SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The newly released Final Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice for the Caldor Fire Restoration Project offers restoration details for the roughly 11,700 acres of national forest lands in and around the Caldor Fire area.
“This decision will guide active forest management activities that will help accelerate post-fire recovery and enhance community protection,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Rosalie Herrera on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. “Proposed restoration measures are designed to restore meadows and streams, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce hazardous fuel loads in areas affected by the Caldor Fire.”
Proposed restoration activities include:
- Thinning surviving tree stands and nearby unburned trees
- Removing diseased, insect-infested, fire-killed, or damaged trees
- Preparing areas to plant native seedlings
- Using approved herbicides to support reforestation
- Implementing prescribed fire
- Restoring stream channels, meadows, and aquatic and aspen tree habitats
- Improving wildlife habitat, including Protected Activity Centers
Due to the time-sensitive nature of the proposed action and the continued deterioration of forest stands in the Caldor Fire burn area, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit received an Emergency Action Determination for this project. This action waives the pre-decisional objection process and uses other emergency authorities to expedite project implementation. Preliminary survey and site preparation actions are planned to start in spring 2026.
The Final Environmental Assessment, Decision Notice, maps and supporting documents are available on the project webpage. Or contact Robert Lorens at robert.lorens@usda.gov for more information.
