Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project

Comment Period Now Open

The USDA Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the DRAFT Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project that proposes building new trails and potentially decommissioning some existing trails. The analysis also looks at opening more Tahoe area trails to Class 1 e-MTB use.

The Draft EA proposes constructing 25 miles of NEW multi-use (singletrack!) trail and opening 106 miles of existing trail around the basin to class-1 e-bikes. In addition, it includes many maintenance projects that will upgrade segments to be more sustainable, improve stream crossings, and upgrade trailheads and signage. TAMBA supports the overall plan as it aligns with our values of connectivity, choice, and sustainability for mountain bike trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The “30 Day Comment Letter” with helpful information on how to comment is available at this link.

You can review the full Draft EA at Basin Wide Trails Project.

The public comment period will close at 11:59pm PST on October 28, 2023.

Please review the maps in detail before making comments. This is an incredibly important project for the future of trails within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

TAMBA would like the public to submit constructive comments on the trails that will open to Class 1 eMTBs and proposed new trails. We support the Forest Service’s balanced approach – shown in the project – of opening a number of existing, and proposed new, trails to Class 1 eMTBs.

Below are a few points we would like you to consider as you review the draft EA:

• TAMBA is in support of the new trail alignments shown on the maps that provide crucial connections to logical access points, such as trailheads, public transit routes, community centers and neighborhoods, and underutilized areas.
• TAMBA supports the need to provide a sustainable trail system, including low-maintenance design, diversity of experience and challenge, and appropriate trail use.
• TAMBA supports the need to manage and upgrade some existing unmanaged trails.
• TAMBA supports the need to provide a trail system that incorporates “stacked loop” design – trail experiences of different length, type and challenge exist from common access points.
• TAMBA supports trail designs that limit potential impacts related to use conflict, and provide alternatives to reduce overuse of popular trail sections and areas.

Get more info at TAMBA.org.

 Below are two of the maps you can download through the links above.

Map 17 is an example of improved Class 1 e-bike access and stacked loop trails to provide increased options and better connectivity for all trail users in the Meeks Bay area.  

Map 4 shows improved connectivity between communities and Class 1 e-bike access in the Roundhill and Kingsbury areas.