Mechanical thinning is in progress at Mayála Wàťa, also known as Meeks Meadow, located on the west side of Lake Tahoe.
The work is part of a collaborative restoration project led by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, the California Tahoe Conservancy, and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
According to the Washoe Environmental Protection Department and the Forest Service, the project aims to remove encroaching conifer trees from sensitive meadow habitat and reduce hazardous fuels.
Thinning work began in early August on the south side of the 283-acre meadow and is expected to continue on the north side later this fall. Crews plan to remain on site through the end of October.
Officials are urging visitors to avoid active thinning zones along the Meeks Meadow Trail and to maintain a safe distance from equipment.
“For public safety, access to some areas may be temporarily disrupted when work is taking place,” officials said in a statement. “The public should be aware of project activity and keep a safe distance from equipment.”
Mayála Wàťa holds cultural significance to the Washoe Tribe and has long been used for traditional gathering and other tribal practices.
