Coordinated efforts include public-private 

partnerships, community outreach, and school programs. 

DC97. Residents and visitors are educated about the recreation opportunities, appropriate 

behavior, and unique natural and cultural environments of Lake Tahoe. (Pathway)

DC98. Interpretive activities and programs communicate key stewardship concepts relevant to 

the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

DC99. Visitors are informed about education and recreation opportunities and the natural and 

cultural resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

DC100. The public understands and is aware of Forest Service projects and management actions 

as well as the importance of ecosystem services. 

Scenic Quality 

The public has expressed a strong desire to maintain the scenic integrity of the Lake Tahoe 

Basin, while accommodating forest management activities on public lands. Key valued scenic 

attributes include overall scenic quality of the natural environment, lake views, and dark night 

sky views (minimization of lighting to allow for dominance of natural, nighttime light). Other 

public desires include flexibility in design development to ensure that desired community 

character is achieved, and prevention of further loss of critical views. 

DC101. Scenery viewed from Lake Tahoe and the Basin’s major roadways, public recreation 

areas, trails and urban centers predominantly displays natural-appearing forest, meadows, 

mountains, and the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Development, where visible, appears subordinate 

to and harmonious with the surrounding setting. (Pathway) 

DC102. Views of the night sky from the naturally-appearing areas of the Basin are conducive to 

star gazing. Light emanating from the built environment is carefully controlled to ensure safety 

and security and does not encroach upon the regional dark sky. (Pathway) 

DC103. Management activities promote scenic stability and increase resistance to visual 

disruption resulting from disturbance events. Landscape alterations complement and blend with 

the characteristic landscape of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Vegetation treatments produce naturalappearing diverse forest structure. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 41

Cultural Resources 

Historic resources within the Lake Tahoe Basin reflect America’s history and diverse cultures. 

The documentation, preservation, and interpretation of historic resources are integral to the 

LTBMU’s management. Historic artifacts, sites, and features provide clues used to reconstruct 

human history in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Cultural resources are characteristic of the following aspects or periods of Lake Tahoe Basin 

history: 

 Early prehistoric occupation from approximately 10,000 to 1,500 years ago; 

 Washoe tribal occupation, which has been demonstrated to extend back at least 1,500 

years; 

 Basque sheepherders occupancy beginning in the mid-1800s, as evidenced by aspen 

carvings (arborglyphs); 

 Campsites of Chinese laborers who dominated the cord-cutting and flume-tending 

industries that supported Comstock Lode silver mining; 

 Comstock era (1859-1880) logging features such as flumes, transportation features, 

sawmills, habitation sites, log skids, etc.; 

 Era of elite summer resorts (Tahoe Tallac, Tahoe Tavern, Brockway Hot Springs) in the 

late 1800s; era of lakeshore estates of the wealthy and elite built in the early twentieth 

century, which denote the beginning of Tahoe’s tourism and recreation era; and 

 Transportation features, such as the Pony Express Trail and the Lincoln Highway. 

A program of research, protection, rehabilitation, and interpretation of cultural resources which 

are determined eligible for National Register of Historic Places or whose eligibility are 

undetermined is ongoing and effective. Known cultural resources are proactively managed to 

enhance their scientific, cultural, historical, and traditional values. 

DC104. Significant cultural resources are in good to excellent physical condition. Sites are 

protected from physical damage and wear resulting from visitor use and natural deterioration. 

 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

42 ▪ Part 1 

Tribal Relations 

For thousands of years, aboriginal peoples of the northern Sierra Mountains and the Great Basin 

traveled to the shores of Lake Tahoe in the spring to reaffirm tribal unity through shared cultural 

practices. The Lake Tahoe Basin is the heart of the Washoe Tribe’s culture. Spiritual and 

cosmologic beliefs derived from tribal ancestral heritage in the Lake Tahoe Basin are inherently 

intertwined in the landscape and its natural features. Tribal cultural identity is closely tied to the 

presence of culturally significant resources and the indigenous practices that sustain them. 

Access and use of culturally significant resources and places further supports the maintenance of 

social networks and related cultural and economic values. Economic opportunities afforded 

through government-to-government partnerships contribute to the economic stability and 

resiliency of the Washoe Tribe and its members. Additionally, approximately 24 acres of former 

NFS lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin is held in trust for the Washoe Tribe by the U.S. 

Department of the Interior. The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is the tribal government 

that works with the LTBMU on a government-to-government basis. 

DC105. Native American communities are well informed and involved in the planning process. 

DC106. The LTBMU fulfills its responsibilities to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California 

through a well-integrated, visible, government-to-government relationship. Consistent with 

LTBMU’s management, the Tribe’s goals of cultural revitalization, traditional practices, and 

reestablishment of a land base, as well as trade and commerce, are supported by the Forest 

Service. Tribal consultation enhances the capacity of the LTBMU to resolve issues and develop 

collaborative opportunities for partnership. 

DC107. Economic opportunities afforded through government-to-government partnerships 

contribute to the economic stability and resiliency of the Washoe Tribe and its members. 

Noise 

By definition, noise is “unwanted sound.” The LTBMU is involved with noise monitoring 

stemming from activities on National Forest lands and will continue to evaluate and address 

noise issues respective to meeting established laws and regulations and noise standards and 

thresholds. 

DC108. Single event noise levels are controlled to preserve the serenity of the community and 

neighborhood and provide abundant quiet recreation areas. (Pathway) 

DC109. Noise levels are controlled to protect wildlife. (Pathway) 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 43

Access and Travel Management 

LTBMU roads and trails provide management, administrative, and recreation access to NFS 

lands in support of agency goals and objectives. 

The goal of the Access and Travel Management Program is to provide and maintain 

economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable access. Economic sustainability 

balances maintenance needs with annual maintenance and reconstruction budgets and eliminates 

deferred maintenance. Social sustainability meets user needs by providing a spectrum of 

recreation opportunities, both summer and winter, and needed administrative access to NFS 

lands. Environmental sustainability is met through integrated BMPs, optimizing high capability 

locations, and designs that meet Forest Service guidelines. 

DC110. The LTBMU supports a multimodal transportation system that provides a viable 

alternative to the private automobile, while serving mobility needs. (Adapted from Pathway) 

DC111. The LTBMU transportation system is socioeconomically and environmentally 

sustainable, that is responsive to changing needs while providing access for administration, 

resource protection, and a variety of recreation opportunities. 

DC112. The transportation system is interconnected to federal, state, county, and local public 

roads and trails through collaborative access and travel management planning. 

National Trails System 

The National Trails System is a network of scenic, historic, and recreation trails created by the 

National Trails System Act of 1968. These nationally recognized trails provide for outdoor 

recreation needs, promote the enjoyment, appreciation, and preservation of open-air, outdoor 

areas and historic resources, and encourage public access and citizen involvement. 

Trails that are part of the National Trails System fall into three categories_- National Scenic 

Trails, National Historic Trails and National Recreation Trails. National Scenic Trails and 

National Historic Trails are designated by Congress, and National Recreation Trails are 

designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. 

The Pacific Crest Trail (National Scenic Trail), Tahoe Rim Trail, Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail, 

and the Hawley Grade Trail (National Recreation Trails) are part of the National Trails System. 

Each of these trails is described in the Management Area section of the Plan. 

DC113. Use and management of national trails system trails meets the intended goals and 

preserves the values for which they were established, and retain a natural landscape character. 

DC114. Management of the trail setting is consistent with or complements the existing ROS 

class. The trail setting is managed to provide a variety of opportunities. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

44 ▪ Part 1 

Built Environment 

For this Forest Plan, the built environment includes buildings and infrastructure that are federally 

owned and managed by the Forest Service as well as those managed under special use permit. 

DC115. Federally owned or managed facilities meet the needs of the agency and the public. 

DC116. The appearance of existing and new facilities is consistent with the visual and cultural 

characteristics of the Lake Tahoe Basin landscape. 

DC117. Deferred maintenance of Forest Service facilities is eliminated. 

DC118. Federally owned or managed facilities meet universal accessibility standards. 

Minerals 

Mineral resources are not abundant on the LTBMU. Although there were a few actively worked 

mines in the past, there are none in the basin at present, and the most recent operating plan was 

submitted prior to publication of the 1988 Forest Plan. 

DC119. Mining and mineral leasing laws and regulations are administered in a manner which 

meets environmental guidelines and regulations for the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

 

Lands 

The lands program facilitates the acquisition, exchange, and donation of NFS lands, as well as 

surveying and marking property boundaries and resolving trespass violations. 

DC120. Partnerships are developed and maintained with other governments, agencies, and 

organizations to facilitate land adjustment (e.g., exchange, purchase, and donation) that will 

reduce fragmentation of public lands, increase public access to NFS lands and Lake Tahoe 

shoreline, and protect important natural and heritage resources. 

DC121. Public land ownership boundaries are clearly marked on the ground, and land 

ownership information is easily accessible to the public. 

Lands Special Uses 

Permitted uses on NFS lands include rights of way for power lines, sewer lines and other 

utilities, cell phone and radio towers, water tanks and other infrastructure that serves local 

communities. Special use permits are also issued for various activities, as described below. 

DC122. Community needs are met for utility and communication services (e.g., telephone, 

radio, commercial broadcasting, and two-way radio for public safety needs for local 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Vision ■ 45

governments) as well as for transportation and access, when compatible with other desired 

conditions. 

DC123. Access is available to NFS lands for research and monitoring that is compatible with 

other resource values, when disturbance is temporary. 

DC124. Existing special use permits are administered to standards set by the Forest. 

 

Range 

Range management includes the authorized use and management of NFS lands for the purpose of 

livestock production and utilization of forage resources by livestock. 

DC125. Management of range resources sustains or enhances desired conditions for other 

resources, including, but not limited to soil and water quality, vegetation, wildlife habitat, and 

recreation. 

DC126. Utilization of forage resources is compatible with maintenance or enhancement of 

desired conditions for other resources, including, but not limited to soil and water quality, 

vegetation, wildlife habitat, and recreation. 

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels 

Urban Forest Parcels consist mainly of lands that have been acquired by purchase or donation, 

under authority of Public Law 96-586 (Santini-Burton Act) of December 23, 1980. The 

acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands authorized by this act is often referred to as the 

urban lot program. 

Many of the acquisitions are small lots (less than 1 acre) in urban subdivisions. The acquisition 

of urban lots serves 3 purposes: 

1) Preventing residential development of environmentally sensitive lands; 

2) Maintaining important areas within a watershed in a natural, undisturbed condition, 

allowing snowmelt water to infiltrate the soil surface and remove suspended sediments; 

and 

3) Restoring lands in poor hydrologic condition. 

Forested or other vegetated parcels of NFS lands within developed areas (commonly referred to 

as urban lots, urban intermix lands, or urban forest parcels) contribute to the maintenance of 

ecological integrity in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Protection and restoration of these lands directly 

influence attainment of Basin-wide desired conditions. Dispersed recreation (e .g. trails) and 

erosion control improvements are allowed on these lands. 

DC127. Urban Forest Parcels are undeveloped, conserve natural forest conditions (open space) 

within the urban setting, support natural watershed function, and pose a low wildfire risk to 

communities. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

46 ▪ Part 1 

DC128. Vegetation composition and structure is similar to general conservation areas. 

DC129. Personal private use (encroachments) and other unauthorized uses of urban forest 

parcels do not occur. 

Wilderness Areas 

Wilderness Areas are designated by Congress for inclusion in the National Wilderness 

Preservation System. 

DC130. Wilderness provides opportunities for solitude, and a primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 47

Part 2: Strategies 

This part of the Forest Plan sets forth strategies and objectives for achieving or maintaining the 

desired conditions for the LTBMU. Program strategies embody the general approach that the 

responsible official will use to achieve desired conditions for each program area. Program 

strategies convey a sense of priority and a focus for objectives. 

Objectives are concise, measurable, and time-specific statement of a desired rate of progress 

toward a desired condition or conditions. Objectives are consistent with the identified strategies, 

and are a means of measuring progress toward achieving or maintaining desired conditions. 

2.1 Ecological Sustainability 

Physical Resources Program Strategy 

The close relationships among physical resources make it difficult to separate program strategies 

and objectives by resource. Soil and air quality objectives also support water quality. 

Preventing erosion not only maintains the nutrient-rich topsoil needed for plant growth, but also 

prevents sediment deposition in water bodies. Maintaining soil porosity is important for plant 

growth, but reduced porosity can also indirectly affect water quality – when the amount of water 

soil can accept is decreased, it runs off on the surface, increasing the potential for erosion and 

subsequent sedimentation. When pollutants in the air are deposited in water, water quality is 

compromised. 

Air Quality 

 Utilize smoke dispersion models for prescribed fire projects greater than 250 acres to 

ensure smoke impacts are minimized. 

 Wherever feasible, apply Emission Reduction Techniques (ERTs) to reduce emissions 

and control greenhouse gas emissions from burn activities on NFS lands. Consider nonburning alternatives in addition to ERTs wherever possible to reduce and prevent smoke 

intrusion into communities. Manage emissions from on-forest activities to avoid 

elevating ambient air concentrations to levels that result in non-attainment of standards 

for the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

 For Forest Service operated combustion engines, utilize alternative fuels when 

technically and fiscally feasible, for purposes of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 

ozone precursor emissions. 

 Consider the Regional Haze State Implementation Plan targets for the Class 1 Airshed 

over Desolation Wilderness during project planning. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

48 ▪ Part 2 

Water Quality and Soil Quality 

 Implement PSW Region Best Management Practices (BMPs) and National Core BMPs to 

control nonpoint source pollution related to all management actions with the potential to 

affect water quality on NFS lands, and to protect, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources. 

 Manage activities within SEZs in a manner that is consistent with the protection of SEZ 

functions and values and protection of beneficial uses of water bodies. 

 Participate in achieving the program goals for the Integrated Water Quality Management 

Strategy for achievement of the Lake Tahoe TMDL. 

 Comply with the Tahoe Basin Upland TMDL by participating in the prescribed tracking 

and reporting program. 

 Ensure that identified beneficial uses for water bodies are adequately protected. Identify 

the specific beneficial uses for the project area, and water quality goals from the Regional 

Basin Plan. 

 Disperse runoff to reduce velocity, and increase infiltration to enhance treatment of 

nutrients and contaminants. Stabilize soil to prevent accelerated (human-caused) erosion 

of topsoil and subsequent sedimentation and loss of soil productivity. Utilize NFS lands 

for treatment of urban runoff where appropriate. 

 Reduce the watershed impacts resulting from land coverage. Minimize the development 

of new hard and soft coverage from forest management activities. Seek opportunities to 

reduce coverage through site design when retrofitting, improving, or rebuilding at 

existing developed sites. 

 Protect natural functioning of soil resources and sustain or improve long-term soil 

productivity in areas dedicated to growing vegetation. Where past management activities 

have reduced soil productivity below Forest Service regional or national guidelines, 

improve soil productivity by respreading displaced topsoil, using tillage to increase 

porosity, increasing nutrient supplies through the addition of appropriate amendments, or 

increasing nutrients and water-holding capacity through the addition of organic matter. 

Water Use and Development 

 Where feasible, arrange for and secure water rights for existing and foreseeable future 

Forest Service consumptive uses, including administrative, recreation, erosion control, 

and evaporative losses. 

 Where feasible, obtain water availability assurances for existing and foreseeable future 

non-consumptive uses, including minimum instream flows and reservoir level 

maintenance for fish, wildlife, boating, swimming, and aesthetics. 

 Manage dams to ensure adequate flows for downstream uses, including supporting 

aquatic habitats. Consider opportunities for removal of dams. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 49

 Utilize a geologic and geotechnical analysis if it is not possible to determine from 

existing data the magnitude of potential adverse effects on the groundwater table of a 

groundwater development project. 

 Use plants which do not require long-term irrigation in re-vegetation and landscaping 

projects in order to conserve water. 

Natural Hazards 

 Evaluate natural hazards before developing or permitting new uses or facilities on NFS 

lands. 

Watershed Restoration 

 Implement restoration projects in high priority watersheds identified by LRWQCB’s total 

maximum daily load (TMDL) Model for Lake Tahoe, to promote self-sustaining, 

dynamically stable stream systems, channel stability, and hydrologic function. 

 Implement projects identified through National USFS Watershed Condition Assessment 

Process. 

 In general, where stream characteristics are outside the natural range of variability in the 

area of a proposed project/activity, implement mitigation measures and short-term 

restoration actions to prevent further declines or cause an upward trend in conditions. 

 Reconnect floodplains with stream channels to enhance treatment of nutrients and 

contaminants, and improve channel geomorphic function to reduce in-channel sediment 

sources and increase in-channel sediment storage. 

 Design projects to maintain and restore the timing, variability, and duration of floodplain 

inundation and water table elevation in meadows, wetlands, and other special aquatic 

features. Implement restoration projects to attenuate peak flows and promote water 

storage in SEZs. 

 Maintain or restore: (1) the geomorphic and biological characteristics of special aquatic 

features, including lakes, meadows, bogs, fens, wetlands, vernal pools, springs; (2) 

streams, including in-stream flows; and (3) hydrologic connectivity both within and 

between watersheds to provide for the habitat needs of aquatic-dependent species. 

 Identify and implement restoration actions to maintain, restore or enhance water quality 

and maintain, restore, or enhance habitat for riparian and aquatic species. 

 Design projects to maintain and restore the hydrologic connectivity of streams, meadows, 

wetlands, and other special aquatic features. During project analysis, roads and trails that 

intercept, divert, or disrupt natural surface and subsurface water flow paths should be 

identified and corrective actions planned and implemented where necessary to restore 

connectivity. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

50 ▪ Part 2 

Physical Resources Objectives 

Obj1. Implement effective BMPs to achieve 95% implementation and effectiveness ratings 

forest-wide in BMP assessments annually, as determined by the Pacific Southwest Region’s Best 

Management Practices Evaluation Program and/or the USFS National Best Management 

Practices Evaluation Program. 

Obj2. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of water rights and uses on NFS lands, and meet state 

requirements for maintaining water rights. 

Obj3. Implement actions to restore geomorphic and habitat function to Reach 5 of the Upper 

Truckee River and Angora Creek within the Angora fire area by approximately 2016. 

For Objectives related to facilities BMP retrofits, see Built Environment section. 

Climate Change Strategy 

Strategies for incorporating climate change considerations into management include: 

 Collaborate on local and regional vulnerability assessments. Participate in a Regional 

vulnerability assessment for the Sierra Nevada. 

 Incorporate vulnerability assessments related to climate change into management on the 

LTBMU as information is synthesized. Consider and prioritize adaptation activities 

recommended for vulnerable resources based on funding. 

 Consider restoration of species and/or habitat identified as vulnerable to climate change 

during project planning. 

 Consider restoration of individual species during habitat restoration, especially for 

vulnerable resources. 

 Minimize management impacts to species that are vulnerable to climate change. Reduce 

stress (e.g. human activities, invasive species) related to management in order to reduce 

the additive effects of non-climate stress. 

 Incorporate adaptation actions into management to increase resiliency and adaptive 

capacity of vulnerable resources. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 51

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management Program Strategy 

By improving, restoring, and maintaining forest health, a more resilient balance of forest stand 

densities, structure, and species composition will emerge across the landscape, and multiple 

objectives will be met, including developing and maintaining the habitat needs of wildlife 

species and enhancing scenic attributes. 

The forest health and vegetation management strategy uses differences between current 

conditions and historic conditions (e.g. Table 2) as an index to measure the departure from, and 

progress towards desired conditions. Historic reference conditions are based on modeling 

conducted by Safford and Schmidt (2007). Note that these reference conditions do not 

necessarily represent targets, but they represent forest structures that are characteristic of preComstock forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin, which were highly disturbance-adapted and 

disturbance-resilient. When the amount of forest area and vegetation type more closely 

approximates historical forest structures, forests in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be more resilient 

to fire, bark beetle-caused tree mortality, drought, and future changes in climate regimes. As new 

data become available, updated reference conditions may be applied when and where 

appropriate. 

The strategies for the Forest Vegetation and Fuels program are: 

 Emphasize prevention in the form of silvicultural (e.g. mechanical treatments, herbicides, 

etc.) or prescribed fire treatments, resulting in forest stands that are less susceptible to 

high levels of tree mortality caused by drought, wildfires and bark beetles. 

 Implement specific integrated pest management strategies as needed to respond to 

immediate native or exotic forest insect or disease threats to forest health, which may 

include removal or treatment of beetle-infested trees, when identified that threaten 

developed recreation and administrative sites, and private property, prior to beetle 

emergence, to reduce the likelihood of further infestation. 

 Establish measures to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive plants during 

project implementation and post-disturbance rehabilitation activities. 

 Consider all available technologies and management tools and practices to meet project 

objectives. 

 Vegetation management activities adhere to ecologically-based management strategies 

and are integrated, ultimately to restore or maintain forest resiliency. For example, forest 

vegetation treatments around communities (thinning that alters density, structure, and 

species composition) to restore forest resilience to wildfire also meet the goals of 

reducing forest stand susceptibility to bark beetle-caused tree mortality. 

 Vegetation treatments in montane forests favor Jeffrey pine, sugar pine that is white pine 

blister rust-resistant, and aspen, species that have become much less common over the 

last century due to logging and fire exclusion. 

 Where feasible, plant blister rust-resistant western white and whitebark pine seedlings to 

sustain their density and basal area. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

52 ▪ Part 2 

 Reforestation strategies incorporate species mix, stocking density, or use of genetically 

superior (e.g. five-needle pines that are major gene resistant or slow resistant to white 

pine blister rust) or pest resistant planting stock, to restore landscapes and improve 

adaptability under climate change. 

 Re-vegetation following a disturbance event (e.g. fire) or management activity (e.g. 

creation of opening) first considers hazard tree removal, then the potential for natural 

regeneration of early seral vegetation, and finally, the need for artificial regeneration and 

corresponding competing vegetation control measures. 

 Forest vegetation treatments, including aspen stand enhancements and riparian area 

restorations, achieve High Minimum Scenic Stability (MSS) and enhance desired scenic 

attributes. 

 When restoring disturbance regimes such as fire, many forest stands are currently too 

dense to allow the re-establishment of a frequent-fire regime. In these cases, management 

techniques such as thinning and prescribed burning are used as surrogates for wildfire 

and other mortality agents. 

 Planned and unplanned ignitions are used where possible to accomplish forest health, 

wildlife habitat, or other ecosystem restoration objectives. 

 The majority of fuels reduction treatment efforts are concentrated in WUIs until initial 

WUI treatments are completed. WUI maintenance treatments occur as needed. 

 Consistent with preserving the recreation resource, mitigate or remove trees, tree limbs, 

or downed woody debris identified as a hazard at developed recreation sites. 

 Projects should consider the creation of openings of varying sizes and shapes that retain 

reserve trees and clumps to produce spatial and structural heterogeneity in forest stands, 

and should give greater weight to openings from 2 to 7 acres. Forest structure should vary 

over the landscape in relation to topographic variables of slope, aspect, and slope 

position. 

 Where reforested areas (generally seedlings and saplings) are included within area 

treatments, consider designing treatments to also: (1) accelerate the development of key 

habitat and late seral characteristics, (2) increase stand heterogeneity, (3) promote 

hardwoods, and (4) reduce risk of loss to wildland fire. 

 Preference should be given to reducing stand density and modifying species composition 

through thinning treatments to prevent/reduce high levels of bark beetle-or other forest 

pest -caused tree mortality. Preventive measures such as thinning should be used for 

reducing opportunities for forest pests. 

 Vegetation treatments designed to restore aspen should focus on restoring dominance of 

aspen in the canopy, regenerating and expanding aspen stands, reducing the risk of loss of 

aspen stands from the landscape, and developing vigorous under-story deciduous tree, 

shrub, and herbaceous associations and habitats. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 53

 Consider aspen restoration or clone stimulation for each project planning area when 

aspen occur within vegetation management projects. 

 Perpetuate and promote existing late seral stages in each project area and throughout the 

broader landscape, with primary emphasis on protecting/enhancing late seral dependent 

wildlife habitat. 

 Consider removal for utilization, woody biomass that otherwise would be burned on site. 

 Retain vegetation screening in scenic corridors and developed recreation sites, when not 

in conflict with hazardous fuels objectives. 

Strategies for the Fire Management program are to: 

 Maintain fire suppression capability and preparedness at a level that is appropriate to 

protect lives, communities, and resources. Protection of human life (firefighter and public 

safety) is the most important objective during a fire. 

 Base fire management strategies and tactics on firefighter and public health and safety, 

fire cause, current and predicted weather, current and potential fire behavior, fire effects, 

values to be protected, post-fire tradeoffs, resource availability, cumulative effects of the 

fire, and cost effectiveness. Strategy and tactics may vary around a fire’s perimeter. 

 Support attainment of desired conditions for fuels reduction, wildlife habitat, forest 

health, and ecosystem restoration contained in this Forest Plan through appropriate 

response to unplanned ignitions. By taking into account the location of ignition, time of 

year, current and expected weather and burning conditions, fire managers apply the best 

strategy to mitigate risks to the public and firefighters, meet protection priorities, and 

meet cultural/natural resource management objectives defined in this Forest Plan. 

 Respond to mutual threat incidents when requested under a cooperative agreement. Forest 

Service employees limit fire suppression actions to exterior structure protection measures 

as described in FSM 5137. 

 Consider use of all types of firefighting equipment in fire emergencies when there is 

threat to human life and property, or where resource value saved is clearly greater than 

the damage done through the use of such equipment. In other than these conditions, 

disturbance to soils, stream environment zones, and visual quality are given increased 

priority. Cost effectiveness of equipment used is also considered during tactical decisionmaking. 

 Strive to keep fire suppression costs near national historic averages for fires with similar 

characteristics in comparable areas. 

 Continue a fire prevention program that reduces the number of human-caused fires 

through an aggressive program of public contact, education, outreach, and enforcement. 

 Work in cooperation with public agencies, local fire-safe councils, and private citizens to 

exchange information and assistance throughout all local jurisdictions. 

 Use fire retardant according to national and regional policy. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

54 ▪ Part 2 

Forest Vegetation and Fuels Management Objectives 

The following vegetation management objectives are stepping stones of expected achievement 

that will move the LTBMU forests toward the desired conditions. To accomplish these 

objectives two general treatments will guide restoration of forest structure, function and 

composition in the major forest types: 

1) Thinning to move overabundance of closed mid-seral to open mid-seral or accelerate 

movement from one seral stage to the next. 

2) Creating openings that emphasize group selections with reserves that move open or 

closed canopy mid-seral to early-seral. 

The amounts of acres by treatment and forest type represent the first small steps in a long-term 

process aimed at achieving forest restoration goals. Given the focus of current program of work 

in the WUI, objectives related to these treatments will generally occur in the first 10 years of 

plan implementation and treatments related to restoring forest type structure, composition, and 

resiliency will occur throughout plan implementation. Although the approximate 

accomplishments are annual, we are assuming a best case scenario, which might not occur for a 

variety of reasons including budget, mill capacity, policy, or other factors. 

Obj4. Reduce surface, ladder and canopy fuels through thinning and fuel reduction treatments on 

2,000 acres per year in the WUI. 

Obj5. Prescribed burning of surface fuels in the WUI occur on 1,800 acres per year when 

possible. 

The following objectives will generally occur over the latter 10 years of plan implementation. 

Specific amounts of acres to be treated by forest type are approximate and represent an 

optimistic annual level of accomplishment. 

White fir – Mixed conifer 

Obj6. Create openings to shift approximately 50 acres of mid-seral white fir – mixed conifer 

type to early-seral each year between 2019 and 2029. 

Obj7. In stands historically dominated by pines, convert white fir-mixed conifer type in the early 

or mid-seral stages to Jeffrey pine by approximately 50 acres per year between 2019 and 2029. 

Retain pines during conversion treatments. 

Obj8. Thin approximately 200 acres of white fir-mixed conifer each year between 2019 and 

2029 to improve resiliency and reduce susceptibility to insects, disease, and drought. 

Jeffrey pine 

Obj9. Create approximately 40 acres of openings in the mid-seral stages to shift stands to earlyseral Jeffrey pine each year between 2019 and 2029, and maintain it as the dominant species. 

Employ techniques to release early seral pine from competing vegetation if necessary. Post-
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 55

disturbance event treatments will be used as opportunities to regenerate early seral Jeffrey pine. 

This objective may be accomplished in coordination with white fir – mixed conifer conversion 

objective, above. 

Obj10. Thin approximately 250 acres of Jeffrey pine each year between 2019 and 2029 to 

improve resiliency and reduce susceptibility to insects, disease, and drought. 

Red fir 

Obj11. Create approximately 10 acres of openings in the mid-seral stages to shift stands to earlyseral red fir type each year between 2019 and 2029. Utilize opportunities for treatment after 

disturbance events. 

Obj12. Thin approximately 50 acres of red fir each year between 2019 and 2029 to improve 

resiliency and reduce susceptibility to insects, disease, and drought 

Aspen 

Obj13. Restore or stimulate regeneration of at least 25 acres of aspen per year. 

Biological Resources Program Strategy 

Conservation of Habitat and Species Diversity Strategies 

 Develop a LTBMU biological (aquatic, botanical, and terrestrial) resources conservation 

strategy, including a five year action plan. 

 Participate in Lake Tahoe Basin-wide and Region-wide recovery actions for Federal 

Threatened and Endangered species. Develop, in partnership with other Lake Tahoe 

Basin entities, a basin-wide management strategy that utilizes well-supported indicators 

and reference conditions to assess the biological integrity and status and trend of a 

number of threatened and endangered species, Region 5 sensitive species, TRPA special 

interest species, and priority invasive species. 

 Management actions and programs assist in the identification and recovery of threatened, 

endangered, proposed and candidate species to enhance self-sustaining, well distributed, 

and well-connected populations and habitats and avoid actions which may cause a species 

to become threatened or endangered. 

 Identify and map areas of high biological diversity, where multiple biological resources 

occur in the same habitat (e.g. a sensitive fish, TRPA special interest plant, and target 

wildlife species occur all within 200 meters of each other). 

 Collaborate with partners to establish priority locations for maintaining and restoring 

habitat connectivity and to expand habitat of native species. 

 Consider all levels of food web (trophic level) biodiversity (e.g. predator/prey) during 

project planning and design to help mitigate climate change exposure to individual 

species and communities (e.g. from changes in phenology and habitat shifts). 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

56 ▪ Part 2 

 Consider habitat connectivity for species that may be impacted due to climate change by 

removing or modifying physical impediments to movements. 

Aquatic Habitats and Species 

 Maintain, enhance, or restore the physical and biological characteristics of aquatic 

ecosystems. 

 Minimize human disturbance that would degrade wetland function and processes. 

 Provide for hydrologic and geomorphic processes, such as allowing flood events and 

associated bedload to pass downstream while providing for maintenance of stream 

pattern, profile and dimension. 

 Ensure that management activities, including fuels reduction actions, within SEZs and 

SRAs enhance or maintain physical and biological characteristics associated with 

aquatic- and riparian-dependent species. 

 Preserve, restore, or enhance special aquatic features, such as meadows, lakes, ponds, 

bogs, fens, and wetlands, to provide the ecological conditions and processes needed to 

recover or enhance the viability of species that rely on these areas. 

 Identify and implement restoration actions to maintain, restore or enhance water quality 

and maintain, restore, or enhance habitat for riparian and aquatic species. 

 Protect rare aquatic ecological habitats such as Osgood Swamp, Hell Hole, and Pope 

Marsh. Enhance these habitats through restoration activities such as the removal of 

upland vegetation (i.e. conifers, xeric species) and restoring hydrologic function. 

 Seek opportunities to remove physical impediments to the movement of aquatic species, 

or modify physical impediments to allow migration. 

 Maintain and restore connectivity of aquatic habitats where barriers to aquatic organism 

passage have been identified or where natural surface and subsurface water flows are 

intercepted, diverted, or disrupted in highest priority watersheds. 

 Employ natural channel design methods/techniques to restore aquatic habitat, and 

facilitate upstream or downstream passage for aquatic-dependent species. 

 Manage stream reaches and associated habitat to support all life stages of native 

assemblages by providing aquatic organism passage for all life stages, stream conditions 

that provide spawning and rearing habitat such as appropriate pool/riffle ratio, substrate 

and large woody debris, except where not appropriate (e.g. some Urban Forest Parcels). 

 Restore aquatic habitat for native non-game fishes in streams that have been identified in 

the LTBMU five year restoration plan by removing stressors including but not limited to 

removal of invasive species such as warm-water fish. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 57

 Participate with partner agencies to ensure native nongame fish status is current and 

accurate. Target to resurvey fish community sampling reaches at a minimum of every 10 

years. 

 Work collaboratively with partners to assess native non-game fish populations and 

implement habitat restoration strategies, such as warm-water fish removal. 

 Support active restoration for native fishes where field data and other State, Federal, and 

other local agencies have determined that such species are at high risk of local 

extirpation. 

 Maintain, restore, and/or enhance the ecological function and condition of shorelines, 

streams, lakes, wetlands (e.g., marshes, fens, springs, seeps, and lagoons), and/or 

meadows (wet and dry) in unstable or poorly functioning watersheds identified in the 

Lake Tahoe’s Environmental Improvement Program or otherwise specified in species 

recovery plans. 

 Promote actions that increase meadow wetness and diversity of native wetland species 

(i.e. obligate, facultative-wet). 

 In certain places in meadows, prescribed fire may be used to favor increased growth of 

certain species important to cultural practices, such as basket weaving. 

 Use historical sedimentation regimes as a guide for ecosystem resiliency and/or 

vulnerability. 

 Project activities should maintain or enhance groundwater connectivity in marshes and 

lagoons to maintain linkage with fluctuations in lake levels. 

 Management actions should consider retaining barrier beach and lagoon formations and 

processes. 

 Utilize prescribed fire in aquatic ecosystems where the use of fire is needed to improve 

habitat or the long-term function of these ecosystems. Ensure that fire intensity and 

severity (i.e. residence time) are consistent with the natural fire regime for the ecotype. 

 Consider the potential for changed flow regimes as a result of climate change during the 

development of the aquatic organism passage management and monitoring plan. 

Terrestrial Habitats and Species 

 Maintain, enhance, and/or restore terrestrial habitats to increase the diversity, abundance, 

and distribution of species and biological communities. 

 Where compatible with other resource objectives for the area, increase total Salix 

(willow) cover during project implementation where habitat conditions will support Salix 

communities. 

 Design management activities to maintain suitable habitat structure and function 

following implementation. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

58 ▪ Part 2 

 Manage snags and coarse woody debris for wildlife habitat as part of forest health or 

fuels reduction treatments as well as post-disturbance restoration. 

 Seek opportunities to develop and restore species migration corridors for terrestrial 

species. 

 Maintain or restore habitat connectivity where appropriate to improve adaptive capacity. 

Collaborate with partners to establish priority locations for maintaining and restoring 

habitat connectivity. 

 Maintain, enhance, or restore the physical and biological attributes of habitats where rare 

plants occur. 

 Protect rare terrestrial ecological sites including, but not limited to Freel Peak, through 

restoration activities including, trail maintenance and signage. 

 Management activities maintain, enhance and or restore rocky habitats that support 

healthy and sustainable populations of Tahoe draba (Draba asterophora var. asterophora), 

Cup Lake draba (Draba asterophora var. macrocarpa), and long-petaled lewisia 

(Lewisia longipetala). 

 Identify and, as needed, protect refuge areas for rare plants with habitat that is likely to 

reduce or change due to climate change (e.g. subalpine & alpine habitat). 

 Promote the use of native plant materials for the revegetation, rehabilitation, and 

restoration of ecosystems. Give primary consideration to genetically appropriate native 

plant materials. 

 Anticipate plant material needs for emergency and planned revegetation. Develop plant 

lists, planting guidelines, plant material sources, seed caches, and seed storage facilities. 

 Consider the enhancement of aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat (e.g. creation of 

snags, mosaic of habitat types) in forest management and prescribed fire projects. 

Invasive Species Management Strategies (Aquatic and Terrestrial) 

Strategies 

 Clean vehicles and equipment to prevent the accidental spread of aquatic and terrestrial 

invasive species 

 Use an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) approach to survey susceptible aquatic 

and terrestrial areas, quickly detect invasive species infestations, and subsequently 

implement immediate and specific actions to control those infestations before they 

become established and/or spread. 

 Monitor management activities for potential spread or establishment of invasive species 

in aquatic and terrestrial areas of NFS lands. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 59

 Coordinate invasive species management actions (such as prevention, education, EDRR, 

up to date inventories, treatment) with tribes and other federal, state, local and private 

groups. 

 Support invasive species research. 

 Adopt an integrated invasive species management approach that evaluates all available 

control methods, including biological, cultural, mechanical/physical, and chemical 

techniques, as well as addresses potential adverse effects to native species, human health, 

ecosystem processes, or other resources on NFS lands. 

Aquatic Invasive 

 Implement aquatic invasive species control and/or eradication measures where there is 

high potential for adverse effects to native species, human health, ecosystem processes, 

or resources on NFS lands. 

 Use prevention measures, such as screening, boat inspection, decontamination, and weed 

washing stations to reduce the spread or establishment of invasive species. 

 Cooperate with the multi-agency Lake Tahoe Region Aquatic Invasive Species Program. 

 Provide the public information about local Aquatic Invasive Species policies, where 

watercraft can be inspected and decontaminated prior to entering water bodies of the 

Lake Tahoe basin, and education regarding principles of cleaning, draining and drying for 

all watercraft at developed recreation facilities. 

 Reinforce consistent AIS prevention and outreach message at appropriate Forest Service 

recreation facilities. 

 Control existing or new populations of Eurasian water milfoil, curly leaf pondweed, 

invasive warm-water fish, bullfrogs, Asian clam or other newly discovered populations of 

aquatic invasive species. 

 Work with current partners (CDFG, USFWS, UC Berkeley, and Sierra Nevada Aquatic 

Research Laboratory) and others to document Bd fungus occurrence levels in both 

existing populations and historic habitats of Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. 

Terrestrial Invasive 

 Cooperate with the multi-agency Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group Program. 

Prioritize invasive plant species and infestations, placing highest priority on new species 

and new, small infestations; include risk to NFS resources and feasibility of control 

among prioritization factors. Reassess priorities based on new information. 

 Focus treatment efforts on high priority species and infestations, while developing 

management goals for lower priority species and infestations. 

 Screen newly discovered terrestrial invasive plants species for management prioritization 

within two years of confirmed introduction on LTBMU. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

60 ▪ Part 2 

 Monitor invasive plant management projects to determine success and to evaluate the 

need for follow-up treatments or different control methods. Monitor known infestations, 

as appropriate, to determine changes in density and rate of spread. 

 Use prevention measures, such as materials inspection, equipment cleaning, and 

avoidance of known infested areas, to reduce the introduction and spread on invasive 

plants. 

 Assess the amount of ground and vegetation disturbance in habitats that are highly 

vulnerable to invasive plant invasion and pursue active revegetation as needed. 

 In partnership with the Pacific Southwest Research Station’s Institute of Forest Genetics 

Blister Rust Project, identify and collect seed from 5-needle pine trees that exhibit rust 

resistance to white pine blister rust (target species are sugar pine, western white pine, and 

whitebark pine). 

 Identify and assess terrestrial wildlife invasive species during project planning. During 

planned restoration activities, consider terrestrial invasive wildlife. 

Protected Activity Centers and Home Range Core Areas (PACs and 

HRCAs) Strategies 

 Collaborate with partners to establish priority locations for maintaining and restoring 

spotted owl habitat connectivity. 

Species Refuge Area Strategies 

 Maintain or enhance habitat connectivity to achieve recovery goals. 

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

 Work collaboratively with the Tahoe Basin Recovery Implementation Team for LCT to 

implement the short-term recovery action plan. 

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog 

 Work collaboratively with partners to identify and implement additional habitat 

restoration efforts that expand the range of SNYLF within historic habitat throughout the 

Basin. 

Tahoe yellow cress 

 Work collaboratively with partners to implement a public-private Tahoe yellow cress 

adaptive framework, including (but not limited to): continued participation in the TYC 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 61

Executive Committee and Adaptive Management Working Group; continued monitoring 

of TYC occurrences; encouragement of TYC stewardship on private lands; and sitespecific conservation and restoration actions. 

 Continue TYC public outreach and education efforts. 

 Balance conservation of known TYC occurrences and high quality habitat with 

development and use of recreational facilities and access. 

 Revise site-specific TYC management plans to allow for adaptive management of known 

occurrences and high quality habitat that addresses both the annual shifts in habitat and 

threat level associated with lake level changes, and the provision of adequate beach 

access for recreational users. 

Whitebark pine 

 Work collaboratively with partners to identify and implement efforts to conserve and, as 

necessary, restore whitebark pine stands. 

 Assess management activities for the risk of establishment or spread of white pine blister 

rust (WPBR) among whitebark pine stands. 

 Conserve whitebark pine genetic diversity by collecting and archiving seeds and growing 

and planting genetically diverse seedlings. Identify and collect seed from trees that 

exhibit some level of WPBR resistance. Where possible, protect valuable rust-resistant, 

seed-producing trees from future mortality caused by disturbance, climate change, and 

competition. 

 Proactively manage whitebark pine stands of high conservation or restoration priority to 

improve resilience after disturbance and resistance to pathogens. Actions may include: 

precautions to limit the spread of blister rust; use of fire or silvicultural treatments; or 

reforestation with WPBR-resistant seedlings. 

 Develop a unit-wide whitebark pine conservation strategy. 

 Identify whitebark pine stands of conservation and, as necessary, restoration priority. 

Develop spatially explicit species refuge areas. 

 Develop and maintain spatial data of known whitebark pine stands and potential habitat. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

62 ▪ Part 2 

Biological Resources Objectives 

Conservation of Habitat and Species Diversity Objectives 

Obj14. Restore a minimum of two fens that are assessed to be at risk of conversion to meadow, 

based on fen inventory and ranking assessment (California Native Plant Society and LTBMU 

data) by 2029. 

Obj15. Restore stream segments with degraded habitat in a minimum of 2 streams using natural 

channel design methods/techniques to create elements such as large wood and pools in aquatic 

habitats to maintain or improve biological processes (e.g., expansion of native species 

populations), biological characteristics (e.g., species composition), physical processes (e.g., 

erosion and aggradation), and physical characteristics (e.g., channel and over-bank flows) by 

2029. This will provide important aquatic habitat needed to support all life history processes. 

Obj16. By 2019, identify degraded aquatic habitat that historically supported native aquatic 

species. Restore a minimum of two sites to support self-sustaining aquatic populations by 2029. 

Obj17. By 2029, maintain or increase vegetation cover in meadows where LTBMU data shows 

that cover is insufficient. 

Obj18. Identify cave, cave surrogate, and/or cliff sites that are important to the survival, 

migration, reproduction, and dispersal of dependent species where removal of human impacts 

will improve species success. Remove human impacts at a minimum of one site, by 2029. 

Obj19. Restore a minimum of three willow flycatcher nesting habitats in historic and currently 

occupied habitats by 2029. 

Obj20. Complete the Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) action plan to identify management 

opportunities for improving aquatic connectivity by 2016. 

Obj21. Improve 5 high priority AOP barriers by 2029, based on AOP action plan. 

Obj22. Develop a conservation assessment for Tahoe and Cup Lake draba (Draba asterophora 

var. asterophora, D.a. var. macrocarpa) by 2019. 

Invasive Species and Habitat (Aquatic and Terrestrial) Objectives 

Obj23. Screen hand-carried/non-motorized watercraft or show proof of boat inspection or 

decontamination at all staffed developed recreation sites (campgrounds, day use areas, resorts) 

check-in points (i.e. kiosks), by 2016. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 63

Protected Activity Centers and Home Range Core Areas (PAC And 

HRCA) Objectives 

Obj24. Restore six California spotted owl PACs by 2029; treatments would be designed based 

on restoration needs of the specific PAC. 

Obj25. Restore seven northern goshawk PACS by 2029; treatments would be designed based on 

restoration needs of the specific PAC. 

Species Refuge Area Objectives 

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

Obj26. Establish at least one self-sustaining LCT sub-population in Fallen Leaf Lake, and 

implement appropriate conservation measures in Glen Alpine Creek in cooperation with the Lake 

Tahoe Basin Recovery Implementation Team by 2029. 

Obj27. Secure the existing Upper Truckee River (Meiss Meadows) LCT sub-population (four 

miles of stream habitat) through maintenance removal of brook trout within 2 years. 

Obj28. Reestablish LCT in ten stream miles of the Upper Truckee River (from Meiss Meadows 

to the southern extent of Christmas Valley), in cooperation with California Department of Fish 

and Game by 2029. 

Obj29. Identify five recovery locations. Initiate recovery of two subpopulations of LCT within 

fluvial and/or lacustrine ecosystems, as identified by the Tahoe Basin LCT Recovery 

Implementation team by 2029. 

Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog 

Obj30. Collaborate with California Department of Fish and Game, US Fish and Wildlife 

Service, and Eldorado National Forest to identify and restore additional suitable habitat for 

SNYLF as deemed appropriate. Complete restoration of seven high alpine lakes (composed of 

habitat areas that would support four sub-populations) adjacent to current SNYLF populations in 

the Desolation wilderness by removing introduced trout species by 2029. 

Obj31. Conduct physical habitat maintenance or enhancement that promotes long-term water 

availability and structural conditions to create areas for basking and/or cover, for the Hellhole 

SNYLF sub-population, by 2029. 

Obj32. By 2029, maintain or expand fishless high elevation aquatic habitats near existing or 

historic SNYLF sub-populations where such habitats are determined to support SNYLF 

production and development and these actions will increase localized range of SNYLF. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

64 ▪ Part 2 

2.2 Social and Economic Sustainability 

Partnership and Volunteers Strategies 

The LTBMU continues to emphasize the use of partnerships and volunteers to attain our desired 

conditions. 

 Provide for stewardship opportunities by partnering with schools, profit, and non-profit 

organizations, public, and other agencies. 

 Through joint participation, cooperative agreements, volunteer agreements, and grant 

funding, encourage partners and volunteer stewards to achieve mutual resource 

management and stewardship goals. 

 Using an all-lands approach, collaborate with neighboring communities, partner 

organizations, state and local agencies, tribes, and adjacent Forest Service units to 

achieve ecological, economic, and social sustainability within the Lake Tahoe Basin and 

in surrounding areas. 

Recreation Program Strategy 

The LTBMU recreation program strategy provides for a range of recreation opportunities while 

emphasizing shared use and sustainability objectives. The recreation program considers 

changing trends and user needs while maintaining the natural setting. All developed recreation 

sites continue to be well maintained, sustainable, and compatible with management goals. 

Recreation Expansion Strategies 

The LTBMU recreation program will work towards the sustainable integration of environmental, 

social, and economic conditions. Controlled expansion may be needed to provide future 

recreation opportunities. The following strategies and definitions provide guidance for potential 

future expansion. 

 Consider changing user demands, trends, and preferences, including modifying existing 

sites and infrastructure to improve natural resource conditions and recreation settings. 

 Undertake recreation expansion to address socioeconomic challenges, improve 

management of existing developed sites, and mitigate adverse effects to natural resources 

resulting from recreation activities. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 65

Recreation expansion is an increase of infrastructure in support of additional recreation 

opportunities over the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit landscape, and is defined below. 

1. The following management activities are considered recreation expansion: 

a. Additional general forest acreage under new special use permit for recreation 

development. 

b. Adjusting existing permit boundary to accommodate new recreation 

development. 

c. Addition of new infrastructure (overnight accommodation units and day use 

parking spaces) to accommodate recreation activities. 

2. Examples where recreation expansion would be considered include: 

a. Expansion of ski area facilities outside existing operational footprint to 

accommodate summer uses as ski seasons become more variable thereby 

making the ski resort and neighboring communities more economically robust. 

b. Construction of new campsites at existing campgrounds to better meet existing 

user demand during peak summer use periods. 

c. Construction of new day use facilities to manage and consolidate existing uses at 

popular undeveloped recreation locations to mitigate adverse effects to natural 

resources resulting from unmanaged recreation. 

3. A variety of ongoing management activities are not considered recreation expansion and 

instead allow for adaptive management of LTBMU recreation program in support of 

sustainability objectives. Examples of management activities not considered ‘recreation 

expansion’ include: 

a. Reconditioning or retrofitting existing infrastructure provided that the replacement 

is in substantial conformance with original structure. 

b. Providing environmental protections such as BMPs and paving existing parking. 

c. Providing updates in existing infrastructure design for people with disabilities. 

d. Adjustments of existing permit boundaries for environmental protection and 

administrative correction or clarifications (e.g., consolidation of special use permit 

boundaries to clarify responsibility for litter abatement). This would not change 

existing—or provide for additional—recreation development and activities. 

e. New land acquisitions with existing facilities. 

f. Maintaining existing inventory of overnight accommodation, parking spaces, and 

permit acreage Basin-wide (e.g., removal of a campsite for ecosystem restoration 

purposes at one location and relocation of that campsite at another more suitable 

(less environmentally sensitive) location). 

g. Conversion of existing roadside parking to managed parking with no change in 

capacity. 

h. Grooming activities on existing roads and trails (OSV and Cross-country skiing 

activities). 

i. Addition of acres under special use permit for short-term duration recreation 

activities and events that occur at existing developments. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

66 ▪ Part 2 

Recreation Opportunities Strategies 

 As recreation trends and user preferences change, recreation facilities and opportunities 

are adapted to provide intended user experiences while being compatible with 

management goals. 

 Use planning inventory and monitoring tools to identify changing desired recreation 

activities, settings, and opportunities. 

 Periodically review and update the forest camping order based on public health and 

safety, fire prevention and resource protection goals, and management capabilities. 

 Recognizing and accepting that some conflict between user groups is natural, the 

LTBMU will manage user interactions by using a variety of methods, including 

educating visitors on shared and multiple use concepts (e.g., signage, information kiosk, 

interpretive programs), managing visitor expectations, and recreation setting design. 

 Address hazards at recreation sites to provide for public safety. 

 NFS lands on the LTBMU will provide a setting for local communities and visitors to 

pursue healthy lifestyle objectives and a range of outdoor pursuits year-round. 

 Perform Title VI reviews of permit holders and review NVUM survey results regularly to 

ensure recreation needs of a diverse visitor base are being addressed. 

 Maintain an interconnected, seamless approach to recreation planning in the Lake Tahoe 

Basin by applying an all-lands approach and collaborating with neighboring 

communities, partner organizations, state and local agencies, and adjacent Forest Service 

units. 

Public Access Strategies 

 Manage recreation activities to avoid or mitigate environmental degradation in sensitive 

environments to ensure continued access. 

 Coordinate management activities and projects to minimize impacts to public access, and 

recreational experience. 

 Consider developed site design capacity and management capabilities when evaluating 

access. 

 Improve circulation and reduce congestion through capital investments. 

 Provide programs and facilities that meet universal accessibility standards. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 67

Recreation Development Strategies 

 Reduce deferred maintenance at developed recreation sites. 

 Management of developed recreation sites will consider deferred maintenance and 

modification and/or conversion of existing facilities to achieve ecological, social, and 

economic sustainability of the recreation setting prior to constructing new facilities. 

 Adjust recreation sites or permit boundaries to meet user needs and sustainability goals. 

 Recreation infrastructure will incorporate innovative and sustainable design concepts. 

 Modify or relocate federally-owned facilities and public access sites that are impeding 

groundwater connectivity, lagoon function, or barrier beach formation while maintaining 

public access and recreation opportunity. 

 Developed recreation sites are made more sustainable through design and construction 

principles in order to increase a site’s ability to withstand use without facility or natural 

resource deterioration. 

 Coordinate with partner agencies, permit holders, and other appropriate organizations to 

educate visitors and residents on bear conflict issues in the LTBMU, and reduce the 

number of human-bear conflicts. 

Recreation Program Objective 

Obj33. Evaluate visitor satisfaction and user trends by completing the National Visitor Use 

Monitoring Survey every 5 years. 

Recreation Special Uses Program Strategy 

 Permitted activities increase opportunities for recreation use while protecting the natural 

setting and resources. Recreation special use permits effectively leverage LTBMU’s 

ability to provide recreation services. 

 Evaluate existing recreation special use permits for deficiencies before considering new 

proposals. 

 Administer special use permits to Forest Service standards by: 

o Eliminating the backlog of expired authorizations; 

o Implementing appropriate monitoring and oversight of current authorizations; and 

o Completing appropriate level of environmental documentation. 

 Issue new long-term recreation special use permits that expand opportunities in response 

to identified needs and management goals. 

 Consider long-term plans when expanding or modifying ski facilities and activities. 

 Consider summer uses at existing ski resorts consistent with national policy. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

68 ▪ Part 2 

Interpretation and Education Program Strategy 

 Periodically review Interpretation and Education programs and information for 

consistency with national objectives and regional and local issues. 

 Communicate range of recreation opportunities and settings while emphasizing shared 

and multiple use objectives to the public. Encourage public responsibility for natural and 

cultural resource protection and recreation etiquette. 

 Provide visitor information services at major entry points and areas of concentrated use. 

 Provide and update interpretive signage, wayside exhibits, publications, and programs 

using a variety of media and methods. 

 Educate the local community about the importance of ecosystem services and 

stewardship principles using teacher trainings, school programs, and community events. 

 Educate the local community about principles and methods for sustaining forests in a 

changing climate. 

 Inform the public about Forest Service projects and management actions. 

Scenic Quality Strategies 

 Manage scenery to perpetuate the overall natural-appearing setting, protect significant 

scenic features, and ensure that development is appropriate for the area in which it is 

located in terms of size, mass, architectural style, and density. 

 Consider the type, intensity, location, and visual characteristics of land use, visual 

dominance competition between the natural and built environments, and resource 

management actions, particularly in sensitive, undeveloped areas. 

 Manage for scenic stability through actions that will enhance and protect desired scenic 

attributes through vegetation treatments to achieve High Minimum Scenic Stability 

(MSS), on a project-by-project basis over the Plan Period. Examples include aspen stand 

enhancements and riparian area restorations. 

 Restore damaged landscape scenes (currently meeting Low or No Scenic Integrity 

Levels), to achieve the established scenery objectives shown in the Minimum Scenic 

Integrity (MSI) map. 

 Mitigate the establishment of visible lines in landscape areas where vegetation is 

removed for management objectives; cleared areas will include edges that reflect the 

visual character of naturally occurring vegetation openings. 

Cultural Resources Program Strategy 

LTBMU’s cultural resources program is focused on three main areas of resource management: 

1) providing education, interpretation, and research opportunities; 2) protecting archeological, 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 69

historical, cultural and traditional resources; 3) collaborative partnering with the Washoe Tribe 

and other heritage-resource interests. 

Protecting cultural resources includes both proactive and reactive efforts, as well as offering 

support to other resource programs. Efforts and support activities include inventory, resource 

identification, documentation, evaluation, monitoring, consultation, nomination, preservation, 

stabilization, and/or restoration of cultural resources, under direction in Section 106 and 110 of 

the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Most actions affected by Section 106 and 110 

provisions are guided by Region 5’s Programmatic Agreement with the California State Historic 

Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP). 

 Through the Plan period, efficiently manage cultural resource databases to support 

resource management and research, in cooperation with the appropriate California and 

Nevada state agencies. 

 Employ education and enforcement to deter vandalism. 

 Implement restrictions, using permits and/or visitation controls, when necessary, to 

protect sites from physical damage and excessive wear and tear. 

 Implement a policy of site avoidance to prevent physical damage to heritage resources 

during forest management activities. 

 The cultural resources program will involve collaboration with site stewards; volunteers; 

State and other Federal agencies; local and tribal governments; schools and universities; 

and non-profit groups. Cooperative partnerships with organizations will provide site 

protection and facilitate development of research, educational, and interpretive 

opportunities. Public participation and partnerships in cultural resources management for 

these purposes will be increased. 

 Address natural physical deterioration of cultural resources based on resource priorities 

and availability of funding. 

Cultural Resources Objectives 

Obj34. Nominate for listing to the National Register of Historic Places - the Comstock Historic 

Logging District, Angora Lookout, Cave Rock, Hawley Grade, Camp Richardson Resort, Meiss 

Cabin and Barn, and Skunk Harbor on the National Register of Historic Places by 2029. 

Obj35. By 2024, develop a management plan for arborglyphs throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Obj36. Add new interpretive elements (i.e. signs, boards, graphics, or new publicly-available 

printed materials) highlighting significant historic or cultural areas not yet interpreted in the Lake 

Tahoe Basin, by 2029. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

70 ▪ Part 2 

Tribal Relations Program Strategy 

 Tribal input is solicited during all stages of planning processes. Existing agreements that 

allow the Tribe to manage vegetation resources in traditional use areas are maintained or 

enhanced, and tribal interests are integrated into LTBMU program areas where possible. 

 Coordinate management where National Forest lands are adjacent to tribal lands. 

 Continue support of the Washoe Tribe in pursuit of establishing a Washoe Cultural 

Center and a Washoe Tending and Gathering Garden. 

 Continue to implement the agreement regarding use of traditional management 

techniques for Meeks Meadow. 

 Work closely with tribes to ensure that cultural practices and traditional knowledge is 

preserved and made available to future generations through preservation of important 

resources and supporting traditional uses at Lake Tahoe. 

 Support the Washoe Tribe’s goal of ensuring and increasing Tribal access to Lake Tahoe. 

 Work cooperatively with the Washoe Tribe to maintain access to and protect the physical 

integrity of Cave Rock and other culturally important areas. 

 Participate in additional LTBMU programs to enhance economic development 

opportunities for the Washoe Tribe (e.g. contracting, permits, employment). EO 13084-

Consultation with Indian Tribal Governments. EO 13175-Consultation with Indian Tribal 

Governments. 

 Identify opportunities to incorporate tribal traditional management practices into projects 

to restore, enhance, and promote ecosystem health, in collaboration with the Washoe 

Tribe and native traditional practitioners. 

Tribal Relations Objective 

Obj37. Revise the consultation protocol defined in the 1996 Memorandum of Understanding 

between the LTBMU and the Washoe Tribe by 2019. 

Access and Travel Management Program Strategy 

The strategy for achieving sustainable travel routes is to complete access and travel management 

(ATM) planning to identify needed routes, BMP needs, and restoration and reroute opportunities 

that will protect and enhance natural resources. The Travel Analysis process provides the 

guiding framework for Access and Travel Management planning for the National Forest 

transportation system and the ATM process provides site specific analysis for implementation. 

The ATM planning process involves a strategic plan where the basin was divided into planning 

areas which subsequently became a project area for NEPA analysis. Through the NEPA process 

each ATM area is developed into a proposed action. Collaborative processes are used to involve 

agencies, stakeholders, and the public for the development of alternatives. After analysis and 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 71

public input are complete the Forest Service selects an alternative and implements the ATM in 

that area. 

The first round of ATMs are complete for all roads, and once complete for trails, routes will be 

revisited on a larger scale to determine the effectiveness of their implementation and to address 

new and remaining issues related to fuel treatments, water quality, and recreation management. 

The LTBMU has collaborated with many trail users to establish the current trail system. Among 

those user groups are the Pacific Crest Trail Association, Tahoe Rim Trail Association, Tahoe 

Area Mountain Bike Association, League to Save Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Sierra Club, Back Country 

Horsemen, and the Blue Ribbon Coalition. The emergent trail system sustainably provides for 

recreation opportunities that reflect the demographics of the user groups in the Tahoe region. 

 Designate road and trail systems. Utilize the ATM planning process to identify 

sustainable route systems and identify authorized uses of routes (Motor Vehicle Use 

Map, MVUM). Update ATMs to respond to changing conditions. 

 Designate NFS lands open to use by over-snow vehicles. 

 Manage designated road and trail systems so that they are socio-economically as well as 

environmentally sustainable. Management techniques include: 

a. implement water quality protection BMPs, 

b. manage road gate openings and closures, 

c. provide managed parking opportunities, 

d. provide route information and regulations, 

e. reroute and restore alignments, 

f. provide for a variety of user types, 

g. design to reduce use conflicts, 

h. provide multi-modal and loop trail opportunities, 

i. provide accessible opportunities, 

j. provide for Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP), 

k. anticipate higher and earlier peak run off water flows and more rain-on-snow 

events, 

 Collaborate with agencies and partner organizations in road and trail transportation 

planning efforts aimed at connecting communities and public lands across jurisdictional 

boundaries. 

 Reduce roadside parking in areas of high density use and provide for managed parking. 

Prioritize transit or alternatives to the private automobile where parking capacity is 

reduced. 

 Increase dispersed winter parking opportunities. 

Access and Travel Management Program Objectives 

Obj38. Implement BMP retrofits on 285 miles of NFS roads by 2029. 

Obj39. Implement BMP retrofits on 370 miles of NFS trails by 2029. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

72 ▪ Part 2 

National Trails System Program Strategy 

On the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, the national recreation and scenic trails are 

predominantly located on National Forest System lands. Trails outside wilderness are generally 

clearly marked and identified for users with the national recreation or scenic trail symbol, 

especially at the trail termini and junctions with side trails. Trails inside designated wilderness 

are generally marked only at junctions with other trails. Access allows for public use, 

interpretation, and education of specified features of the trail in a manner that does not impair the 

features for which the individual trail was established. These trails may pass through a variety of 

physical settings and the recreational opportunity spectrum (ROS) setting varies depending on 

the outstanding features of the trail and the surrounding physical setting. 

National Recreation Trails Strategy 

 Utilize partnerships to achieve management goals for National Recreation Trails. 

 National trails meet the maintenance standards for the trail class and managed use. 

 Limited recreation facilities, such as interpretive signs, viewing platforms, and benches 

may be present along the trail. Trailheads may offer amenities such as picnic facilities or 

interpretive information that enhances the experience of using the trail. 

 Trailheads may offer amenities such as picnic facilities or interpretive information that 

enhances the experience of using the trail. 

 Where the trail leads to an outstanding destination feature, the qualities of that feature are 

protected. 

 Reconstruct or relocate existing portions of the trail as needed to enhance the recreation 

experience and protect resources. 

 Trailheads are designed with sensitivity to scale and character of the setting. 

 Implement measures to protect areas of high ecologic value, such as rare plant sites or 

unique geologic features within the corridor, as needed. 

 Preserve the scenic quality and character of the National Recreation Trails. 

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) Strategy 

 Manage the PCT as a non-motorized and non-mechanized trail (i.e. hiking, pack and 

saddle, ski and snowshoe uses). 

 Emphasize preservation of the backcountry setting and rustic character of the trail and 

amenities along the trail. 

 Users are educated to apply Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics to preserve the character of 

the Trail. 

 The PCT meets the maintenance standard for the trail class and managed uses of 

hiker/pedestrian and pack and saddle. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 73

 Utilize partnerships to achieve management goals for the Pacific Crest Trail. 

 Require mitigation measures including screening, feathering, and other visual 

management techniques to mitigate visual and other impacts of new or upgraded utility 

rights-of-way. Mitigation measures apply to facilities as well as vegetation. 

 Where the trail leads to an outstanding destination feature, the qualities of that feature are 

protected. 

 Reconstruct or relocate existing portions of the PCT as needed to enhance the recreation 

experience and protect resources. 

 Trailheads are designed with sensitivity to scale and character of the setting. 

 Where possible, locate trailhead parking facilities in locations not visible from the trail. 

 Consider provision of campsites where there is a demonstrated need for overnight use 

and facilities are needed to protect natural resources. 

 Trailheads may offer amenities such as sanitation and picnic facilities and interpretive 

information that enhances the experience of the trail. Recreation facilities along the trail, 

such as interpretive signs, are installed primarily for resource protection. 

 Allow wildlife and fish habitat improvements which enhance trail desired conditions and 

setting. Allow expansion of existing forest openings and/or creation of new openings 

when compatible with desired conditions. 

 Allow timber harvest, prescribed burning, and wildland fire to manage vegetation 

consistent with desired conditions and setting for the PCT. 

 Wildfire suppression strategies will strive to minimize impacts on PCT values. 

 Restore degraded destinations, areas, or trail sections to provide for public use while 

improving the immediate foreground view from the trail and area focal points such as 

lakeshores. 

Built Environment Program Strategy 

Fire stations, administrative offices, work centers, barracks, water systems, waste water systems, 

campgrounds, resorts, day use areas, visitor information/education centers, dams, and other 

similar constructed elements are components of the federally owned facilities managed by the 

Forest Service. The Forest Service also maintains administrative and recreation facilities that 

support recreation opportunities and community services and meet national direction for 

sustainable operations. The number, distribution, condition, and variety of facilities are important 

in providing a quality visitor experience and meeting administrative and community goals. 

Priorities for construction, reconstruction or decommissioning facilities are based upon public 

benefit and ability to reduce deferred maintenance. 

 Use the Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA) and Facilities Master Plan to reduce deferred 

maintenance backlogs consistent with national direction. 

 Buildings and facilities are prioritized for construction, reconstruction or 

decommissioning based upon public benefit and ability to reduce deferred maintenance. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

74 ▪ Part 2 

 Provide and operate reliable, adequately sized facilities that support administrative needs 

and recreation opportunities. 

 Seek opportunities to reduce impervious coverage and soil compaction on low capability 

soils. 

 Implement water and energy conservation measures at developed recreation and 

administrative sites. 

 Reduce energy consumption associated with facilities operations and maintenance. 

 Retrofit Forest Service owned facilities with water quality protection BMPs throughout 

the Plan period. 

 Incorporate opportunities for use of public transit, or other alternative modes of` 

transportation into new facilities or those undergoing remodel, reconstruction, or retrofit. 

 Incorporate energy efficiency, conservation, sustainable design principles, and “green” 

technologies into administrative and recreation facilities whenever possible during 

renovations, remodels, reconstruction, retrofit, or new construction to minimize operation 

and maintenance costs. 

 The quality of the built environment should benefit from sound site planning as well as 

from low-energy and environmental design principles such as those embodied in the 

LEED program. 

 Construct facilities that are economically feasible to maintain. 

 Recreational facilities and trails are rehabilitated and/or maintained to improve the 

environment, the user experience, protect natural settings, restore cultural and historical 

areas, and enhance economic sustainability. 

 The architectural character of administrative and recreation buildings, landscape 

structures, site furnishings, wayside structures, and signs installed or operated on NFS 

lands are planned and designed with aesthetic characteristics that respect the cultural and 

natural scenic quality of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The built environment is economically, 

environmentally, and socially sustainable. 

 Prioritize buildings and facilities for construction, reconstruction or decommissioning 

based upon Agency or public benefit and ability to eliminate deferred maintenance. 

Built Environment Objectives 

Obj40. Implement BMP retrofits at all USFS facilities (including visitor centers, campgrounds, 

and parking lots.) by 2029. 

Obj41. Develop, plan and schedule to adoption for retrofitting five developed facilities rated as 

Development Scale 3-5 to include universally accessible features by 2029. 

Obj42. Maintain 15 administrative sites to standard by 2029. 

Obj43. Maintain 44 recreation sites to standard by 2029. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 75

Lands Program Strategy 

Program strategies for the LTBMU Lands program are: 

 Resolve trespass and encroachments with the highest priority assigned to the following: 

1) where public safety is threatened; 2) where damage to resources and/or resource values 

is occurring, or encroachment is interfering with resource management activities; and 3) 

where public access is interfered with. 

 Continue to purchase small urban lots, subdivision lots less than 1 acre, in Placer County 

only, where lots with an IPES score of 725 or less are still unbuildable and qualify for 

acquisition under the Santini-Burton program. 

 Direct all other land purchases to parcels larger than one acre that include important 

resource or recreational values, improve access to National Forest System lands, do not 

have improvements, protect environmentally sensitive land from development or 

consolidate or improve NFS land boundaries, eliminate inholdings and provide for more 

efficient and effective resource management. 

 In El Dorado and Douglas Counties, consider accepting donations of small urban lots that 

are unbuildable due to their location in Stream Environmental Zones when they improve 

the ownership pattern and management efficiency. 

 Retain National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin in public ownership to 

fulfill the specific objectives for which they were acquired. 

 Seek opportunities for land adjustments with State and Local governments that 

consolidate ownership and improve management of urban lots. 

 When approving erosion control grant projects, consider transfer of ownership to grantees 

when the proposed improvements encumber twenty-five percent or more of the lot. 

 Consider authorizing small scale renewable energy projects, such a site specific solar, 

when they are compatible with other resource objectives and meet scenic resource 

standards. 

 There are no major utility transmission corridors currently designated in the Lake Tahoe 

Basin. Such corridors should not be designated at Lake Tahoe due to their 

incompatibility with the scenic, recreational and other resource values at Lake Tahoe. 

Research and Monitoring Projects Strategy 

 Actively seek and encourage research activities that may be beneficial in informing 

management of NFS lands. Routinely evaluate research findings to inform adaptive 

management. 

 Continue to prioritize science needs based on monitoring results, science findings, and 

national guidance. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

76 ▪ Part 2 

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels Program 

Strategy 

Santini-Burton acquired lands are located throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. In general, desired 

conditions, management strategies and management objectives are consistent with those 

associated forest-wide with the General Conservation Management Areas, dependent upon 

where the acquired lands exist on the landscape. 

The Urban Forest Parcel subset of the Santini-Burton/Urban Forest Parcels Management Area 

has more specific strategies and objectives than those found in other Management Areas. 

The Forest Service manages urban forest parcels as undeveloped open space for the purpose of 

preserving the hydrologic function of sensitive lands and conserving natural forest conditions 

within the urban setting. 

 Manage urban forest as undeveloped parcels that provide open space and dispersed 

recreation opportunity. 

 Manage stand densities on urban forest parcels to achieve and maintain healthy forest 

characteristics. 

 Manage the continuity and arrangement of live and dead fuels to reduce risk of 

catastrophic fire, and to complement defensible space efforts on adjoining private lands. 

Urban Forest parcels are located within the urban zone of the wildland urban interface 

(WUI). 

 Retain, protect, and restore aspen and riparian plant communities to enhance wetland 

function and provide habitat for disturbance tolerant species that utilize urban forests. 

 Restore areas of existing human-caused disturbance, generally related to residential 

development, to control erosion and support natural watershed function. 

 Prevent the introduction of non-native, invasive species and noxious weeds and contain 

existing populations. 

 Mitigate all identified hazard trees as quickly as possible. 

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels Objectives 

Obj44. Complete initial fuels reduction and forest health restoration treatments as needed on all 

urban forest parcels by 2019. 

Obj45. Conduct follow-up fuels treatments every 10-15 years in urban forest parcels. 

Obj46. Restore and re-vegetate areas of existing disturbance on up to 20 urban forest parcels 

annually. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 77

Wilderness Strategy 

 Manage wilderness areas according to existing Wilderness Management Plan guidelines, 

national direction, and The Wilderness Act of 1964. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

78 ▪ Part 2 

2.3 Management Areas, Suitable Uses, and Resource Overlay 

Maps 

Introduction 

NFS lands are generally available for a variety of multiple uses, although not all uses and 

activities are suitable for all areas. The LTBMU has identified suitable uses and activities for 

various areas of NFS Lake Tahoe Basin lands called management areas (Table 3, and Map 2). 

This section describes general land use suitability for each management area. Identification of 

an area as suitable, suitable with restrictions, or not suitable for a use or activity provides 

guidance for making decisions about proposed projects and activities, but does not constitute a 

commitment or a decision to approve any particular projects or activities. Identification of 

suitable uses for the management area is often one of several steps in determining whether a 

project or activity is suitable in a given location. See the Forest Plan Consistency section in the 

Introduction for more detail. 

Table 3. LTBMU Management Areas and acreage 

Management Areas Acres 

W Wilderness 24,664

BC Backcountry (IRA) 45,372

GC General Conservation 70,878

SB Santini-Burton /Urban 

Forest Parcels 13,935

NFS Lands Total Acres 154,850
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 79

 

Figure 4. LTBMU Management Areas by category 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

80 ▪ Part 2 

Wilderness Management Area 

Management Concept: natural processes, regulated use, preservation management 

Portions of Desolation, Granite Chief, and Mt. Rose 

Wilderness areas are located within the administrative 

boundary of the LTBMU and are part of the National 

Wilderness Preservation System – as designated by 

Congress – to provide present and future generations the 

benefits of an enduring resource. 

Wilderness lands appear primarily affected by the forces of 

nature. Scenic integrity is very high; the valued landscape 

character is intact and appears unaltered. Wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for 

solitude and a primitive and unconfined type of recreation, yet is accessible to many. Wilderness 

areas offer places of undisturbed purity for people seeking natural scenery. Facilities and 

infrastructure to support dispersed recreation are limited, and do not conflict with the landscape 

character or interfere with natural ecosystem processes. 

Wilderness lands are of sufficient size to make preservation and use in an unimpaired condition 

practicable. Natural processes and disturbance events (fire, insects, disease, and floods) shape 

vegetation composition and structure and landscape patterns. 

These areas help sustain ecosystem function and species 

diversity by serving as habitat for fauna and flora and 

providing wildlife corridors. Wilderness may also provide 

ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, 

educational, scenic, or historical value. 

Suitable uses in wilderness are defined in the Wilderness 

Act. 

Wilderness Area Acres 

Desolation 22,038

Granite Chief 46

Mt. Rose 2,580

Total 24,664
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 81

Backcountry Management Area 

Management Concept: natural landscapes, dispersed recreation use, limited management 

The LTBMU manages approximately 50,000 acres of 

Backcountry on NFS lands, the majority of which is in 

Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs). Outside of IRAs, 

approximately 5,000 acres of Backcountry lie between Ward 

and Blackwood Creeks adjacent to the Granite Chief IRA. 

Some backcountry areas are adjacent or contiguous to 

existing Wilderness (i.e. Pyramid, Mt. Rose, and Granite 

Chief). Other lands designated as Backcountry are larger 

blocks of unroaded areas including the Dardanelles/Meiss, 

Freel Peak, and Lincoln Creek. 

On these lands, natural ecological processes are primarily free from human influences. The 

landscape is predominantly shaped by natural processes and disturbance events such as 

vegetative succession, fire, insects attack, disease outbreak, 

and floods. Scenic integrity is high; the valued landscape 

character appears intact. 

Backcountry areas fill a recreation niche between 

Wilderness and General Conservation. Dispersed recreation 

opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country 

skiing and snowshoeing, camping, and wildlife viewing. 

Over-snow vehicle use (OSV) is limited to designated areas 

(Snowmobile Area Map – Map 18). 

Management activities that support administrative and 

dispersed recreation activities are minimal, but may have a 

limited influence on the landscape. Native-surface roads are 

present in some backcountry areas; road maintenance and 

reconstruction may be permitted on Backcountry lands 

where additional restrictions do not apply. Suitable uses do 

not include construction of permanent roads. 

Similarly, Backcountry lands may be occasionally 

influenced by management activities to support forest health, improve habitat, and reduce fuels. 

Management-related disturbances would have only minor influences on the landscape character. 

Backcountry areas contribute to ecosystem and species diversity and sustainability, serve as 

habitat for fauna and flora, and offer wildlife corridors. These areas provide a diversity of 

terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and support species dependent on large, undisturbed areas of 

land. Backcountry areas are managed to preserve and restore healthy watersheds with clean 

water and air, and healthy soils. Watershed processes operate in harmony with their setting, 

providing high quality aquatic habitats. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

82 ▪ Part 2 

General Conservation Management Area 

Management Concept: Roaded landscapes, active management, dispersed and developed 

recreation uses. 

This management area includes a broad spectrum of 

landscapes, activities, and uses, ranging from relatively 

unaltered lands to intensively managed recreation settings. 

Generally Suitable Uses: Most activities and uses permitted 

by law on NFS lands, subject to specific restrictions of law, 

regulation, policy, and standards and guidelines. 

This management area is comprised of NFS lands that do not 

have any other special designation that specifically defines their use; management is prescribed 

by Forest staff to attain forest-wide desired conditions. Active management is conducted for 

purposes of meeting a variety of social, economic, and ecological objectives. 

Management activities may have a strong influence on the composition, structure, and landscape 

patterns of the vegetation in the more intensively used areas, while succession, fire, insect attack, 

disease outbreak, floods, and other natural processes and disturbance events are the predominant 

drivers in the more remote parts of the management area. 

Scenic integrity is generally between low and moderate, though in some areas scenery appears 

only slightly altered. Where developed facilities are present, they are aesthetically incorporated 

into the landscape. Forest management activities are carried out in ways that maintain or 

enhance scenic integrity. 

Places for people seeking natural scenery and solitude are available in some areas. In other 

areas, motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities are easily accessed by the roads 

found on these lands, and users of hiking trails can expect encounters with others. 

General Conservation lands adjacent to urban areas and neighborhoods are closely associated 

with communities, as well as with the houses, structures, people, and values associated with 

them. Individual and family histories may be closely interwoven with these lands. 

Consequently, residents may have strong attachments and feelings of ownership, which lead to a 

higher level of public scrutiny and sensitivity to management activities in these areas. 

Lands adjacent to urban areas and neighborhoods and developed recreation sites are intensively 

managed in close coordination with affected communities and partners to conserve natural 

resources and maintain quality recreation opportunities. Vegetation and fuels management is a 

high priority on lands within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), in order to reduce wildfire 

risks. Cooperation and partnerships with adjacent landowners, local governments and other 

entities play an important role in land management. 

General Conservation lands also include or provide access to popular destinations (such as 

beaches, resorts, historic sites, interpretive centers, ski areas, scenic vistas, lakes and streams, 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 83

and regional trails). Developed recreation sites range from modified natural settings (with few 

permanent developed facilities, primarily for resource protection) to highly modified natural 

settings (with permanently developed facilities for visitor convenience). 

Developed recreation sites provide rich and diverse opportunities for recreation activities in a 

variety of well-designed, well-maintained, and accessible settings. The uses associated with 

these lands contribute substantial socioeconomic benefits to the community in the form of jobs, 

income, access to public lands, and quality of life. These sites are often managed by private 

entities in cooperation with the Forest Service through special use permits. 

Dispersed recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and 

snowshoeing, camping, and wildlife viewing. Over-snow vehicle use (OSV) is limited to 

designated areas (Snowmobile Area Map – Map 18). 

General Conservation lands also include rare habitat for native species, such as lake shore 

lagoons, barrier beaches, wet meadows, and other riparian areas. These lands provide habitat for 

federally threatened, endangered, candidate and proposed species as well as regionally sensitive 

species. These special habitats often overlap with areas that 

are highly desirable recreation destinations. 

The more remote parts of this management area contribute 

to ecosystem and species diversity and sustainability, serve 

as habitat for fauna and flora, and offer wildlife corridors. A 

mosaic of vegetation conditions is often present, with some 

areas showing the effects of past management activities, and 

other areas appearing predominantly natural. In contrast, the 

more developed parts of the management area often exhibit 

lasting changes to ecological composition, structure, and 

function; these lands may provide wildlife habitat only for 

species tolerant of human presence. As intensity of use and 

management increases, so does the need to control terrestrial 

and aquatic invasive species. 

Water quality is excellent in most streams and lakes, and 

aquatic habitats support desired species, although restoration 

activities may be needed in some places to mitigate past 

disturbances and restore natural stream processes and habitats. Soil quality is close to natural 

conditions throughout most of the management area. Forest management activities are carried 

out in ways that maintain or enhance soil and water quality and watershed conditions and 

processes. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

84 ▪ Part 2 

Santini-Burton/Urban Forest Parcels Management Area 

Management Concept: protected and undeveloped landscapes, active management 

This management area is primarily comprised of lands 

acquired under the Santini-Burton Purchase authority. In 

1980, Congress passed the Santini-Burton Act, Public Law 

96-586, which authorized the Forest Service to acquire 

environmentally sensitive lands within the Lake Tahoe 

Basin to protect them from development. The SantiniBurton Act restricts the use and development of these lands. 

Santini-Burton lands range in size from less than one-half 

acre to 1,700 acres. The larger parcels are mostly located 

within or adjacent to General Conservation and Backcountry 

Management Areas, while the smaller parcels are mostly located in urban/suburban areas, and 

are surrounded by private lands. 

Additional lands in this management area were acquired 

under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. These 

lands are small (generally less than 2 acres) urban forest 

parcels (urban lots) that are located in urban/suburban areas. 

Urban lots are public inholdings among privately-owned 

developed parcels and are generally not adjacent to other 

NFS lands. 

Management of lands follows two basic principles: (1) it 

is consistent with the legislation under which the land was 

acquired (2) it is compatible with management and use of 

the surrounding lands. For example, lands in urban areas are 

managed consistent with the needs of the adjacent 

community. 

Management within the Santini-Burton / Urban Forest 

Parcel Management Area is focused on preserving 

environmental quality. The primary distinction between this 

management area and the General Conservation Management Area is that the management 

emphasis is on protecting watershed conditions and community open space. 

Urban Forest Parcels provide opportunity for dispersed recreation within the urban setting, such 

as walking/hiking, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and access to streams and lakes. 

When appropriate, recreational improvements such as system trails and bike trails may occur on 

urban forest parcels. Development is prohibited on these environmentally sensitive lands except 

for dispersed recreation and erosion control improvements. Urban Forest parcels are located 

within the urban core, as shown on the Management Area map. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 85

Suitable Uses and Management Practices by Management Area 

National Forest System lands are generally available for a variety of multiple uses, although not 

all uses are suitable for all areas. Section 6 (g) of the Resource Planning Act of 1974 (RPA), as 

amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA), requires "the identification 

of the suitability of lands for resource management"(RPA 1974, pp. 4-9). 

Suitability is defined as “The appropriateness of applying certain resource management practices 

to a particular area of land, as determined by an analysis of economic and environmental 

consequences and the alternative uses forgone. A unit of land may be suitable for a variety of 

individual or combined management practices” (36 CFR 219.3). 

Suitability is expressed as suitable, not suitable, or with restriction. Restrictions have several 

sources depending on the legal, policy or permitting language that applies to the activity. 

S – Suitable 

N – Not Suitable 

R – Restrictions: 

 Restricted by law (e.g. Wilderness Act, Desolation Wilderness) 

 Restricted by designation (e.g. Grass Lake Research Natural Area) 

 Restricted by Forest Order (e.g. Camping) 

 Restricted by another decision (e.g. mountain biking on the Pacific Crest Trail) 

 Restricted by management direction within this plan 

 Restricted to authorized use only (e.g. communication sites) 

This section describes common activities and land uses expected to occur on NFS lands within 

the Lake Tahoe Basin. The general suitability of activities and uses by management area is 

displayed below (Table 5). Determination of suitable or not suitable does not apply to existing 

activities and uses. Descriptions of these activities and uses follow the table. 

 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

86 ▪ Part 2 

Table 5. Suitable Uses and Management Activities by Management Area 

Suitable Uses or 

Management Activities 

Wilderness Backcountry General 

Conservation 

Santini-Burton/Urban 

Forest Parcels 

Urban 

Forest 

SantiniBurton 

Ecosystem Restoration: 

Fuels Reduction N S S S S 

Vegetation Restoration R S S S S 

Managed Wildfire S S R N S 

Prescribed Burning R S S S S 

Stream Channel Floodplain 

Restoration

R S S S S 

Soil & Water Restoration R S S S S 

Species Recovery Habitat 

Restoration 

R S S S S 

Invasive Species Management R S S S S 

Re-vegetation R S S S S 

Recreation: 

Developed Recreation Sites N N S N N 

Recreation, Non-motorized Use S S S S S 

Recreation Permitted Uses: 

Resorts N N S N N 

Recreation Residences N N S N N 

Ski Areas N N S N N 

Ski Slope/Trail N R S N R 

Organization Camps N N S N N 

Outfitter and Guide Service R S S S S 

Non-commercial Group Use N N S N R 

Permitted Temporary Uses R R R R R 

Infrastructure: 

Administrative Facilities N N S N N 

Roads N N S R R 

Motorized Use of Roads N S S R R 

Trails S S S R S 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 87

Suitable Uses or 

Management Activities 

Wilderness Backcountry General 

Conservation 

Santini-Burton/Urban 

Forest Parcels 

Urban 

Forest 

SantiniBurton 

Motorized Use of Trails N S S N R 

Mechanized Use of Trails N S S S S 

Motorized Cross-country Travel N N R N N 

Over Snow Vehicle Travel N R R N R 

Other Permitted Uses 

Communication Sites N N S R R 

Transportation Related N R S R R 

Utilities N R S R R 

Urban Stormwater Treatment N N S S S 

Community Use and Public 

Information 

N N S R R 

Non-Timber Forest Products N S S S S 

Production Livestock Grazing N R R N R 

Research and Monitoring S S S S S 

Ecosystem Restoration 

Fuels Reduction – Activities focused on reducing risk to people, property, infrastructure, and 

natural and cultural resources, by removal, utilization, and/or rearrangement of natural and 

residual activity generated fuels. Activities include but are not limited to various silvicultural 

practices using mechanical, aerial, and/or hand treatments, prescribed fire, reforestation, and 

chemical application. 

Vegetation Restoration – A full suite of activities that contribute to the sustainability and 

restoration of desired conditions for forest health including habitat and vegetation structural 

attributes. Invasive plant species, insects, and disease will be managed as an integral part of the 

restoration program. Activities include but are not limited to various silvicultural practices using 

mechanical, aerial, and/or hand treatments, prescribed fire, reforestation, chemical application, 

clearing of trees encroaching upon meadows, human access control, control of invasive species, 

and maintenance of snags and down logs. 

Managed Wildfire – The management of naturally ignited fires to achieve resource desired 

conditions and objectives where fire is a natural ecosystem process. 

Prescribed Burning - Igniting fires in order to achieve a management objective and/or a desired 

condition. This includes understory burning, pile burning, and broadcast burning. Managed 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

88 ▪ Part 2 

active burning will be prescribed and monitored to burn at specified intensities over a defined 

area. 

Stream Channel/Floodplain Restoration – Includes activities to restore geomorphic function 

and high quality habitat features to stream channels and adjacent floodplains. Activities include 

constructing new stream channels/floodplain and/or stabilizing and improving existing 

channels/floodplain. Restoration can also include removal or upgrades to in-channel 

infrastructure such as channel crossings or dams/diversion. 

Soil and Water Restoration – Includes activities to maintain and restore soil function, and 

surface and groundwater hydrologic function. Activities include restoring compacted/disturbed 

soils, surface and soil organic matter, understory vegetation, and surface water drainage 

pathways. Restoration can also include removal of obsolete/legacy infrastructure such as 

asphalt, concrete, foundation, and drainage ditches. 

Species Recovery and Habitat Restoration (aquatic and terrestrial) – Includes activities to 

recover and or restore biological processes and function of selected species and habitat. 

Restoration activities can occur in special habitats including, but not limited to, meadows, aspen 

stands, and or other habitats of importance to the recovery and restoration of a species. Recovery 

and restoration activities may include, but are not limited to vegetation thinning, fire (prescribed 

or natural), hydrologic modifications (i.e. removal of head cuts), introduction or re-introduction 

of a selected species, as well as removal, by various methods, of non-native or invasive species. 

Invasive Species Management (aquatic and terrestrial) – Includes activities that prevent, 

control, and eradicate invasive species. Activities may include, but are not limited to outreach 

and education, inspection station, manual removal, chemical and biological removal, as well as 

thinning and fire. 

Re-vegetation – Includes re-vegetation using primarily native seeds and transplants following 

the Native Plant Material Policy (FSM 2070 Vegetation Ecology). Re-vegetation activities may 

occur, but is not limited to, project areas such as on, trails, roads, in post-fire areas (prescribed 

and natural), at facilities, as well as in restoration. 

Recreation 

Developed Recreation Sites – Areas where facilities are provided for concentrated public use. 

Included are resorts, campgrounds, organization camps, picnic sites, swimming beaches, 

interpretive centers, visitor information facilities, trails, and parking and utility services 

associated with these facilities. Includes trailhead parking, small remote camping sites, 

interpretive sites, vista points, OHV staging areas, and toilets. 

Recreation, Non-motorized Use – Includes activities such as hiking, climbing, fishing, 

camping, swimming, sunbathing, sightseeing, guided interpretive activities, nature viewing, 

picnicking, non-motorized boating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow 

play. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 89

Non-Commercial Group Use – Non-commercial groups exceeding 75 people. 

Recreation Permitted Uses 

Recreation Residences – The privately-owned dwelling within an established recreation 

residence tract or group on National Forest System (NFS) land authorized for the purpose of 

facilitating the use and enjoyment of NFS lands and recreation resources. 

Ski Areas – Accommodate primarily winter-based recreation activities (including ski lifts, 

snowmaking systems, mountain lodges and support buildings and resort infrastructure), but may 

also be used for summer recreation purposes (e.g., Heavenly Mountain Resort). 

Ski Slope/Trail – Ski slopes and trails on NFS lands for winter-based recreation activities. This 

use generally involves NFS lands without lifts or substantial infrastructure. Alpine ski slopes 

and trails occur primarily in those situations where the majority of a large ski area operates on 

adjacent private lands (e.g., Homewood Mountain Resort). For nordic trails, this use generally 

involves setting groomed ski tracks to enhance cross-country and skate-skiing opportunities. 

Outfitting and Guiding Service – This designation includes all commercial outfitting and 

guiding services for accommodating guests, transporting persons, and providing equipment, 

supplies, and materials to and across NFS lands. This designation also includes commercial 

guiding activities wherein the guide furnishes personal services or serves as a leader or 

instructor. 

Permitted Temporary Uses – This designation includes organized events of a temporary nature 

such as races and festivals. 

Infrastructure 

Administrative Facilities – Includes offices, fire stations, lookouts, installations for research, 

and work centers. 

Roads – Includes the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and decommissioning of 

National Forest System (NFS) roads for motor vehicle use. (See current LTBMU Motor Vehicle 

Use Map (MVUM) for designated travel routes) 

Motorized Use of Roads – Roads open to all motor vehicles including smaller off highway 

vehicle that may not be licensed for highway use. (See current LTBMU MVUM for designated 

travel routes) 

Trails – Includes the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and decommissioning of NFS 

trails for allowed uses. (See current LTBMU MVUM for designated trails) 

Motorized Use of Trails – Motorized use on trails such as OHV’s, and Motorcycles (See Motor 

Vehicle Use Map for designated trails). 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

90 ▪ Part 2 

Mechanized Use of Trails – Includes use of mechanized equipment, such as mountain bikes. 

Motorized Cross-country Travel – Motorized Cross-country travel such as OHV’s or 

Motorcycles. These uses are restricted to designated areas, as shown on the LTBMU Motor 

Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). 

Over Snow Vehicle Travel (OSV) – Over-Snow Vehicle (Snowmobile) use on NFS lands. 

Other Permitted Uses

Communication Sites – Sites designated for the location of communication facilities, including 

broadcast radio and television, cable television, microwave for industrial and common carriers, 

cellular telephone, land-line telephone, and amateur and mobile radio transmission and repeater 

sites. (See Map 8, Communication Sites for designated Communication Sites.) 

Transportation Related – Includes facilities such as avalanche control centers, maintenance 

yards, storage facilities, airport navigation beacons, Department of Transportation easements, 

private party easements, and rights of way. 

Utilities – Includes underground and overhead alignments for utilities including fiber optic, 

telephone, cable, water, sewer, and electricity distribution facilities. It also includes specific sites 

for wells, water tanks, springs, dams, pump stations, fish ladders, water diversion, reservoirs, and 

other utilities. 

Urban Stormwater Treatment Projects – Includes special use permits to authorize use of NFS 

lands for urban storm water projects for treatment and control of runoff from urban areas and 

highways. 

Community Use and Public Information – Includes permitted land uses such as noncommercial group use, monuments, markers, signs, benches, interagency visitor centers, 

amphitheaters, museums, transit centers, and cultural centers. 

Non-Timber Forest Products – Includes commercial and non-commercial collection of 

materials such as firewood, plants, mushrooms, berries, biomass, pine cones, extractives, 

Christmas trees, and boughs. 

Production Livestock Grazing – Authorized use and management of NFS lands for the purpose 

of livestock production, utilization of forage resources by livestock, and/or coordination of 

livestock grazing with other uses. Site specific environmental analysis is needed to determine the 

capability and suitability of this activity on any of the existing vacant grazing allotment on the 

LTBMU. 

Permitted Research and Monitoring – Includes the temporary use of NFS lands for 

monitoring, sampling, and data collection in support of private and public research projects such 

as stream gauges and air and water quality monitoring stations, and may involve sampling 

programs, research experiments, and erosion control and water quality monitoring. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 91

Permitted Temporary Activities – Includes the temporary use of NFS lands for activities such 

as weddings, commercial filming and commercial still photography, training, commercial special 

events, and vendors. 

Lands Suitable For Timber Production 

There are no LTBMU lands where timber “production” is either a primary or secondary 

objective or goal. Timber output may be an incidental product from silvicultural prescriptions 

designed for other purposes, and timber harvest is seen as a “tool” for accomplishing other 

objectives such as restoration and fuels hazard reduction (Table 6, Category 3b). There is no 

intent of producing a sustainable timber harvest over time on any lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

Therefore, there are no acres of lands suitable for timber production (Table 6, Category 3a). 

Table 6. Summary of Available Areas for Timber 

Category Acres Acres 

Generally Not 

Available for 

Timber 

Harvest 

Acres 

Generally 

Available for 

Timber 

Harvest 

Acres Not 

Suitable for 

Timber 

Production 

1. Total National Forest System Lands 

within the plan area 153,820 

2. Lands generally not available for 

timber harvest (sec. 62.1) 50,956 50,956

a. Lands not available for timber 

harvest due to statute, Executive 

order, regulation, policy or physical 

and biological conditions (sec. 62.1) 

25,016

b. Lands where timber harvest is not 

compatible with desired conditions 

and objectives (sec. 62.1) 

25,940 

3. Lands generally available for timber 

harvest (sec. 62.2) 102,864 

a. Lands suitable for timber production 

(sec. 62.21)* 0 

b. Other lands where trees may be 

harvested for multiple use values 

other than timber production (sec. 

62.22) 

102,864 102,864

4. Lands generally not suitable for timber 

production, all lands except 3(a). (sec. 

62.3) 

 153,820

*Timber production achieves or is consistent with desired conditions and objectives. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

92 ▪ Part 2 

Resource Map Overlays 

This section describes how each of the resource overlay maps was created and how they are 

intended to be used. Maps represent the best information available at the time of Plan 

publication. Each overlay is updated periodically as new information is received. The most up to 

date version of each map is stored electronically in the Geographic Information System (GIS) 

library on Forest Service data servers. 

Special Areas 

This map and the accompanying inset map show the locations of designated special areas on the 

LTBMU, which include National Scenic and National Recreation Trails, and the Grass Lake 

Research Natural Area. Plan components are provided to guide management of National Scenic 

and National Recreation Trails. Allowable uses in the Grass Lake RNA are described in Section 

2.4. 

Fire Management Units 

This map was developed with focus on key multi-resource management objectives as outlined in 

this Forest land and resource management plan. A Fire management unit (FMUs) is definable by 

the management constraints, topographic features, access, values to be protected, political 

boundaries, fuel types, major fire regime groups, and so on, that set it apart from the 

management characteristics of an adjacent unit. LTBMU has defined three FMUs: Wildland 

Urban Interface (WUI), Wilderness, and General Forest. 

Wildland Urban Interface 

This map was created through a collaborative process involving fire management staff from 

multiple agencies and jurisdictions throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin. 

The WUI overlay shows the boundaries of the Wildland Urban Interface areas: the Defense 

Zone, and the Threat Zone. The Defense Zone, which includes the urban core, extends 

approximately one quarter mile beyond the urban core, which is displayed as a subset of the 

Defense Zone since fire and fuels management objectives are consistent throughout. The urban 

core is where the communities are located, and is mostly private land. The Threat Zone varies in 

size and lies beyond the Defense Zone. 

The primary use of this overlay is to guide management of unplanned ignitions and to delineate 

priority areas for hazardous fuels reduction projects and activities. Ownership varies throughout 

the WUI and management practices are applied according to jurisdiction. 

Stream Environment Zones 

This is a map of riparian vegetation which shows the approximate location and extent of SEZs. 

SEZ boundaries must be field verified prior to any ground-disturbing activities. This map is used 

for preliminary or broad-scale planning purposes only, and should be compared with other GIS 

layers such as National Wetlands Inventory, Terrestrial Ecologic Unit Inventory, and Soil 

Survey. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 93

PAC & HRCA 

The purpose of this map is to identify areas where Plan components for PACs and HRCAs apply 

on LTBMU lands. 

The following section describes the methodology for delineating current and future PACs and 

HRCAs. Additional management direction for PACs and HRCAs is located in the Standards and 

Guidelines. 

California Spotted Owl PAC

California spotted owl PACs are delineated surrounding each territorial owl activity center 

detected on the LTBMU. Owl activity centers are designated for all territorial owls based on: 

1) the most recent documented nest site, 

2) the most recent known roost site when a nest location remains unknown, and 

3) a central point based on repeated daytime detections when neither nest or roost locations 

are known. 

PACs are delineated to: 

1) include known and suspected nest stands and 

2) encompass the best available 300 acres of habitat in as compact a unit as possible. 

The best available habitat is selected to include, where available: 

1) two or more tree canopy layers; 

2) areas with large live and dead trees (>24 inches diameter-at-breast-height); 

3) at least 70% tree canopy cover; and 

4) in descending order of priority, CWHR classes 6, 5D, 5M, 4D, and 4M and other stands 

with at least 50% cover. 

Aerial imagery, GIS data for habitat types, habitat suitability models, and field verification are 

used as needed to delineate PACs. As additional nest location and habitat data become 

available, boundaries of PACS are reviewed and adjusted as necessary to better include known 

and suspected stands and encompass the best available 300 acres of habitat. 

For California spotted owls that are found on non-national forest lands, designate a PAC by 

either of the following methods: 

1) a 300-acre circular area that focuses on the activity center, or 

2) a 300-acre area that is centered on the activity center and includes the best available 

habitat at sub-watershed unit. 

Any part of the 300-acre area that lies on NF System lands is designated and managed as a 

California spotted owl PAC. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

94 ▪ Part 2 

Northern Goshawk PACs 

Northern goshawk PACs are delineated surrounding all known and newly discovered breeding 

territories detected on the LTBMU. Northern goshawk PACs are designated based upon the 

latest documented nest site and locations of alternate nests. If the actual nest site is not located, 

the PAC is designated based on the location of territorial adult birds or recently fledged juvenile 

goshawks during the fledgling dependency period. PACs are delineated to: 

1) include known and suspected nest stands, and 

2) encompass the best available 200 acres of forested habitat in the largest contiguous 

patches possible, based on aerial imagery and GIS data for habitat types. 

Where suitable nesting habitat occurs in small patches, PACs are defined as multiple blocks in 

the largest best available patches within 0.5 miles of one another. Best available forested stands 

for PACs have the following characteristics where available: 

1) areas with large live and dead trees (>24 inches diameter-at-breast-height); 

2) in westside conifer and eastside mixed conifer forest types, stands have a least 70 percent 

tree canopy cover; 

3) in eastside pine forest types, stands have at least 60 percent tree canopy cover; and 

4) in descending order of priority, CWHR classes 6, 5D, 5M, 4D, and 4M and other stands 

with the greatest canopy cover available (at least 50%). Non-forest vegetation (such as 

meadows) should not be counted as part of the 200 acres. 

As additional nest location and habitat data become available, boundaries of PACS are reviewed 

and adjusted as necessary to better include known and suspected stands and encompass the best 

available 200 acres of habitat. 

For Northern goshawks that are found on non-national forest lands, designate a PAC by either of 

the following methods: 1) a 200-acre circular area that focuses on the activity center, or 2) a 

200-acre area that is centered on the activity center and includes the best available habitat in the 

sub-watershed unit. Any part of the 200-acre area that lies on NFS lands is designated and 

managed as a Northern goshawk PAC. 

California Spotted Owl HRCA 

Establish a California spotted owl home HRCA surrounding each territorial spotted owl activity 

center. The acreage in the PAC counts toward the HRCA. Delineate HRCAs within 1.5 miles of 

the activity center. 

A California spotted owl HRCA is delineated surrounding each territorial spotted owl activity 

center (includes the PAC), is 1,000 acres in size, and is composed of the best available 

contiguous habitat as determined by aerial imagery, GIS data, habitat suitability modeling, and 

field verification. 

Best available habitat is selected to include, in descending order of priority, CWHR classes 6, 

5D, 5M, 4D, and 4M and other stands with the greatest canopy cover available (at least 50%). 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 95

The acreage of the 300-acre PAC counts towards the total HRCA. Core areas are delineated 

within 1.5 miles of the activity center. 

When activities are planned adjacent to land not managed by the LTBMU, circular core areas 

focused on the activity center or areas that are centered on the activity center and include the best 

available habitat are delineated that include the best available habitat are delineated around 

California spotted owl activity centers on non-National Forest System lands. Any part of the 

core area that lies on National Forest System lands is designated and managed as a California 

spotted owl HRCA. 

Species Refuge Areas 

The purpose of these maps is to identify areas of quality habitat for Threatened and Endangered 

Species (FSH 1909.12, Ch. 40, Sec. 43.22a), species proposed for listing, candidate species, and 

species that have been recently de-listed where regulatory agency monitoring is still considered 

necessary. These areas either currently provide habitat for Federal Threatened (T), Endangered 

(E), Candidate (C), and Proposed (P) species or have potential to provide habitat needed for 

future recovery. These areas are subject to change based on recovery plans, new listings, and/or 

other new information that would alter habitat needs for recovery. 

Species included are Lahontan cutthroat trout, Sierra Nevada yellow legged frog, Tahoe yellow 

cress, and whitebark pine. This list is subject to change when species are added or removed. 

Current maps for Tahoe yellow cress and whitebark pine show approximate locations and extent 

of species and must be field verified during project planning. Future inventory work will identify 

areas of quality habitat. 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

The purpose of this map is to show how various classes of recreation opportunities are 

distributed across the LTBMU. Project design and activity planning should consider whether the 

project or activity is compatible with the ROS class. 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) defines six recreation opportunity classes that provide 

different settings for recreational use: 

 Primitive 

 Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized 

 Semi-Primitive Motorized 

 Roaded Natural 

 Rural 

 Urban 

ROS classes describe all recreation opportunity areas--from natural, undisturbed, and 

undeveloped to heavily used, modified, and developed. The criteria found in the ROS Users 

Guide (USDA Forest Service 1982) were used to delineate the ROS classes on the LTBMU. 

Only four of the classifications have been inventoried on the LTBMU. There are no areas on the 

LTBMU that met the inventory criteria for Primitive. Though there are portions of the three 

Wilderness Areas in the Basin that are managed as primitive, their proximity to roads and 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

96 ▪ Part 2 

urbanization and the intensity of use rule out a Primitive designation. There were also no areas 

on the LTBMU that met the inventory criteria for Urban. Though some undeveloped NFS lands 

may exist within urban neighborhoods in the form of scattered parcels, they are classified as rural 

because they offer visual and recreational relief from the adjacent urban development. 

The ROS Users Guide describes types of access and facilities, lists typical uses for each class, 

and other information, including recreational settings, and provides planning guidance. 

Minimum Scenic Integrity 

This map shows the minimum scenic integrity objectives for LTBMU lands - the minimally 

acceptable levels of scenic integrity for a given area. Project design and activity planning should 

meet or exceed minimum scenic integrity objectives for the project or activity area and should 

maintain or enhance scenic integrity. 

Scenic integrity is a measure of the degree to which the valued scenic attributes are present 

within the landscape. The highest scenic integrity ratings are given to those landscapes which 

have little or no deviation from the character valued by constituents for its aesthetic appeal. 

Scenic Integrity uses a graduated rating scale of six levels from “Very High Integrity” to “No 

Integrity”. These are described in Landscape Aesthetics: A Handbook for Scenery Management

(Agriculture Handbook 701). 

The Minimum Scenic Integrity Objective (MSIO) map identifies assigned MSIO levels to NFS 

lands. Scenic Class, which describes the relative “social value” of areas for their scenery was the 

starting point for determining MSIO levels. Factors that affect Scenic Class include the inherent 

attractiveness of the area and its visibility from key viewing areas and travel routes. 

 Designated wilderness areas were assigned a “very high” MSIO and identified 

backcountry and inventoried roadless areas were assigned a “high” MSIO. 

 Major travel route roads (Concern Level 1 roads) including the Basin’s highways, 

Pioneer Trail, and Forest Highway 73 (“Fiberboard Freeway”) were buffered by 1/2 mile 

and assigned a “high” MSIO in these foreground views. 

 The Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail (Concern Level 1 trails) were buffered by 

1/2 mile and assigned a “high” MSIO. 

 Developed recreation sites and recreation residence tracts located beyond the travel route 

buffer were also assigned a “high” MSIO to correspond with level of visitation and the 

important role that scenery plays in determining a high-quality visitor experience. 

 Areas beyond the foreground of Concern Level 1 routes were assigned a lower Scenic 

Class (2) and consequently a “moderate” MSIO. 

 Developed ski areas, which currently have generally lower existing scenic integrity than 

surrounding lands were assigned a “moderate” MSIO recognizing that visual 

improvement is needed but that the visual contrast represented by cleared ski runs is 

likely to remain. 

 Wildland urban interface areas located beyond travel route buffers were also assigned a 

“moderate” MSIO. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 97

Final adjustments to MSIO boundaries were made to remove small areas that were designated 

differently than their surroundings as a result of GIS mapping and buffering. 

Minimum Scenic Stability 

This map shows the relative risk of the valued scenic attributes being lost or degraded based on 

the existing inventory of Scenic Stability levels on the landscape. 

Scenic Stability is an indicator of the ecological sustainability of the valued scenic attributes. 

Scenic Stability does not measure or evaluate the entire ecological condition. Rather, it addresses 

how ecosystem dynamics will affect the long-term stability of the valued scenery and its 

attributes. Scenic Stability uses a graduated rating scale of six levels from “Very High Stability” 

to “No Stability” to identify the degree to which scenery attributes are likely to be perpetuated 

within the ecosystem context. These are described in Appendix J of Landscape Aesthetics: A 

Handbook for Scenery Management (Agriculture Handbook 701) 

This map is used to prioritize ecosystem management work. For instance, hazardous fuels 

projects maybe prioritized in areas with lower scenic stability. 

 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

98 ▪ Part 2 

2.4 Designated Special Areas 

Special Areas are NFS lands designated as such because of their unique or special characteristics 

(reference Plan Maps 3 and 4). Special Areas include special interest areas (SIAs), research 

natural areas (RNA), Nationally Designated Trails, and other specially-designated sites. Special 

Areas will continue to be managed consistent with preservation of the values for which each 

Special Area was designated, as described below. 

Wilderness Areas 

Desolation Wilderness 

Desolation Wilderness consists of 63,960 acres of sub-alpine and alpine forest, granite peaks, 

and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. It is located west of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, 

California and was designated in 1969. Desolation Wilderness is jointly managed by the 

Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. 

Desolation Wilderness is managed according to the Wilderness Act of 1964 to "ensure an 

enduring resource of Wilderness for present and future generations." The wilderness character 

of the Desolation Wilderness and its natural ecological conditions will be preserved under the 

concept of non-degradation, to prevent loss of solitude and naturalness. 

Granite Chief Wilderness 

Granite Chief Wilderness was designated in 1984 because of its pristine nature, natural beauty, 

and potential to provide primitive, non-motorized recreational opportunities. The Tahoe National 

Forest manages this 25,680-acre wilderness, with only 46 acres located within the LTBMU. 

Mt. Rose Wilderness 

The 30,000-acre Mt. Rose Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1989. The LTBMU shares 

management responsibility with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; only 2,580 acres of the 

wilderness area is located on the Lake Tahoe Basin. Located in Nevada, between the Sierra 

Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin, the wilderness is named after the highest peak in 

the Carson Range. Due to its proximity to urban centers (adjacent to Reno and communities of 

north Lake Tahoe), Mt. Rose represents one of Nevada's most heavily used wilderness areas. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 99

National Trails System 

The National Trails System is a network of scenic, historic, and recreation trails created by the 

National Trails System Act of 1968. These nationally recognized trails provide for outdoor 

recreation needs, promote the enjoyment, appreciation, and preservation of open-air, outdoor 

areas and historic resources, and encourage public access and citizen involvement. 

Trails that are part of the National Trails System fall into three categories_- National Scenic 

Trails, National Historic Trails and National Recreation Trails. National Scenic Trails and 

National Historic Trails are designated by Congress, and National Recreation Trails are 

designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior. 

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail 

Overall responsibility for the management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) lies 

with the Pacific Southwest Regional Forester. 

National Scenic Trails are designated by an act of Congress. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650-

mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico near Campo, California to the Pasayten 

Wilderness in Canada, passing through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain Ranges of 

California, Oregon, and Washington. Forty eight miles of the PCT wander in and out of the 

LTBMU’s western administrative boundary, predominantly in Wilderness and Backcountry 

Management Areas. The PCT was designated to “provide for maximum outdoor recreation 

potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, 

natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass” (National Trails 

System Act of 1968, P.L. 90-543). 

Permit quotas and fees required for overnight camping in Desolation Wilderness do not apply to 

journeys of over 500 miles on the PCT. Interagency permits for such trips are required and 

available at no charge from the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Either a wilderness permit or a 

PCT permit is required for all overnight visits. 

National Recreation Trails 

National Recreation Trails (NRT) are authorized under the National Trails System Act of 1968 

(Public Law. 90-543, as amended through P.L. 111-11, March 30, 2009) (also found in United 

States Code, Volume 16, Sections 1241-1251) and designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Tahoe Rim Trail 

The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a 166-mile trail that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe’s ridges and 

mountaintops. Ninety-six (96) miles of the TRT was designated a part of the National Trail 

System due to its historical features, landscape and water features, scenic qualities, and 

recreation opportunities it offers. Along the west shore of Lake Tahoe, 48 miles is part of the 

Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The TRT offers outstanding views of Lake Tahoe and 

surrounding mountain peaks, forests, and meadows that form the Lake Tahoe Basin. The trail 

passes through two states (California and Nevada), six counties, the LTBMU, the Eldorado 

National Forest, Humboldt-Toiyabe, and Tahoe National Forests, and Nevada state park lands. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

100 ▪ Part 2 

Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail 

The Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail was designated a national recreation trail in 1979 due to the 

exceptional scenic and recreational opportunities it offers. Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail is a 3.3 

mile long paved bicycle trail that traverses an area offering scenic views and extensive 

recreational opportunities. The trail links to South Lake Tahoe’s urban bike route on its western 

end, connecting Pope Beach, Camp Richardson Resort, the Tallac Historic Site, and the Taylor 

Creek Visitor center. 

Hawley Grade Trail 

Designated as a national recreation trail, in1979, a 1.8 mile segment of the historic Comstock-era 

prospector and Pony Express route, Hawley Grade was the main route from Echo Summit into 

Lake Valley and the Lake Tahoe Basin. The designation recognized the trail’s exemplary local 

and regional significance. 

Hawley Grade is a 1.8-mile trail that was originally constructed as a toll road during the gold 

rush era. The Hawley Grade was designated as a national recreation trail due to its historical role 

in the Lake Tahoe Basin and its scenic views. In the 1850’s, the Hawley Grade served muledrawn wagons, and for a short time, the Pony Express. This trail, although rugged, offers 

spectacular views of the Lake Tahoe Basin from Echo Summit, high above the valley floor. 

Other Designated Special Areas 

Tallac Historic Site, Special Interest Area 

The management goal of Special Interest Areas is to protect special recreational or scientific 

values, such as unique scenic, historical, geological, botanical, zoological, or paleontological 

characteristics. These areas are then available for public study, use, or enjoyment as appropriate. 

The Tallac Historic SIA was established by the 1988 LTBMU Land and Resource Management 

Plan to protect the Tallac Historic Site and ensure continuing education and interpretation 

opportunities. 

Grass Lake Research Natural Area 

Research natural areas (RNAs) illustrate adequately, or typify for research or educational 

purposes, the important forest and range types in each forest region, as well as other plant 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 101

communities that have special or unique characteristics of scientific interest and importance. 

RNAs are retained in a virgin or unmodified condition, except where measures are required to 

maintain a plant community that the area is intended to represent (36 CFR 251.23). 

The Grass Lake RNA was established in 1991 and is administered jointly by the USDA Forest 

Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and Pacific Southwest Region. Grass Lake RNA 

provides a sample ecosystem suitable for scientific study. Uses are limited to research, study, 

observation, monitoring, and educational activities that are non-destructive and nonmanipulative. Dispersed recreation is not encouraged, but is allowed if it does not affect natural 

conditions. 

Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive, National Scenic Byway 

A National Scenic Byway is a road recognized by the United States Department of 

Transportation for its archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and/or scenic 

qualities. This designation was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the 

nation's scenic roads and promote tourism and economic development. 

The Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive National Scenic Byway extends from Stateline, Nevada (on 

U.S. Highway 50) north to Crystal Bay (on NV State Highway 28). Scenic views along Lake 

Tahoe’s eastern shore are dominated by undeveloped, forested lands. Scenic mid-ground views 

of Lake Tahoe’s clear aquamarine waters and rocky shoreline, coupled with distant views of 

forested slopes and high granite peaks, provide dramatic scenic vistas. 

 

2.5 Recommended Special Areas 

Upper Truckee River Recommended Wild & Scenic River 

The Upper Truckee Recommended Wild River has a special mix of recreation, scenic values, and 

historic values that are considered Outstandingly Remarkable. 

A seven-mile segment of the Upper Truckee River on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is 

eligible for Wild and Scenic River designation. The eligible segment is located in the 

Meiss/Dardanelles Inventoried Roadless Area, from Carson Pass to south of Upper Truckee Rd. 

Until designated, the interim corridor includes an approximate 1⁄4-mile buffer on either side. 

The Upper Truckee River was determined to be eligible in 1999, as a result of the Eight Eastside 

Rivers Wild and Scenic River Study Report and Final Environmental Impact Statement (USDA 

Forest Service Tahoe National NF and LTBMU 1999). Forest Supervisor Juan Palma 

recommended its designation to the Wild and Scenic River System as a Wild River. The Acting 

Regional Forester concurred and forwarded the recommendation to the Chief of the Forest 

Service. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

102 ▪ Part 2 

Formal designation of a Wild and Scenic River requires an act of Congress, similar to wilderness 

designation. Pending formal designation, the LTBMU must manage the river to protect its free 

flowing character, specific outstandingly remarkable values, and its Wild classification, in 

accordance with FSH 1909.12 Chapter 82.5 – Interim Management of Eligible or Suitable 

Rivers. Formal designation would require the LTBMU to develop a specific management plan 

for the river and a final boundary for the corridor. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Strategies ■ 103

 

Figure 5. Map of Upper Truckee River Wild River Corridor
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

104 ▪ Part 3 

Part 3: Design Criteria 

Design criteria include standards and guidelines. Standards and guidelines (S&Gs) set 

mandatory limits and constraints on management activities. 

A Standard is a mandatory constraint on project and activity decision making, established to 

help achieve or maintain the desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable 

effects, or to meet applicable legal requirements. Project-specific deviations require plan 

amendment. 

A Guideline is a constraint on project and activity decision making that allows for departure 

from its terms, so long as the intent of the guideline is met. The rationale for any deviation, 

however, must be documented in the project record. Guidelines are established to help achieve a 

desired condition or conditions, to avoid or mitigate undesirable effects, or to meet applicable 

legal requirements. 

Together with applicable law, regulation, and policy, these Design Criteria provide sideboards 

for subsequent projects and activities to help achieve the desired conditions and objectives. 

A wide variety of sources of information inform project and activity decision-making. This 

information is in the form of laws, regulations, policy, memoranda of understanding, 

conservation strategies, and programmatic agreements. Existing laws, regulations, and Forest 

Service directives are not repeated in this chapter. These documents are available from Forest 

Service offices, and most are posted on the internet. Many are cross-referenced in the design 

criteria under Other Sources of Information, but these lists are not all-inclusive. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 105

3.1 Management for Multiple Uses 

SG1. During project development and design, coordinate with all disciplines. Consider 

other multiple use values and strike an appropriate balance based on the agency’s 

multiple use mandate when designing and implementing project-level resource 

protection measures. [Standard] 

3.2 Ecological Sustainability 

Physical Resources Standards and Guidelines 

Air Quality 

SG2. Design all Forest management activities to prevent violations of applicable air 

quality standards. [Guideline] 

SG3. Control fugitive dust as needed during ground disturbing activities and periods of 

intensive road use. [Guideline] 

Water Quality 

The direction provides guidance for using BMPs to control nonpoint source pollution related 

to all management actions with the potential to affect water quality on NFS lands, and to 

avoid minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources. 

 

SG4. Design all Forest management activities to prevent violations of applicable water 

quality standards. [Guideline] 

SG5. Apply current version of the PSW Region Best Management Practices as 

described in Forest Service Handbook direction for Soil and Water Conservation, 

Water Quality Management, and Forest Service National Core BMP Technical Guide 

to all management activities.[Standard] 

SG6. For waters designated as “Water Quality Limited” (Clean Water Act Section 

303(d)), participate in the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and 

TMDL Implementation Plans. Execute applicable elements of completed TMDL 

Implementation Plans. [Standard] 

SG7. Store fuel and other toxic materials only at designated sites. Prohibit storage of 

fuel and other toxic materials within SEZs except at designated administrative sites 

and sites covered by a Special Use Authorization. Refuel outside of SEZs unless 

there are no other alternatives. [Guideline] 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

106 ▪ Part 3 

Water Use and Development 

SG8. Cloud seeding to increase precipitation may be permitted unless this activity is 

shown to produce permanent substantial changes in land use or significant adverse 

environmental effects. [Guideline] 

SG9. The water needed for beneficial uses of existing water rights, and availability of 

other water sources to supply the needs of forest ecosystem resources must be 

considered in reviewing water-extraction applications and evaluations, as well as 

requests for utilizing existing USFS water rights as part of special use permits. 

[Guideline] 

Soil Quality 

SG10. Avoid soil displacement to the extent practical when grading slopes, piling brush 

or slash, or engaging in other heavy equipment operations where earth moving is not 

the objective. [Guideline] 

SG11. During vegetation management activities, limit operation of wheeled or tracked 

vehicles and timber harvesting equipment to designated routes, and restrict operations 

to periods of suitable soil moisture conditions as defined in project planning 

documents and contracts. Suitable conditions also include frozen ground, and/or a 

firm, protective base of compacted snow. When suitable conditions are not present, 

restrict equipment use to roads and designated stream crossings unless suitable 

mitigation measures can be employed. [Guideline] 

SG12. Avoid unstable areas and SEZs when reconstructing existing roads and landings 

or constructing new roads and landings. Minimize and mitigate impacts where 

avoidance is not practical. [Guideline] 

SG13. For vegetation management activities, detrimental disturbance that results in 

permanent soil impairment (defined in FSM 2550.5) should generally be limited to 

15% of the activity area, or unit. The permanent transportation system is excluded 

from this calculation. [Guideline] 

Stream Environment Zones 

SG14. Apply appropriate BMPs and project design to reduce, as much as possible, (1) 

the risk of activity-related sediment entering aquatic systems, and (2) impacts to 

habitat for aquatic- or riparian-dependent plant and animal species. [Guideline] 

SG15. Prescribe project-specific buffers around water bodies and SEZs, including 

meadows, bogs, fens, springs, and other wetlands as needed to maintain water quality 

and the physical and biological integrity of SEZs. [Guideline] 

SG16. Prohibit disturbance of vegetation and soil in the unstable area of the shorezone, 

except as necessary for public safety or to provide for uses that by their nature require 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 107

location within the shorezone. (The unstable area of the shorezone is where littoral 

and/or wave action processes have their greatest influence. The area may vary 

considerably in width). [Guideline] 

SG17. Avoid or mitigate activities that adversely affect the water flow, water quality, or 

water temperature critical to sustaining groundwater-dependent ecosystems. 

[Guideline] 

SG18. Permit tree removal and fuel treatments within SEZs when the activity is 

consistent with desired conditions. Utilize low ground-pressure vehicles, helicopters, 

over the snow logging, or other minimum ground-disturbing methods when operating 

off roads. Limit construction of new skid trails or roads for access into SEZs for fuel 

treatments or tree removal to the minimum needed. [Guideline] 

Natural Hazards 

SG19. Prohibit new construction in areas at risk from identified natural hazards 

including but not limited to mass wasting and avalanches. [Guideline] 

SG20. Ensure that design, construction or rehabilitation of Forest Service real property is 

in accordance with standards and criteria outlined in the National Flood Insurance 

Program (42 U.S.C. 4001 and following) using flood-proofing measures and 

structural elevation where practicable. [Guideline] 

Physical Resources Other Sources of Information 

Air Quality 

 El Dorado, Placer, and Washoe County regulations; NDEP regulations 

 California Regional Haze Plan, CalEPA State Implementation Plan (Jan. 22, 2009) 

Water Quality 

 R5 FSH 2509.22- Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, Chapter 10, Water Quality 

Management Handbook 

 FS-990a -National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on 

National Forest System Lands, Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 

 FSH 2509.22 – Region 5 Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, Chapter 20, 

Cumulative Watershed Effects 

 Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region, Chapter 5 

 Lake Tahoe Basin 208 Plan 

 Clean Water Act 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

108 ▪ Part 3 

Water Use and Development 

 FSM 2540 – Water Uses and Development: FSM 2541.4, FSM 2541.41, and FSM 

2541.42 

 EA for Low Water Management 5/3/81; Minimum Flow needs for Taylor Creek 6/81; 

Hydrologic Analysis and Operating Plan for Fallen Leaf Lake 6/81 

 Memorandum of Understanding with the Fallen Leaf Protection Association, 3/6/72 

Soil Quality 

 FSM 2500 Ch.2550 Soil Management 

 2509.22 – Region 5 Soil and Water Conservation Handbook, Chapter 50 – Erosion 

Hazard Rating 

Stream Environment Zones 

See Water Quality and Soil Quality information sources.

Natural Hazards 

 Region 5 Water Quality Management Handbook 

 Natural Hazard Study for the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

Climate Change 

 Forest Service Strategic Framework for Responding to Climate Change. Version 1.0. 

2008National Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change FS-957b 2011 

 Navigating the Climate Change Performance Scorecard. A Guide for National Forests 

and Grasslands (Version 2) 2011. 

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management 

Standards and Guidelines 

SG21. Apply an EPA registered borax compound to cut stumps in recreation and other 

high value sites according to Regional policy and recommended guidelines to limit 

the likelihood of heterobasidion root disease; outside of these areas determine the 

need to apply borax, based on biological considerations and management and 

restoration objectives. [Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 109

SG22. Provide up to a 100 foot radius of defensible space around all structures on all 

USFS structures or USFS permitted structures as well as for non-federal structures 

adjacent to National Forest System lands. [Guideline] 

SG23. In conifer forest types, design fuel reduction treatments so that post treatment 

fuels conditions will not sustain crown fire. [Guideline] 

SG24. When designing forest health or fuels reduction treatments within a high use area 

or developed site, consider additional treatment measures as needed to address 

recreation needs. [Guideline] 

SG25. When fuels are piled adjacent to trails or in high use areas or sites, ensure that 

project design includes proximity, pile size, and timing of burn to protect recreation 

and scenic resources. [Guideline] 

SG26. Allow unplanned ignitions on NFS lands in all fire management units (FMUs), 

except the WUI defense zone, to meet forest plan desired conditions and objectives, 

when safety issues have been resolved and smoke impacts can be minimized. 

[Guideline] 

SG27. Suppress all unplanned ignitions in the WUI defense zone. [Standard] 

SG28. After wildfires and other large-scale natural disturbances, take prompt measures 

to reduce adverse effects on public safety, water quality, scenic quality, recreation 

use, wildlife, and forest health. During the planning of postfire restoration projects, 

reduce forest fuels as needed to meet fuel loading and fire behavior guidelines to 

provide for public safety. Prioritize objectives and consider ecological restoration 

utilizing Standards 58 and 59 below. The cost of restoration may be offset by the sale 

of timber and biomass. [Guideline] 

SG29. Apply minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST) during fire management 

actions in wilderness and backcountry management areas. [Guideline] 

SG30. In general, operate ground-based mechanized equipment for vegetation treatment 

on slopes less than or equal to 30%. Exceptions should be consistent with safety and 

design specifications and with the ability to effectively alleviate significant resource 

impacts. [Guideline] 

SG31. When creating openings to restore forest structure/forest health use the group 

selection with reserve prescription within the mid seral stage. Openings shall range in 

size from less than 1 acre to 10 acres. Openings shall vary in size and shape and retain 

trees (singly and in clumps) to produce spatial and structural heterogeneity typical of 

early seral habitats. On a landscape basis, the majority of openings would be less 

than 5 acres. Shape and blend the edges of openings to the extent practicable with the 

natural terrain. [Guideline] 

SG32. Select locations of openings (early seral creation or type conversion) on a projectspecific basis and as part of the IDT process. Factors influencing the location of 

openings include but are not limited to the following: [Guideline] 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

110 ▪ Part 3 

a) proximity to PACs and HRCAs and detections of late-and mid-seral associated 

species 

b) existing connectivity of habitat for species within or adjacent to project area 

c) proximity to developed recreation sites, scenic resources, and cultural resources 

d) proximity to open water and SEZs 

e) proximity to communities 

f) surrounding seral stages 

g) spread of invasive species (e.g., animals, plants, pathogens) 

SG33. Retain trees 30 inches dbh or larger. Where trees greater than 30 inches DBH 

need to be removed, ID Team members (e.g., vegetation management specialist, 

wildlife biologist, scenic specialist, recreation management specialist) will propose 

trees to be removed, girdled for snag creation, or felled for coarse woody debris 

during project development. Exceptions under which a tree 30 inches dbh or larger 

can be removed include the following: [Standard] 

a) The tree(s) larger than 30 inches dbh presents a safety hazard, or prevents 

equipment operability. 

b) The tree(s) larger than 30 inches dbh is a host/source of insects or disease or 

where stands are at a high risk of beetle outbreak and/or disease transmission 

c) The preponderance of overstory trees within the stand are greater than 30 inches 

dbh and at high densities, the selection for removal or snag creation would allow 

competitive release for growth of the largest trees 

d) Shade tolerant trees larger than 30 inches dbh are increasing the rate of mortality 

or out-competing preferred species 

e) When necessary to support aspen, meadow or stream restoration 

f) When managing for blister rust resistant sugar pines that require removal of 

competing trees within a sufficient radius to improve health of the sugar pine. 

SG34. When designing forest health treatments (thinning) that would reduce canopy 

cover and/or basal area, minimum canopy cover and basal area retention requirements 

would be identified to maintain habitat quality for TEPCS species on a project-byproject basis. [Guideline] 

SG35. Use the following resource prioritization gradient for vegetation treatments: fire 

and fuels objectives generally increase in priority with increasing proximity to 

communities while wildlife objectives generally increase in priority with increasing 

distance from communities and proximity to specific wildlife resources (e.g., nest 

and/or roost sites). [Guideline] 

SG36. In late seral stands occupied by late seral associated TEPCS species, limit canopy 

cover and basal area reduction to levels that maintain or improve habitat conditions 

sufficient to support late seral dependent wildlife species [Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 111

SG37. In late seral closed canopy stands (greater than 50 percent canopy closure), 

treatments shall not reduce canopy cover in dominant and co-dominant trees by more 

than 10% across a stand, or below the desired conditions for the area. [Standard] 

SG38. Retain current late seral-closed canopy (greater than 50 percent canopy closure) 

stands and when considering thinning of these stands, retain this seral stage as closed 

canopy outside of the WUI. Within the WUI, retain this seral stage as closed canopy 

if fire behavior objectives can be met. [Standard] 

SG39. Leave burn piles of slash from vegetation treatments no closer than 25 feet from 

water bodies and intermittent or perennial stream channels. [Standard] 

Forest Vegetation, Fuels, and Fire Management 

Other Sources of Information 

 Forest Health Protection Handbook Chapter 60: Management of Specific Pests 

Amendment No.: 3409-11-2010-1. Regional Foresters’ letter regarding policy to follow 

CA law 4291. 

 Angwin, P., D. Cluck, P. Zambino, B. Oblinger and W. Woodruff. 2012. Hazard Tree 

Guidelines for Forest Service Facilities and Roads in the Pacific Southwest Region. FHPPSW-April 2012 Report RO-12-01. 

 LTBMU Resource Guidelines for Wildfire Suppression 

 LTBMU Fire Management Plan 

 FSM 5100 

Biological Resources Standards and Guidelines 

Conservation of Species and Habitat 

SG40. On a project specific basis, prescribe measures needed to provide for the diversity 

of plant and animal communities and support the persistence of native species. 

[Guideline] 

SG41. During project development, evaluate the project area, including any designated 

critical habitat, for the habitat suitability and/or occurrence of TEPCS species. 

[Standard] 

SG42. Implement Limited Operating Periods (LOPs) for TEPCS species and TRPA 

identified native species (Appendix E) when determined necessary through biological 

review. [Standard] 

SG43. Maintain downstream flow and volume adequate to support aquatic species during 

in-stream restoration and/or water drafting activities. Avoid construction of artificial 

impoundments for water use except where needed for initial suppression of wildfires. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

112 ▪ Part 3 

Ensure that any artificial impoundments are removed after use and the area is 

restored. [Guideline] 

SG44. Decontaminate field clothing and gear prior to entering and when moving 

between cave habitats to prevent the spread of pathogens and disease. [Guideline] 

SG45. Maintain and restore the hydrologic connectivity of streams, meadows, wetlands, 

and other special aquatic features by implementing corrective actions where BMPs 

have not been implemented or are not effective on roads and trails that intercept, 

divert, or disrupt natural surface and subsurface water flow paths. [Guideline] 

SG46. When stream crossings are constructed, reconstructed, or permanently removed, 

provide for aquatic organism passages. [Guideline] 

SG47. Conduct fish salvage prior to in-stream management activities. [Guideline] 

SG48. Employ measures such as limited operating period (LOP), buffering, and flagging 

and avoiding to minimize negative impacts to known TEPCS populations and 

habitats. [Guideline] 

SG49. Genetically appropriate native plant materials shall be given primary 

consideration in revegetation, rehabilitation, and restoration. [Guideline] 

SG50. When planting to increase willow cover, plant in patches with a mean size of 

4,000 square feet. [Guideline] 

SG51. Design pesticide applications to avoid adverse effects on TE, FC, FSS species and 

their habitats. [Guideline] 

SG52. Retain snags and coarse woody debris at high use areas including developed 

recreation, administrative and permitted sites after considerations have been made for 

defensible space, public health and safety, and other management objectives for the 

site. [Guideline] 

SG53. When facilities at developed recreation sites that are located in or adjacent to 

wetlands suitable for waterfowl nesting are opened between March 1 and June 30, 

implement appropriate actions (e.g. signing) to manage impacts from recreation (e.g. 

dogs) to maintain a low level of human disturbance on nesting waterfowl. [Guideline] 

SG54. Manage stream reaches on the Forest to attain levels of stream shading which 

maintain cold water conditions from the months of June – September when 

precipitation and base flows are normally lowest and ambient air temperatures are 

highest. Cold water conditions during June – September should target a maximum 

7-day mean temperature of 20oC or less. [Standard] 

SG55. Provide a renewable supply of large downed logs that: (1) can reach the stream 

channel and (2) provide suitable habitat within and adjacent to the SEZs. Leave 

existing downed trees and CWD that are in perennial or intermittent stream channels 

in place unless removal is needed to maintain channel stability.[Guideline] 

SG56. To avoid removing or altering bank stabilizing vegetation, trees may be marked 

for removal (live or dead) within 5 feet of the bank edge of perennial or intermittent 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 113

streams and lakes, only where fuel loads or stand densities exceed desired conditions 

and where CWD is at or above desired levels or where trees are a hazard to safe 

operations. [Standard] 

SG57. Use screening devices for water drafting pumps, except when emergency fire 

suppression activities make it impractical. Use pumps with low entry velocity to 

minimize removal of aquatic species, including juvenile fish, amphibian egg masses 

and tadpoles, form aquatic habitats. [Standard] 

SG58. Postfire restoration projects (as planned using Guideline number 28 above) shall 

give priority to public safety and developed infrastructure first (e.g. hazard tree 

mitigation, WUI hazardous fuel reduction, flooding, roads, and trails, etc.) and then to 

wildlife habitat (including retention of burned forest habitat), soils, vegetation, water 

quality, and invasive species. [Standard] 

SG59. Ensure that postfire restoration projects (as planned using Guideline number 28 

above) include ecological restoration objectives based on needs of local wildlife 

species that use burned forest habitat. Include site-specific considerations such as 

burned forest habitat patch size and connectivity, snag spatial arrangement and 

density, range of snag sizes and densities, and focal placement of snags. [Standard] 

SG60. Evaluate the need for ecological restoration following disturbances unrelated to 

fire (e.g., avalanches, windthrow, flooding, insect outbreaks, disease). Give priority 

to public safety first and then to wildlife habitat (including retention of habitat), soils, 

vegetation, water quality, and invasive species. [Guideline] 

SG61. During project-specific analysis determine appropriate amount of coarse woody 

debris to provide for long-term habitat quality. Coarse woody debris is generally 

comprised of at least three downed logs per acre in varying stages of decay. 

[Guideline] 

SG62. Manage snag levels during project specific analysis after consideration for public 

safety. Prioritize retention of medium- and large-diameter snags or live trees that 

exhibit form and/or decay characteristics regarded as important wildlife habitat (e.g., 

have substantial wood defect, teakettle branches, broken tops, large cavities in the 

bole, etc.). Retain snags as follows: [Guideline] 

a) Red fir forest type and white fir-mixed conifer forest types – on average, 

strategically locate and retain six of the largest snags per acre (In the WUI, fewer 

snags may be retained.) 

b) Jeffrey pine – on average, strategically locate and retain three of the largest snags 

per acre (In the WUI, fewer snags may be retained.) 

c) Snags should be clumped and distributed irregularly across treatment units. 

d) Snags with cavities are a priority for primary and secondary cavity nesters (e.g., 

mountain bluebirds, house wrens, and white breasted nuthatch). When snags are 

absent consider installation of nest boxes to benefit cavity nesters. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

114 ▪ Part 3 

e) Consider multiple resource values to determine appropriate retention levels based 

on availability and project objectives. 

SG63. Do not construct roads and trails within 1⁄4 mile of the top or base of known cliff 

nesting raptor sites. [Standard] 

SG64. Prohibit activities, such as rock climbing near occupied cliff nesting raptor sites 

during the nesting season (April 1-July 31), as needed to protect individuals. 

Determine buffer distance based on nest location, nesting pair behavior, and cliff 

features that either expose or visually/audibly shield the nest from disturbance. 

[Standard] 

SG65. Prevent disturbance to streambanks and natural lake and pond shorelines caused 

by resource activities (for example, livestock, off-highway vehicles, and dispersed 

recreation) from exceeding 20 percent of stream reach or 20 percent of natural lake 

and pond shorelines. Disturbance includes bank sloughing, chiseling, trampling, and 

other means of exposing bare soil or cutting plant roots. This standard does not apply 

to developed recreation sites; sites authorized under special use permits and 

designated off-highway vehicle routes. [Standard] 

SG66. Design vegetation treatments to minimize potential for creating isolated late seral 

stands by maintaining habitat connectivity of late seral stands. [Guideline] 

SG67. When marking trees in late seral habitats, consult with a wildlife biologist 

regarding tree marking guidance, to ensure that the highest quality resting, denning, 

nesting, and roosting trees are retained.[Standard] 

SG68. Protect marten den site buffers (100 acres consisting of the highest quality habitat) 

from disturbance from vegetation treatments with an LOP from March 15 to July 31 

as long as habitat remains suitable. The LOP may be waived for individual projects of 

limited scope and duration, when a BE documents that such projects are unlikely to 

result in breeding disturbance considering their intensity, duration, timing and 

specific location. Mitigate impacts where there is documented disturbance to the den 

site from existing recreation, off highway vehicle route, trail, and road uses (including 

road maintenance). Evaluate proposals for new roads, trails, off highway vehicle 

routes, and recreational and other developments for their potential to disturb den sites. 

[Standard] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 115

Invasive Species Management (Aquatic and Terrestrial) 

SG69. Incorporate prevention and control measures into project planning, management 

activities and operations to prevent new introductions or contribute to spreading of 

invasive species, and reduce impacts from existing infestations on NFS lands, or to 

adjacent lands and water bodies. [Standard] 

SG70. When feasible, employ the following control measures, such as: [Guideline] 

a) Use contract and permit clauses to require that the activities of contractors and 

permittees (including but not limited to special use permits, utility permits, pack 

stock operators) are conducted to prevent and control the introduction, 

establishment, and spread of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. 

b) Include invasive species prevention and control measures in mining plans of 

operation and reclamation plans. 

c) When working in known invasive species infestations during project 

implementation, equipment and vehicles shall be cleaned before moving to other 

NFS lands. 

d) Support partner agencies and their programs. 

e) Use on-site materials where feasible, unless contaminated with invasive species. 

SG71. Gravel, fill, topsoil, mulch, and other materials should be free of invasive species. 

[Guideline] 

SG72. New infestations are inventoried and known infestations are prioritized and 

contained, controlled, or eradicated using an integrated management approach. 

[Standard] 

Aquatic 

SG73. Ensure that all motorized watercraft launching from staffed Forest Service facility 

have required documentation of AIS inspection.[Standard] 

SG74. All equipment and vehicles (Forest Service and contracted) used in a waterbody 

during project implementation shall be inspected and free of invasive species prior to 

implementation.[Guideline] 

SG75. Take actions as needed to minimize the risk of spreading Bd fungus and other 

potential aquatic pathogens and/or diseases through aquatic systems. [Guideline] 

SG76. Ensure that field gear (waders, float tubes, etc.) is cleaned, decontaminated, 

and/or fully dried prior to entering or moving between aquatic habitats. [Guideline] 

SG77. Establish non-motorized watercraft risk screening for AIS at staffed entry points 

for both Forest Service boat launches and recreation facilities adjacent to Lake Tahoe 

water bodies, including campgrounds, resorts, and day use areas. [Guideline] 

SG78. Following emergency response guidelines, implement prevention measures to 

decrease the potential for aquatic invasive species transference during [Guideline] 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

116 ▪ Part 3 

Terrestrial 

SG79. For projects involving ground disturbance, inventory project areas and adjacent 

areas (particularly access routes) for invasive plants. [Guideline] 

SG80. If supplemental fodder (such as hay, straw, or silage) is required for permitted 

livestock, including horses and other pack animals, it shall be weed-free as certified 

by state or local certification programs. [Standard] 

SG81. Screen plant materials used in revegetation, rehabilitation, and restoration (seed, 

cuttings, whole plants) for invasive plant risks. Avoid the use of persistent non-native 

plants unless justified in project documentation. [Guideline] 

SG82. All equipment and vehicles (Forest Service and contracted) used off-road during 

project implementation shall be cleaned and free of invasive plant material before 

moving into the project area. [Guideline] 

SG83. Following emergency response guidelines, utilize washing stations at staging 

areas, base camps, or other incident locations, to clean soil, seeds, vegetative material, 

or other debris that could contain invasive plant material from off-road equipment and 

vehicles. [Guideline] 

SG84. Avoid locating landings or staging areas within areas infested by invasive plants, 

including during project implementation, fire management activities, and other 

ongoing management and maintenance activities. If infested areas are the only 

feasible landing/staging areas, then treat infestations prior to use, except in 

emergency situations. [Guideline] 

SG85. Minimize the size of staging and construction areas. Where feasible, reestablish 

vegetation on disturbed bare ground to reduce invasive species establishment. 

[Guideline]

Protected Activity Centers and Home Range Core Areas 

(PACs and HRCAs) 

SG86. Maintain PACs and HRCAs that have been occupied by California spotted owl or 

northern goshawk within the last 10 years. However, after a stand-replacing event, 

evaluate habitat conditions within a 1.5 mile radius around the activity center to 

identify opportunities for re-mapping the PAC. If a California spotted owl PAC is 

remapped, the corresponding HRCA should be remapped within 1.5 miles of the 

remapped spotted owl PAC. If there is insufficient suitable habitat for designating a 

PAC within the 1.5 mile radius, the PAC and corresponding HRCA may be removed 

from the network. [Standard] 

SG87. Vegetation treatments in PACs and HRCAs should maintain suitable habitat 

structure and function following implementation. [Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 117

SG88. Where canopy cover in PACs and HRCAs exceeds desired conditions, maintain 

current cover unless reduction would improve habitat conditions to meet life history 

needs of the species or reduce the risk of stand-replacing wildfire. Retain canopy 

cover to maintain at or above a minimum of 50% in PACs and 40% in HRCAs, 

except where less is needed to achieve standard and guide for restoration of 

PACs/HRCAs. [Guideline] 

SG89. Design management activities (e.g. vegetation treatments, recreation or access 

expansion or improvements) to minimize potential for creating isolated PACs and 

HRCAs by maintaining habitat connectivity of the PACs/HRCAs with the adjacent 

forest. [Guideline] 

SG90. Allow vegetation treatments in PACs for the purposes of PAC restoration when 

both of the following conditions apply: 

a) Surveys for the target species conducted to meet Region 5 protocol demonstrate 

that reproduction has not occurred within the PAC in at least the previous three 

years; 

b) The PAC is not currently occupied; and either 

i. Desired conditions within the PAC are not being met and conducting 

treatments would achieve the desired conditions or shorten the time until 

those conditions would be expected to occur; or 

ii. Desired conditions are currently met but vegetation treatments are 

required to maintain desired conditions over the next 15 years. [Standard] 

SG91. Allow vegetation treatments in PACs To address wildland fire risk within the 

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI): 

a) In the Defense Zone, where an unacceptable risk to communities is demonstrated 

at the stand level (e.g., when wildland fire behavior models predict crown fires); 

or 

b) In the Threat Zone, where the overall landscape level fire and fuels strategy would 

be ineffective. [Standard] 

SG92. Allow vegetation treatments in PACs to reduce threats (e.g. pathogens, insects, 

disease and/or stand-replacing wildfire) to the persistence of forested stands in or 

adjacent to PACs. [Standard] 

Species Refuge Areas 

SG93. Management actions are consistent with habitat and population recovery 

objectives outlined conservation strategies and recovery plans. [Guideline] 

SG94. In all Management Areas - in streams or lakes occupied by SNYLF, avoid 

disturbance within 10 feet of streambanks and lakeshores during breeding activities or 

where egg masses are present. [Standard] 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

118 ▪ Part 3 

SG95. In streams occupied by LCT, limit activity disturbance on or near stream banks 

and in floodplains until completion of spawning and egg incubation periods. 

[Standard] 

SG96. For projects proposed on the shorezone, barrier beach and backshore of Lake 

Tahoe that have the potential to affect Tahoe yellow cress plants or their suitable 

habitat, assess for Tahoe yellow cress prior to, but in the same year as, project 

implementation. [Guideline] 

Biological Resources Other Sources of Information 

 Forest Service Manual and Handbook (FSM/H 2670) 

 Endangered Species Act (ESA), Section 7 and implementing regulations (CFR) 

 Species-specific Recovery Plans that establish population goals for recovery of those 

species 

 Species management plans 

 Species management guides or conservation strategies 

 Regional Forester policy and management direction 

 Pacific Southwest Region Noxious Weed Management Strategy. 2001. 

 Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2900. 

 Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, as amended (7 U.S.C. 2801 et. seq.) 

 36 C.F. R. 222.8. 

 Departmental Regulation 9500-10. 

 Noxious Weed Executive Order 13112. 

 Lake Tahoe Basin Weed Coordinating Group Memorandum of Understanding (2008). 

 Additional laws, regulation and policy as found in FSM 2901 (2011) 

3.3 Social and Economic Sustainability 

Recreation Standards and Guidelines

Recreation Opportunity 

SG97. Use ROS classification as a guideline for projects, activities, and permitted uses. 

[Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 119

SG98. During implementation of projects with the potential to affect recreation 

activities, implement measures to minimize impacts to recreation opportunities, 

facilities, and visitor safety. Such measures could include limited use or temporary 

closures. [Guideline] 

Public Access 

SG99. Allow outdoor recreation facilities and activities in SEZ and on other low 

capability lands (as defined by Bailey 1974) only where they are a part of long range 

development plans, or where the nature of the activity must be so sited. [Guideline] 

Recreation Development 

SG100. Recreation development expansion will not exceed the following: [Standard] 

a) Recreation Sites such as resorts, 

campgrounds, beaches (acres) 

Existing acres 1,163

Potential Increase 58

Up to 1,221 ac.

b) Overnight Accommodation Units (lodging 

and campsites) 

Existing units 1,192

Potential Increase 110

Up to 1,302 units

c) Day Use (parking spaces) 

Existing spaces 2,875

Potential Increase 144

Up to 3,019 spaces

d) Ski Areas and Slopes (operational footprint 

acres) 

Existing acres 3,997

Potential Increase 200

Up to 4,197 ac.

SG101. Maintain an inventory of recreation development expansion as described 

above. [Standard] 

Recreation Other Sources of Information 

 FSH 1900-3 Social Analysis for Planning and Decision-Making 

 The Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) System for Wilderness Planning, General 

Technical Report INT-176 

 National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) Reports 

 LTBMU forest orders restricting recreation uses 

 Recreation Facility Assessment, LTBMU 

 Architectural Barriers Act, Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guide 

 Americans with Disabilities Act 

 FSM/FSH 2300 chapters 

 An Approach to Sustainable Recreation-South Shore Corridor 

 A Framework for Sustainable Recreation 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

120 ▪ Part 3 

Recreation Special Uses Standards and Guidelines 

SG102. Evaluate the suitability of recreation residence reconstruction on a case by case 

basis if destroyed by fire, snow loading, or other causes, 

If cabins in or adjacent to SEZ or other sensitive lands are destroyed, where 

reconstruction is allowed, special use permits will be modified to address impacts to 

sensitive resources, or revoked if impacts cannot be mitigated. [Guideline] 

SG103. On roads and trails serving both special use sites and general public use, share 

maintenance costs on a basis proportionate to use; establish provisions in the permit. 

Develop maintenance agreements with individual permit holders or associations. 

[Guideline] 

SG104. Trails developed and used by special use permit holders shall be maintained to 

Forest Service standards by the permit holders. [Standard] 

SG105. Do not permit new recreation residences, including development on 

unoccupied (in lieu) lots, within existing recreation residence tracts. [Standard] 

SG106. Permits for recreation residences within 100-year flood plain, avalanche path, 

unstable areas or other hazardous situation require a clause stating that substantial 

damage caused by the hazard will cause the permit to be revoked, and not be reissued. No additions to existing improvements will be authorized for residences under 

such circumstances. [Standard] 

SG107. Recreation residences will not be allowed to expand in size to accommodate 

more people or allowed additional impervious surface coverage. The exception is 

where the Forest Service or other regulatory agencies require additions to the 

residence for such improvements as toilet facilities. If the required addition cannot be 

accommodated within the existing land coverage, additional coverage may be 

authorized. [Guideline] 

Recreation Special Uses Other Sources of Information 

 Forest Service Manual (FSM) and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) directives 

 Recreation Facility Assessment, LTBMU 

 Architectural Barriers Act, Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guide 

 Americans with Disabilities Act 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 121

Interpretation and Education Standards and Guidelines 

SG108. Provide for public use and education while preserving the historically and 

culturally significant aspects of the nationally registered historic sites and culturally 

important properties. [Guideline] 

Interpretive and Education Other Sources of Information 

 USDA FS Interpretive Services Strategy 2003 

 PSW Region 5 Interpretive Services Strategy 

 FSM 2390 Interpretive Services 

 FSH 1600 

 A Federal Vision for the Environmental Improvement Program at Lake Tahoe, June 2006 

 Explore Tahoe Interagency Agreement 

 Meyers Visitor Center Interagency Agreement 

 Plan for the Tallac Historic Site 1994 

 EIP 

 FSM 1623 Natural Resource and Environmental Education 

 The USDA Forest Service Interpretive Services Strategy 

 Strategic Plan for Conservation Education in the Pacific Southwest Region, FSM 1623 

 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

Scenic Resources Standards and Guidelines 

SG109. Scenic resource and built environment guidelines are incorporated into 

management activities and into the design and development of agency 

facilities.SG116. All resource management and permitted activities shall meet or 

exceed the established scenery objectives shown on the Minimum Scenic Integrity 

Objective (MSIO) map. Utilize techniques such as: [Standard] 

a) Size areas cleared for management objectives to meet minimum requirements for 

operability and safety. 

b) With consideration for scenic objectives, maintain clumps of trees within cleared 

areas if they do not pose a safety or operational risk. 

c) Maintain understory vegetation within cleared corridors if they do not pose a 

safety or operational risk. 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

122 ▪ Part 3 

Scenic Resources Other Sources of Information 

 USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Scenery Management 

System Inventory, 2008. 

 Lake Tahoe Basin Scenic Resource Inventory, Wagstaff and Brady, 1980 

 USDA Forest Service, Publication FS-710, The Built Environment Image Guide for the 

National Forests and Grasslands, December 2001. 

 Agriculture Handbook No. 701, 1995. Landscape Aesthetics, A Handbook for Scenery 

Management 

 USDA Forest Service, Sign Plan 

 Best Environmental Design Practices - The following information constitute the 

Landscape Management Best Environmental Design Practices for utilities, range, roads, 

timber, fire, ski areas, and recreation activities: 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. National Forest Landscape Management: 

 Volume 1. Agriculture Handbook 434. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture; 

1973. 

 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. National Forest Landscape Management: 

o Volume 2, Chapter 2: "Utilities." Agriculture Handbook 478. 1975. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 3: "Range." Agriculture Handbook 484. 1977. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 4: "Roads." Agriculture Handbook 483. 1977. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 5: "Timber." Agriculture Handbook 559. 1980. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 6: "Fire." Agriculture Handbook 608. 1985. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 7: "Ski Areas." Agriculture Handbook 617. 1984. 

o Volume 2, Chapter 8: "Recreation." Agriculture Handbook 666, 1987 

 

Cultural Resources Standards and Guidelines 

SG110. When avoidance of adverse impacts is not possible, authorize impacts to 

significant properties only after negotiating and signing a Memorandum of 

Agreement between the Forest Service and/or the appropriate State Historic 

Preservation Officer and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. [Guideline] 

SG111. Collect cultural artifacts only for diagnostic dating purposes, answering 

research questions, or protection of the artifact. [Guideline] 

SG112. Except as noted in the foregoing guideline, record cultural artifacts in detail in 

the field, and leave them in place. [Guideline] 

SG113. Include historic property protection provisions in contracts and special use 

permits as applicable. [Guideline] 

SG114. Prohibit the use of metal detectors to locate archaeological or historical 

artifacts except for scientific research as permitted by the Forest Service. [Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 123

Cultural Resources Other Sources of Information 

 American Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906 

 Historic Sites Act of 1935 as amended (16USC 461-467) 

 Protection of Archaeological Resources (36 CFR 296) 

 Curation of Federally-Owned and Administered Archeological Collections (36 CFR 79) 

 Protection of Historic Properties (36 CFR 800) 

 Region 5 Amended Regional Programmatic agreement with the USFS and SHPO for 

Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Tribal Relations Standards and Guidelines 

SG115. Consult with the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California when management 

activities may affect tribal rights and interests or impact culturally important 

resources, consistent with the Consultation Protocol. [Guideline] 

Tribal Relations Other Sources of Information 

 American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 as amended (42 USC 1996 and 1996a) 

 EO 13084-Consultation with Indian Tribal Governments 

 EO 13175-Consultation with Indian Tribal Governments 

 Cooperative Agreement, February 26,1999, establishing collaborative wetlands 

conservation planning for the Baldwin/Taylor Creek and Meeks Meadow areas 

 Record of Decision for Cave Rock Management Direction Final Environmental Impact 

Statement, USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, August 5, 2003, 

Cave Rock Closure Forest Order No. 19-08-01. 

 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). 

 36 CFR 223 Subpart G – Special Forest Products. 

 36 CFR 223 Subpart H – Forest Botanical Products. 

Noise Standards and Guidelines 

SG116. LTBMU management actions are consistent with the TRPA Noise Thresholds 

for the Tahoe Basin for the National Forest lands within the Basin. [Guideline] 

 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

124 ▪ Part 3 

Noise Other Sources of Information 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): 

 Title 36 CFR 261.4(d). 

 Title 36 CFR 261.10 (i). 

 Title 36 CFR 261.15 (d). 

The State of California has specific noise related laws that are enforced on the LTBMU: 

 California Vehicle Code (CVC): 27150 (a). 

 CVC 27150 (b). 

 CVC 38365 (a). 

 CVC 38370 (h). 

Access and Travel Management Standards and Guidelines 

SG117. Maintain designated road system condition to comply with manage motorized 

vehicle use as designated and illustrated on the motorized vehicle use map (MVUM). 

[Standard] 

Roads 

SG118. Temporary roads, or access ways created as part of management activities, 

shall be restored to prevent vehicle travel as soon as practical and/or upon completion 

of the use. Restoration shall include stabilization measures and other BMPs to protect 

water quality. [Guideline] 

SG119. To protect watershed resources, employ the following guidelines for all road 

work (construction, reconstruction, and relocation): 

a) Design new stream crossings and replacement stream crossings to pass at least the 

100-year flood, including bedload and debris. 

b) Design stream crossings to maintain streamflow in the channel in the event of 

failure of a road crossing. 

c) Design stream crossing to maintain or improve Aquatic Organism Passage. 

d) When locating or reconstructing roads, avoid SEZs or minimize effects to natural 

flow patterns in SEZs. 

e) Avoid road construction in meadows. 

f) Utilize appropriate Best Management Practices to minimize sediment delivery to 

streams and other water bodies. Road drainage shall be routed away from 

potentially unstable channels, fills, and hill slopes. Design BMPs to minimize 

reoccurring maintenance needs. [Guideline] 

SG120. Implement seasonal road restrictions when: 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 125

a) Weather or seasonal conditions result in vehicles causing unacceptable damage to 

soil and water resources, 

b) Damage incurs costs that are too great to justify repairing the road structure, 

c) User safety may be jeopardized by the road condition or other hazards, 

d) Motorized use would adversely impact major life-cycle events of TEPCS species. 

[Guideline] 

SG121. Install barriers and/or signs to prevent roadside parking wherever necessary to 

protect the public and natural resources. [Guideline] 

SG122. Avoid road building in areas of high mass soil instability, and design to protect 

water quality and scenic value in areas of moderate stability. [Standard] 

Trails 

SG123. Design new trails to avoid SEZs or minimize effects to natural flow patterns in 

SEZs. [Guideline] 

Over Snow Vehicles 

SG124. Manage over-the-snow vehicle use as displayed on Snowmobile Area Map – 

Map 18. [Standard] 

Access and Travel Management Other Sources of Information 

Roads 

 FSM 7700 

 LTBMU Forest Transportation Atlas 

 36 CFR 261 Travel Management Rule 

 Travel Management Directives FSM 7700 

 LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Map 

 Applicable Forest Orders 

Trails 

 FSM 2350 Trails 

 FSH 2309.18 Trail Management Handbook 

 Tahoe Rim Trail Management Plan 

 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan 

 LTBMU Motor Vehicle Use Map 

 EM 7720-103 Standard Specification for the Maintenance and Construction of Trails 

Over Snow Vehicles 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

126 ▪ Part 3 

 Snowmobile Guide, LTBMU 

Built Environment Standards and Guidelines 

SG125. Design the architectural character of administrative and recreation buildings, 

landscape structures, site furnishings, wayside structures and signs installed or 

operated by the Forest Service, its cooperators or permit holders to be consistent with 

the Built Environment Image Guide, North Pacific Province (BEIG FS710). 

Structures should be visually subordinate to, and complement the surrounding 

landscape. Utilize a “Tahoe architectural theme” that is intended to blend facilities 

with the natural environment, meet user expectations, and maintain recreation niche 

consistency. [Guideline] 

SG126. Design sites and facilities to conform to the designated ROS Class. 

[Guideline] 

SG127. Require use of plant species native to the area or species approved for local use 

when revegetating disturbed sites and landscaping. [Guideline] 

SG128. Install only the minimum amount of permanent lighting needed at 

administrative and recreation buildings, landscape structures, and signs installed or 

operated by the by the Forest Service or its cooperators and permit holders to protect 

the dark night sky while not increasing safety risks. Utilize light-sensitive, motion 

activated lighting systems that are illuminated only when needed for security and/or 

for maintenance. Utilize hooded light fixtures to prevent horizontal and upward light 

pollution. [Guideline] 

SG129. Any facility that is constructed or altered shall comply with applicable 

accessibility guidelines. [Standard] 

SG130. Ensure that facilities comply with health and safety codes. [Guideline] 

SG131. Allow construction and development of facilities in SEZ and on other low 

capability lands only where they are a part of long range development plans, or where 

the nature of the activity must be so sited, and where mitigated. 

 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 127

Built Environment Other Sources of Information 

 March 2004 LTBMU Facilities Master Plan 

 Architectural Barriers Act, Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines 

 2005 Energy Policy Act and Executive Order 13123 

 FSM/FSH 2309, 2330 and 7300 

 USDA Forest Service, Publication FS-710, The Built Environment Image Guide for the 

National Forests and Grasslands, December 2001. 

 USDA Forest Service, Sign Plan 

 Home Landscaping Guide for Lake Tahoe and Vicinity, UNR Cooperative Extension 

Lands Standards and Guidelines 

SG132. Land boundary lines should be surveyed, posted, and marked according to 

these priorities: 1) lines needed to meet planned activities; 2) lines need to protect 

USFS lands from encroachment; and 3) all other land boundary lines. [Guideline] 

SG133. For planning purposes, acquired properties shall be included in the 

management area in which they are located. If a larger property is located in more 

than one management area, it will be included in both management areas as defined 

by the extension of the existing area boundaries. Properties acquired through the 

Santini-Burton Act shall be managed in accordance with the provisions of the Act. 

[Guideline] 

Lands Other Sources of Information 

 Landownership Adjustments (36 CFR 254); Land Uses (36 CFR 251) 

 FSM 5400 Landownership 

 FSM 5500 Landownership Title Management 

 FSH 5409 Landownership Handbooks 

 FSH 5509 Landownership Title Management Handbooks 

 Federal Highway Administration, in accordance with the Forest Service MOU with the 

FHA 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

128 ▪ Part 3 

Lands (Non-Recreation) Special Uses Standards and Guidelines 

Utility Easements 

SG134. Utilize or expand existing utility easements and rights of way to maximize 

capacity, before granting additional easements. [Guideline] 

SG135. Locate utility easements and rights of way where easily accessible for utility 

repair or modification. Minimize and mitigate disturbance to the natural and scenic 

environment. Site overhead transmission line alignments to meet scenic integrity 

objectives for minimizing visual impact. [Guideline] 

Communication Sites 

SG136. New cell phone sites or other communication equipment shall be co-located 

with existing infrastructure whenever feasible, such as water storage facilities, or 

existing communication sites. [Guideline] 

Rights-of-Way 

SG137. Grant road access to private land only where no other reasonable alternative 

exists, and where access is compatible with the road design and maintenance 

standards necessary for resource protection and public safety. [Guideline] 

SG138. Access roads for operations and maintenance shall be managed under permit 

for non-system roads and under road use agreements for system roads to ensure 

adequate maintenance and BMPs to prevent resource damage to NFS lands. 

[Guideline] 

Research and Monitoring Projects 

SG139. All research and monitoring projects must be authorized in advance.. Research 

and monitoring projects shall be evaluated and monitored to determine suitability. 

[Guideline] 

SG140. Require special use permits for research and monitoring projects when they 

require installation of facilities or potential impacts to soil, vegetation, cultural, or 

other resources. [Guideline] 

Lands (Non-Recreation) Special Uses Other Sources of Information 

 FSM 1920 Land and Resource Management Planning; 

 FSM 2700 Special Uses Management; 

 FSH 2709.11 Special Uses Management Handbook 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 129

 

Minerals Standards and Guidelines 

SG141. Locatable mineral operations shall be required to ensure protection of 

resources and facilities. Approval of mineral operations shall be based on sitespecific evaluation. [Guideline] 

SG142. Plans of operation, reclamation plans, and reclamation bonds shall address the 

costs of: 

a. Removing facilities, equipment, and materials 

b. Isolating and neutralizing or removing toxic or potentially toxic materials 

c. Salvaging and replacing topsoil and 

d. Revegetating to meet the objectives of the land allocation in which the operation 

is located. [Guideline] 

SG143. Extraction of common variety minerals shall not be approved. [Standard] 

Minerals Other Sources of Information 

 FSM 2800 Minerals and Geology 

Range Standards and Guidelines 

SG144. To protect hardwood regeneration in grazing allotments, allow livestock 

browse on no more than 20 percent of annual growth of hardwood seedlings (i.e. 

willow, aspen, alder, cottonwoods) and advanced regeneration. Modify grazing plans 

if hardwood regeneration or recruitment needs are not being met. [Guideline] 

SG145. Exclude livestock grazing from standing water and saturated soils in wet 

meadows and associated streams and springs occupied by Yosemite toads or 

identified as “essential habitat” in the conservation assessment for Yosemite toads 

during breeding and rearing season (through metamorphosis). If physical exclusion is 

not practical, then exclude the entire meadow. [Guideline] 

SG146. In meadows with occupied willow flycatcher sites, allow only late season 

grazing (after August 15) in the entire meadow. [Guideline] 

SG147. Determine ecological status on all key areas monitored for grazing utilization 

prior to establishing utilization levels. Use Regional ecological scorecards and range 

plant list in regional range handbooks to determine ecological status. Analyze 

meadow ecological status every 3 to 5 years. If meadow ecological status is 

determined to be moving in a downward trend, modify or suspend grazing. 

[Guideline] 

SG148. Limit browsing to no more than 20 percent of the annual leader growth of 

mature riparian shrubs and no more than 20 percent individual seedlings. Remove 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

130 ▪ Part 3 

livestock from any area of an allotment when browsing indicates a change in 

livestock preference from grazing herbaceous to browsing woody riparian. 

[Guideline] 

SG149. Locate new facilities for gathering livestock and pack stock outside of 

meadows, riparian areas, and other SEZs. During project-level planning, evaluate and 

consider relocating existing livestock facilities outside of meadows, riparian areas, 

and other SEZs. [Guideline] 

SG150. Prevent removal of streambank vegetation from livestock trampling or 

browsing to maintain cold water conditions from the months of June – September 

when precipitation and base flows are normally lowest and ambient air temperatures 

are highest. Cold water conditions during June – September should target a maximum 

7-day mean temperature of 20oC or less. [Guideline] 

Range Other Sources of Information 

 FSM 2200 Range Management 

 FSH 2200 Range Management 

 

3.4 Designated Special Areas Standards and Guidelines 

Desolation, Granite Chief, and Mt. Rose Wilderness’ 

SG151. Manage wilderness areas in compliance with specific wilderness management 

plans or stewardship components identified through national guidance. [Guideline] 

SG152. Consider wildland fire management strategies on a case-by-case basis as 

articulated in the Wilderness management plan or fire management plan. [Guideline] 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 131

National Trails System 

Pacific Crest Trail, National Scenic Trail 

Overall responsibility for the management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) lies 

with the Pacific Southwest Regional Forester. 

SG153. Coordinate management of the Pacific Crest Trail between administrative 

units.[Standard] 

SG154. Motorized and mechanized transport, or the possession of a device for that 

purpose, is prohibited on the PCT with the exception of specifically authorized 

crossings on system roads and trails. [Standard] 

SG155. Manage the scenic corridor of the PCT by designing management activities 

within the foreground views from the PCT to meet a scenic integrity objective of high 

or very high. Management activities in the middle and background will meet or 

exceed a scenic integrity objective of at least moderate. [Guideline] 

SG156. Limit proposed crossings of the trail and parallel routes to cases in which the 

crossing or route is the only prudent and feasible alternative to provide for an 

overriding public need, mitigate the impact upon the PCT. [Standard] 

SG157. Hauling, skidding, or use of heavy equipment for fireline construction on the 

PCT tread or use of the PCT for landings or temporary roads is prohibited unless 

there is no prudent and feasible alternative to provide for an overriding public need or 

for firefighter safety, and impacts upon the PCT are mitigated. [Standard]. 

SG158. Roads or signs of management activities are prohibited unless there is a 

demonstrated, overriding public need or benefit and where no other reasonable 

alternatives exist. To the extent feasible, blend these features into the landscape so 

that they remain visually subordinate. [Guideline] 

SG159. Implement measures to maintain public access to the PCT during management 

activities. [Standard] 

SG160. Camping is prohibited adjacent to the PCT between US Highway 50 and the 

southern boundary of Desolation Wilderness (approximately 1 mile). Outside of 

Wilderness, camping is only allowed within 300 feet of the PCT and visitors will be 

encouraged to camp at least 100 feet from the trail. [Standard] 

SG161. Issue lands special-use authorizations only where compatible with the PCT 

desired conditions or where there is a demonstrated, overriding public need or benefit 

and where no other reasonable alternatives exist. To the extent feasible, blend these 

features into the landscape so that they remain visually subordinate. [Guideline] 

SG162. Authorize new recreation special uses only when they are compatible with the 

intended goals and values for which the trail was established. [Guideline] 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

132 ▪ Part 3 

Tahoe Rim Trail, Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail, Hawley Grade 

SG163. Coordinate management of the Tahoe Rim Trail between administrative units. 

[Standard] 

SG164. Design management activities within the foreground views from the trail to 

meet a scenic integrity objective at least as high as shown on the Minimum Scenic 

Integrity map. Management activities in the middle and background will meet or 

exceed a scenic integrity objective of at least moderate. [Guideline] 

SG165. Overnight camping is only allowed within 300 feet of the TRT. 

SG166. Where the TRT overlaps with the PCT, use must be consistent with all 

Standards and Guidelines governing the PCT. [Standard] 

SG167. Implement measures to maintain public access to nationally designated trails 

during management activities. [Standard] 

Designated Special Areas Other Sources of Information 

Desolation, Granite Chief, and Mt. Rose Wilderness’ 

 1964 National Wilderness Preservation Act 

 Desolation Wilderness Management Plan 

 Granite Chief Wilderness – Tahoe National Forest wilderness management guidelines 

 Mt Rose Wilderness – Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest wilderness management 

guidelines 

 Regional Minimum Impact Decision Guide for Wilderness 

Tallac Historic Site, Special Interest Area 

 Tallac Historic Site Master Plan (FEIS Record of Decision, USDA Forest Service, El 

Dorado County, CA, July 14, 1994)

Grass Lake Research Natural Area 

 Forest Service Manual 4000, Ch. 4063 – Research Facilities and Areas Regional Forest 

Order 

Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive, National Scenic Byway 

 East Shore Drive National Scenic Byway, Rural Section, Incline Village to US 50, 

Corridor Management Plan, prepared by EDAW, Inc., for Carson City and Nevada 

Department of Transportation, TRPA, TEAM Tahoe, August 1997. 
 Revised LRMP – Forest Plan 

Design Criteria ■ 133

 Scenic Byways, A Design Guide for Roadside Improvements. Prepared for U.S. 

Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, prepared by the USDA 

Forest Service San Dimas Technology and Development Center, July 2002. 

 Landscape and Aesthetics Corridor Plan for US 395, West US 50, SR 28, SR 207 and SR 

421, prepared by Design Workshop and others for the Nevada Department of 

Transportation, December 15, 2006

Pacific Crest Trail 

 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan, Approved: January 1982. 

USDA Forest Service, Washington Office. National Recreation Trails 

 36 CFR 261.20 

 USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region; Regional Order 88-4 

 National Trails System Act 1968 

 Executive Order 13195 (2001)

Tahoe Rim Trail, Pope-Baldwin Bicycle Trail, Hawley Grade 

 The Tahoe Rim Trail Management Plan, February 26, 2010. USDA Forest Service, 

LTBMU 

 Forest Service Manual 2309.18 Chapter 10 Trail Planning, Oct. 16, 2008. 

 National Trails System Act 1968 

 Executive Order 13195 (2001) 

3.5 Recommended Special Areas Standards and Guidelines 

Upper Truckee River 

SG168. Manage the recommended segment of the Upper Truckee River to protect its 

free-flowing status and the outstandingly remarkable river values identified in the 

Record of Decision for the Eight Eastside Rivers FEIS (1999). [Standard] 

Recommended Special Areas Other Sources of Information 

 FSH 1909.12, Chapter 82.5 - Interim Management of Eligible or Suitable Rivers 

 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287, Public law 90-542 October 2, 1968) 

 
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit 

134 ▪ Part 3 

3.6 Management Area Standards and Guidelines 

Santini-Burton Acquired Lands/Urban Forest Parcels 

SG169. Identify and post (flag and/or sign) all land boundaries prior to project work to 

avoid conflicts with adjacent private properties. [Guideline] 

SG170. Manage coarse woody debris and snag retention after providing for public 

safety and defensible space standards, to meet forest productivity and wildlife needs. 

[Guideline] 

SG171. Allow adjoining property owners to conduct authorized fuels reduction 

activities annually on portions of Urban Forest Parcels that are located within 100 feet 

of a structure; to a level that allows compliance with California State Law PRC 4291 

while providing resource protection to NFS lands. [Guideline] 

SG172. Apply EPA registered borax to cut stumps according to Regional policies and 

guidelines in order to prevent establishment or spread of Heterobasidion root disease. 

[Guideline] 

SG173. Improvements shall not be placed on Santini-Burton acquired lands, other than 

for dispersed recreation, erosion control projects or permitted activities. [Standard] 

SG174. Manage Santini-Burton lots, or lots acquired under other authorities (including 

restricting certain recreation activities) consistent with the purpose by which the lot 

was acquired. [Standard] 

 

Management Area Other Sources of Information 

 PL 96-586 – Santini-Burton Act 

 Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, 1964 

 R5 FSM Supplement 5100-2010-1, referencing Defensible Space Letter from Regional 

Forester, 12/2009 

 California State Law PRC 4291 

 Report to Congress, Urban Intermix Parcel Acquisition and Management in the Lake 

Tahoe Basin, January 14, 2004)