Campfires in Tahoe National Forest

[db 183]

As I prepare to hunt D-3 rifle season in a couple of weeks, I am wondering about the fire situation. I heard that there is a ban on campfires right now in federal camp sites.

Anyone know the specifics? Areas affected, length of the ban, etc...

We hunt out of Jackson Meadow Reservoir and camp at the Pass Creek Campsite, run by the friendly folks at the U.S. Forest Service. This area is in the northern end of the Tahoe Nat'l Forest.

It is really going to suck if you can't have a campfire to sit and share stories with your friends, or to warm you up after a day in the elements....

Anyone els hunting up that way? Met a guy from the old board while hunting last year.

[BigDog]

Dave, according to their web page, you can only use a gas stove or lantern. And even that requires a campfire permit.
http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/ltbmu/visitor/fore...re_restrict.htm (http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/ltbmu/visitor/forest_orders/fire_restrict.htm)

[Litch]

As far as I know you can have a fire in a designated camp fire ring. If you go to http://www.magnifeye.com and click on U.S. Forest Service, you can get updates on restrictions in the Tahoe National Forest. Good luck and I will try and look you up out there.

[Drake Slayer]

If its the same restrictions as in the past. It will be stoves or lanterns only and the stove will have to be in your vehicle if you are not in a designsated campground.

[Litch]

I just checked with the Sierraville Ranger District and they said that a ban was in effect as of last Thursday due to very extreme fire conditions. You can get an update before your trip at (530) 994-3401. That is the number at the ranger office, the Truckee District number is (530) 587-3558. They are not kidding about the extreme conditions, it is tinder dry up here. The Star Fire has been blanketing us in heavy smoke on a daily basis and the fire season is only just beginning. Fire department resources are already stretched very thin, so please be careful out there.

[db 183]

Thanks for the info guys.

Litch, that was the info I was looking for. It is going to suck not having a camp fire to sit around.

Oh well. The glow of a coleman propane heater just isn't as cool.