Meadow Restoration and Hazardous Fuels Reduction Underway in Mayála Wàťa on the West Shore

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., August 29, 2025 — Mechanical treatments to remove encroaching conifer trees from meadow habitat and remove hazardous fuels are underway in Mayála Wàťa (Meeks Meadow) on the west side of Lake Tahoe. The Washoe Environmental Protection Department and the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit urge visitors to Meeks Meadow Trail to avoid entering thinning areas on the south side of the meadow.

For public safety, access to some areas may be temporarily disrupted when work is taking place. The public should be aware of project activity and keep a safe distance from equipment.

Thinning on the 283-acre project began on the south side of the meadow in early August 2025 and will move to the north side of the meadow later this fall. Work is expected to continue through the end of October.

The Mayála Wàťa Restoration Project is a collaborative effort by the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, the California Tahoe Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service.

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Image caption/credit: Aerial view of Meeks Meadow shows conifer trees encroaching on meadow habitat. Photo courtesy of the Washoe Environmental Protection Department.

Image caption/credit: Map of Meeks Meadow Restoration Project shows area to avoid for public safety. Map by USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.