The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is seeking input on a proposal to prepare an Environmental Assessment and issue a Forest Order to require proper food and refuse storage at developed recreation sites on National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Improper food and refuse storage contributes to human-bear conflict. Bears are attracted to anything edible or scented. Once given access to human or pet food, refuse, or other scented items, bears become familiar with those food sources and can pose a threat to public safety and property.
The proposal would require the use of dumpsters and food lockers that are locked to animal entry at LTBMU developed recreation sites. Developed recreation sites include Forest Service campgrounds, resorts, beaches, day-use areas, trailheads, and privately run campgrounds on National Forest land.
Comments are most helpful if received by the close of business on Friday, March 14, 2014.
For more information on the proposal and how to comment, go here or contact Stephanie Coppeto at 530-543-2679 or email sacoppeto@fs.fed.us.