US Forest Service

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit was formed in 1973 by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service. It lies within the Sierra Nevada geologic basin, along the border of California and Nevada, and encompasses more than 150,000 acres of National Forest lands. The department protects Lake Tahoe and its water quality by specially managing a diverse range of resources, particularly the complex watershed systems that form the basin surrounding the lake. Its conservation, restoration and protection programs also include forest health and hazard fuels management, habitat, and wilderness management. It pioneers programs and techniques in watershed management, environmental education and resource interpretation programs, and fisheries and stream restoration. It also offers a variety of recreational activities, including picnic areas, camping, trails and water activities. The department is located in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.