Hazardous Fuels Treatments Begin Near Nevada Beach

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif., May 27, 2025 - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is scheduled to begin hazardous fuels reduction mastication treatments off Elks Point Road near Nevada Beach the week of May 27, 2025, and may continue through June 6. These operations will target concentrations of downed dead vegetation (fuels) and dense shrubs such as manzanita, whitethorn and bitterbrush that can feed wildfires. Some small trees that can act as ladder fuels may also be masticated.

Mastication, also known as forest mulching, is a mechanical process that involves using heavy equipment to chop, grind, or shred ground vegetation into smaller pieces. The pieces are then spread out and left to decompose naturally.

When work is taking place, access to some areas may be disrupted temporarily. The public is reminded to be aware of the mastication activity and keep a safe distance from the equipment.

Fuels reduction treatments such as mastication are essential forest management tools used by the Forest Service and other land managers to protect communities by removing excess vegetation (fuels) that can feed unwanted wildfires.

Tahoe Basin forests are overstocked and highly vulnerable to insects, disease, and wildfire. Hazardous fuels reduction treatments help reduce the risk of wildfire in areas near communities and neighborhoods by reducing ladder fuels and creating gaps between surface and crown fuels to keep fire on the ground.

Fuels reduction projects complement defensible space and home hardening efforts on private property. They also contribute to improved forest health, wildlife habitat, and watershed and forest resilience.

Short-term effects of mastication treatments may include changes to the appearance of forest areas. Treated areas may look disturbed immediately after treatment, when freshly chipped or masticated vegetation, are more visually obvious. These areas recover quickly and improve ecologically as new vegetation growth occurs within a few years.

###

Image

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.