NEVADA CITY, CALIF. (May 4, 2024) — The Tahoe National Forest has designated 414,721 acres for winter over-snow vehicle use, including 373 miles of trails, of which up to 247 miles will be groomed for motorized recreation use. This designation will help to ensure the health and safety of all recreationists, prevent damage to natural and cultural resources and will protect threatened, endangered and sensitive wildlife species. The decision has been finalized after several years of analysis, consultation with tribes and robust public engagement with interested groups, individuals and agencies.
“Tahoe National Forest continues to rank as one of the most visited forests in the nation and we are committed to providing outstanding recreational opportunities across the Tahoe for all, while protecting the natural and cultural resources on these public lands,” said acting Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Matt Jedra. “This designation broadens accessibility and benefits for all of our users by striking a balance between motorized and non-motorized winter recreation opportunities on the Tahoe National Forest.”
The Forest Service’s OSV-use program provides recreationists with winter access to lands managed by the agency. Each forest designates over-snow use roads, trails and areas. Designations also help to ensure the health and safety of all recreationists, prevent damage to natural resources, such as to water and soils, and protect wildlife, particularly those deemed endangered or threatened.
OSV enthusiasts can continue to recreate in popular wintertime areas on the Tahoe National Forest including Sierra Buttes/Lake Basin, Robinson Flat, Donner Summit, Yuba Pass, Carpenter Ridge and White Rock Lake, among other locations.
The designation, authorizing public cross country OSV use on roads, trails and areas generally above 5,000 feet elevation, where historically there are persistent and adequate snow depths in the central Sierra Nevada mountains, will prevent damage to natural and cultural resources and minimize significant disruption of wildlife and their habitats. Best management practices for water quality will be applied to minimize the impact of snowmelt runoff on road surfaces and mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality and riparian resources from OSV use.
Additionally, OSV use will continue to be off limits in key deer winter range, important habitat for the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout population at Independence Lake and critical habitat areas for the endangered Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog. Use will also be limited in some areas on the forest to protect nearby historic structures.
OSV designations will be implemented prior to the 2025 snow recreation season. More information on Tahoe National Forest’s Over-snow Vehicle Use Designation Project, including the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision and maps are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=45914.