Opening dates for Lake Tahoe Recreation Sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Winter is winding down, spring is in the air, and summer is just around the corner at Lake Tahoe. Over the next month, the U.S. Forest Service will open recreation sites on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for the recreation season.

Before the recreation sites open, they must be cleaned up after the snow melts. Safety hazards, such as dead or damaged trees, must be removed. And the danger of a freeze must pass before turning on restroom water systems.

The following recreation site opening dates are subject to change, based on weather and area conditions. Some sites and parking areas may open sooner.

Interpretive Sites

  • Inspiration Point – May 22
  • Tallac Historic Site – May 23
  • Taylor Creek Visitor Center – June 5
  • Logan Shoals Vista Point – to be determined

Campgrounds/Corrals/Resorts

  • Zephyr Cove Stables – Open
  • Camp Richardson Corral – Open
  • Round Hill Pines Resort – May 1
  • Meeks Bay Resort and Campgrounds – May 9
  • Camp Richardson Resort’s Eagle’s Nest, Badger’s Den campgrounds – May 22
  • Blackwood Canyon, Fallen Leaf, Kaspian, Nevada Beach and William Kent campgrounds – May 22
  • Angora Lakes Resort – May 23
  • Echo Chalet – Memorial Day, May 25
  • Camp Richardson Resort and RV Park – year round
  • Zephyr Cove Campground & Resort – year round
  • Luther Pass Campground – to be determined
  • Watson Lake Campground – to be determined

Beaches/Picnic Areas/Trailheads

  • Sandpit Off-Highway Vehicle Area – May 10
  • Sawmill Pond Picnic Area – May 16
  • Mt. Tallac Trailhead – May 17
  • Baldwin, Nevada and Pope – May 22
  • Bayview and Big Meadow trailheads – May 22
  • Eagle Falls Picnic Area & Trailhead – May 23
  • Kiva Picnic Area – May 23
  • Chimney Beach and Secret Harbor – to be determined

Until these sites are fully open, parking, trash service and restrooms are not available. Plan ahead and be prepared to pack out all trash. 

National forest gate and road opening dates are determined by Motor Vehicle Use Maps. These dates are subject to change. Where gates remain closed, always park legally, avoid parking on vegetation, and do not block gates. 

A friendly reminder about pets… Pets are not permitted at these designated swim beaches under public health and safety regulations: Baldwin, Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, Nevada, Pope, William Kent, and Zephyr Cove.

Pets must be on a 6-foot leash in developed recreation sites. Where pets are allowed, clean up after and properly dispose of pet waste bags. For more on recreating with pets, visit Where Can I Take My Dog at Lake Tahoe?

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Dryer fire safety: Reduce the risk with simple prevention tips

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding residents to take simple steps to prevent dryer fires, a common but preventable household hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments respond to thousands of home fires involving clothes dryers each year. The leading cause is failure to clean lint buildup—an issue that can be easily addressed with routine maintenance.

Why Dryer Fires Happen

Lint is highly flammable and can accumulate in:

  • Lint traps
  • Around the dryer drum
  • Dryer vents and exhaust ducts

When airflow is restricted, heat builds up—creating conditions that can lead to a fire

Top Dryer Fire Safety Tips

NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these NFPA-recommended safety practices:

Clean the lint filter before or after every load

  • Remove lint from the screen and around the drum

Inspect and maintain vents and exhaust systems

  • Ensure the outdoor vent flap opens properly and is not blocked (including by snow)
  • Clean vent pipes at least annually, or more often if drying times increase
  • Consider professional vent cleaning services

Ensure proper installation and equipment use

  • Have dryers installed and serviced by a qualified professional
  • Make sure dryers are properly grounded
  • Use the correct plug and outlet for your unit
  • Only use rigid or flexible metal venting material (avoid plastic or foil)
  • Ensure the exterior vent flap opens freely and is not blocked (including snow or debris). Flap-style termination instead of a screen—screens trap lint and can accumulate ember-ignitable fuel while also restricting airflow

Use caution with what you dry

  • Items exposed to gasoline, paint thinner, cooking oils, or other flammable substances should be dried outside first, then washed and dried as usual

Maintain a safe laundry area

  • Keep the area around the dryer clear of combustible materials like boxes, clothing, and cleaning supplies

Operate dryers safely

  • Do not overload the dryer
  • Follow manufacturer instructions
  • Never operate a dryer without a lint filter
  • Turn the dryer off before leaving home or going to sleep

Special consideration for gas dryers

  • Have gas dryers inspected by a qualified professional to ensure connections are secure and leak-free

Warning Signs to Watch For

Be alert for:

  • Clothes taking longer than usual to dry
  • A burning smell during operation
  • Excess heat in the laundry area
  • Visible lint buildup around the dryer or vent

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the dryer and have it inspected immediately.

A Message from NLTFPD

“Dryer fires are largely preventable with routine care and awareness,” said Fire Marshal John James. “Taking a few minutes to clean your lint filter, maintain proper airflow, and ensure your dryer is installed correctly can significantly reduce risk and help prevent a potentially devastating fire. We encourage everyone to make dryer safety part of their regular home maintenance routine.”

Learn More & Stay Informed

For additional guidance on clothes dryer safety, residents can visit resources from the National Fire Protection Association https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/clothes-dryer-safety-tip-sheet.

Dryer_vent

Knight Monsters announce 2026 Kelly Cup playoff roster

STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters have announced their 2026 Kelly Cup Playoff roster.      

The roster consists of 19 active players, including two goaltenders, as well as four skaters on the reserve list, and two players on the Playoff Eligible list. The active roster consists of 12 forwards, five defensemen, and two goaltenders.

Defensemen (5): Kaelan Taylor, Aidan De La Gorgendiere, Linden Alger, Olivier LeBlanc, Samuel Mayer.

Forwards (12): Connor Marritt, Casey Bailey, Samuel Huo, Kevin Wall, Jake McGrew, Mike O’Leary, Luke Adam, Alex Weiermair, Sloan Stanick, Jordan Gustafson, Devon Paliani, Trent Swick.

Goaltenders (2): Jordan Papirny, Alex Tracy.

Reserve List (4): Mike Van Unen (D), Tucker Ness (D), Jake Durflinger (F), Adam Pitters (F).

Playoff Eligible List (2): Cameron Whitehead (G), Artur Cholach (D).

Playoff Rosters consist of a maximum of 25 Players – a 20-man active roster and a five-man reserve list. Upon submission of its Playoff Roster, each Member is required to include:

1. a minimum of 17 active, available (i.e., not injured or on recall) skaters to its Active Roster, and at least two (2) eligible goaltenders to its initial Playoff Roster.

2. a list of all other Players who meet the Playoff Roster Eligibility requirements, but who are unavailable at the time that Playoff Rosters are due to the League Office due to recall to the AHL or NHL. The Playoff Eligible List may only list Players who are unavailable due to recall. All other players (i.e. injured Players) must be listed on a Member’s initial Playoff Roster (active roster or reserve list) in order to participate in the Playoffs.

Throughout the Playoffs, but prior to the start of the Kelly Cup Finals, as the recalled Players listed on a Member’s Playoff Eligible List become available (due to assignment, release from PTO or their respective AHL teams’ seasons having ended), Members shall be permitted to supplement their initial Playoff Rosters with Players listed on their Playoff Eligible Lists, up to a maximum of 24 Players total. Once a Member has named a total of 24 Players to its Playoff Roster, or the Kelly Cup Finals have begun (whichever comes first), the Member’s Playoff Roster shall be fixed for the duration of the Playoffs (barring emergency conditions).

A Player who has finished the Regular Season on Injured Reserve may still be named to a Member’s 25-man Playoff Roster and will be eligible to participate in the Playoffs once his full IR time has been completed (provided all other playoff eligibility requirements have been satisfied). Once a Player has fully completed his remaining IR time, he may be activated and placed on the Member’s Active Roster.

Emergency conditions shall be established when the playing strength of the Member, by reason of injury, illness, recall or suspension by the League, is reduced below two (2) goalkeepers and eighteen (18) skaters. However, should a Member release a Player(s) from its Playoff Roster, its emergency conditions will drop by the same number as the Players they release. Only amateur

Players may be signed and added to the Active Roster under emergency conditions. 

The Knight Monsters begin their quest for the Kelly Cup on the road this weekend as they take on the Kansas City Mavericks. Game one of the opening round takes place on Friday, April 24, with puck drop at 5:05 pm PT. Pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network starts at 4:55 pm PT. For more information on upcoming games, visit knightmonstershockey.com.

Knight Monsters close regular season with 6-4 win against Rush

STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters defeated the Rapid City Rush 6-4 to close out the regular season.      

In the first period, Rapid City scored the lone goal as captain Ryan Wanger found the back of the net, giving the Rush a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.  

In the middle frame, the offenses exploded. Jordan Gustafson opened the scoring with his 9th of the year for Tahoe to tie the game at 1. After Rapid City’s Mitchell Smith put the Rush back ahead 2-1, Tahoe would answer with four straight goals from Kaelan Taylor, Aidan De La Gorgendiere, Connor Marritt, and Kevin Wall to make it 5-2 Knight Monsters. Although Wagner would score his second of the game for the Rush, Tahoe still took a 5-3 lead into the third period.

Provided

In the final period of the regular season, Tahoe extended its lead thanks to a crafty goal by Samuel Huo to make it 6-3. After the Rush responded with a power play goal from Brett Davis to make it 6-4, Tahoe goaltender Alex Tracy shut the door on the Rush offense, and Tahoe concluded the regular season with a 6-4 victory against Rapid City.

The Knight Monsters open up round one of the Kelly Cup Playoffs on the road against the Kansas City Mavericks. Game one gets underway on Friday, April 24, with puck drop at 5:05 pm PT. Pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network starts at 4:55 pm PT. For more information on upcoming games, visit knightmonstershockey.com.