Forest Service: Beaches at Tahoe dry for Fourth

While high water has Lake Tahoe beaches down to slivers, those managed by the U.S. Forest Service in Nevada will be dry on the Fourth of July.

An alcohol ban will take effect 6 a.m. to midnight Thursday at Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort and Zephyr Shoals.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officers will be patrolling all the areas, along with private security staff.

Fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, are illegal in the Tahoe Basin and the Sierra Front.

Campfires and charcoal fires are only allowed in metal fire rings or stand-up grills provided at developed recreation sites, such as Fallen Leaf and Nevada Beach campgrounds. Campfires, bonfires and portable charcoal grills are not permitted on National Forest beaches, in Desolation Wilderness, Meiss Country, along Genoa Peak Road and the Tahoe Rim Trail, or in any existing rock fire rings.

Portable propane or pressurized gas stoves are allowed in all areas with a free, valid California Campfire Permit, available online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/.

Forest Service officials warn visitors to expect extremely crowded conditions on local roads, highways, parking lots and restrooms.

Because of the Tahoe Basin’s high elevation, expect intense sunlight during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Bring a hat, sunscreen, jacket and carry a flashlight. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. If planning to camp overnight, be sure to make reservations in advance at www.recreation.gov or www.reserveamerica.com/.

Due to the influx of visitors, mobile device networks may be overwhelmed and mobile phones and other devices may not work in some areas. Develop an alternate plan to contact family and friends and develop an emergency plan in case you need and cannot call for help.

Thanks to a large snowpack and high lake level, expect Lake Tahoe beaches to be much narrower than in previous years. Some beaches with vegetation or rocky shoreline may be inaccessible. Be courteous to others, arrive early and use this opportunity to explore new areas.

Holiday traffic and road construction make for extremely crowded roads and parking areas. Walk, carpool, or bicycle to avoid limited parking in crowded recreation areas, heavy traffic and delays after the firework displays. At developed recreation sites, such as Kiva, Tallac Historic Site, Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Echo Lakes and Angora Lake resorts parking is allowed only in designated parking spaces inside the parking lots, not along the roadway. When parking, do not block road access or narrow lanes, which could delay emergency vehicle response. Where parking on the side of the road is allowed, be careful to not park on vegetation as this can cause damage to the environment and can spark a wildfire.

Some beaches will have increased day use parking fees. Day-use parking fees for July 4 at Baldwin, Pope and Nevada beaches will be $30 and at Zephyr Cove Beach $40 to cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday.

Dogs are not allowed on National Forest designated swim beaches including Baldwin, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope and William Kent. Leashed pets are welcome at Kiva Picnic area (from the Valhalla Boathouse/Pier to Tallac Point) and Echo Lakes on the South Shore; Zephyr Shoals, Hidden and Chimney beaches on the East Shore; Coon Street Beach (at the boat launch) in King’s Beach; Kaspian and 64 Acres beaches in Tahoe City.

For more information on rules regarding pets, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/Dogs.

If the trash cans or bins are overflowing, officials ask visitors not to add to the problem. Trash and debris left behind after festivities can be harmful and even fatal to wildlife. It represents a human health hazard, and degrades Lake Tahoe.

Trash cans will become full, so plan ahead and keep in mind staff will be handing out trash bags at many of our recreation sites. Please use them and become part of the solution by packing out your own garbage.

Every year volunteers remove thousands of pounds of trash from beaches after July 4. Consider volunteering for the League to Save Lake Tahoe’s Annual Keep Tahoe Red, White and Blue Beach Clean-Ups from 8-11:30 a.m. July 5, to help clean-up sites all around Lake Tahoe. To volunteer and learn more, visit https://bit.ly/2Jdh4Px.

Follow Forest Service posts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LakeTahoeUSFS/), Twitter (twitter.com/LakeTahoeUSFS) or visit www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu or www.tahoepublicbeaches.org/ for updates and information.