A planned burn in the Tahoe Basin could mean smoke in the area and temporary trail closures for people heading outdoors next week.
An understory prescribed burn is scheduled to begin on March 30 in the Tunnel Creek area of Spooner Lake and Backcountry State Park. The project is aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
If weather conditions allow, operations are expected to wrap up by April 3, but the timeline could change.
The burn is part of a multi-agency effort involving the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team, Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nevada Division of State Lands, and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. The work falls under the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program and Nevada’s Understory Burn Project.
Officials say this will be the first understory burn in the Tunnel Creek area since 2014.
“This project is an example of a collaborative approach to natural resource management, embodied by the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team. Working together, we aim to restore ecosystem health and resilience, improve wildlife habitat, and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires,” said Kevin Fromherz, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team Program Manager. “Understory burns are a tool to accomplish these goals.”
Understory burns are low-intensity fires designed to restore natural fire processes, recycle nutrients into soil, and promote vegetation growth that supports wildlife habitat. They are also used to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.
During active burning, parts of the Tunnel Creek area will be temporarily closed for public safety. Closures include sections of the East Shore Trail (from the Tahoe Transportation District Tunnel Creek parking lot to the Hidden Beach underpass) , Tunnel Creek Road (from the entrance near Tunnel Creek Café to the Incline Flume Trail), and all Tunnel Creek parking lots managed by the Tahoe Transportation District.
Closures are expected to last at least one day and up to three days, depending on conditions. Areas will reopen once it is safe.
People in nearby communities, including Incline Village and along State Route 28, may see smoke for several days. Officials say smoke from prescribed fires is typically shorter in duration and less intense than wildfire smoke, though it may settle in lower areas during the evening and early morning.
Fire crews and equipment may remain in the area after trails reopen. People are asked to stay on designated trails to protect the soil and allow vegetation to recover.
Updates are available at parks.nv.gov/news.
