USFS implements rules for July 4

Possession of fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Campfires or portable charcoal grills are not permitted on National Forest beaches or in the general forest. For those planning to barbecue on the beach, bring portable gas grills instead of charcoal. This will reduce the danger of wildfire in the Lake Tahoe Basin. A hot ember can travel for miles in the wind and it only takes one small spark to ignite a large wildfire.

The Forest Service anticipates additional fire restrictions will be in place by the holiday weekend. Go online for complete information.

The annual alcohol ban will be in effect at Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort, and Zephyr Shoals (the former Dreyfus Estate) from 6am-midnight on July 4. Additionally, county and state laws ban the possession or consumption of alcohol on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows and Chamber’s Landing Beach on the West Shore from July 1-6.  These areas will be patrolled by law enforcement personnel from the Forest Service, Douglas and Placer counties, the Carson City Sheriff’s Department, and private security staff.

The Nifty Fifty Trolley stops at National Forest beaches along the South and West Shores of Lake Tahoe.  At developed recreation sites, such as Kiva, Tallac Historic Site, Taylor Creek Visitor Center and Echo Lake and Angora Lake resorts, parking is allowed only in designated parking spaces inside the parking lots, not along the roadway.

Day-use fees for the Fourth of July at Pope, Baldwin, and Nevada beaches will be $20 and at Zephyr Cove Beach $25 to cover increased security and facility maintenance costs of the holiday.

For information on rules regarding pets, go online.

Trash and debris left behind after festivities can be harmful and even fatal to wildlife.  It presents a human health hazard, and degrades Lake Tahoe. Trash cans may become full, so plan ahead and pack out all garbage.