Residents and visitors in the Truckee area could see temporary closures across parts of Tahoe National Forest as wildfire risk reduction work begins this field season.
The Middle Truckee River Watershed Forest Partnership is notifying the public that some Forest Service roads, trails, and lands may be closed at times for safety while contractors carry out active operations. Work includes heavy equipment use, haul trucks, tree falling, mastication, and piling as part of vegetation management aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health.
The partnership, formed in 2022, includes the National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Truckee River Watershed Council, and Tahoe National Forest. It operates under a 10-year plan to treat 60,000 acres in the Middle Truckee River Watershed.
Several projects are underway or planned for the 2026 season, expected to run from late spring through fall, weather permitting. View a map of the active project areas by clicking here.
The Alpine Meadows and Olympic Valley Fire Protection Project covers 670 acres south of Truckee near Highway 89 South. Portions of the Western States Trail (16E10) west of Highway 89 and the Olympic Valley and Western States Trail connections (16E07) will be closed.
The Big Chief Project includes 675 acres south of Truckee between Highway 89 and the Northstar Ski Area. Forest Road 06 will remain open, but Roads 06-14, 06-16, and 06-18, along with Forest System Trail 16E85 and nearby lands, including the Big Chief Climbing Area, will be closed during work.
The Cabin Creek Project spans 1,900 acres along Highway 89 South. Forest Road 01 north of its junction with Forest Road 01-03, plus the Jackass (16E86) and El Burro (16E24) trails, will remain open. Road 01 south of that junction, along with other roads and trails in the project area, will be closed.
The Alder 89 WUI Project covers 2,500 acres north of Truckee along Highway 89 North. Lands within a half mile east and west of the highway centerline will be closed, along with portions of the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail (16E30) and Prosser Hill Motorcycle Trail (16E50). Several trailheads, including Hobart, Donner Camp, Prosser Hill, and Alder Creek East and West, will also be closed.
The Boca Stewardship Agreement Project includes 1,350 acres between Boca Reservoir and Prosser Reservoir. Roads, lands, and trails will be closed during active work, and dispersed camping will be restricted. Access to Lloyd’s Trail (17E19) may also be limited.
The Woodchopper Project covers 850 acres between Highway 89 North and Boca Reservoir. Roads, lands, and trails will be closed during implementation, with dispersed camping restricted. Portions of the Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail (16E30) will also be closed.
Officials encourage the public to check closure updates before heading out by visiting the Truckee-area forest project update page online.
