The U.S. Forest Service this week started thinning trees for fuels reduction and forest health near South Tahoe High School and the Sand Pit OHV area in South Lake Tahoe.

The Forest Service has closed the areas in units 19 and 117 from 7am-6pm daily through Oct. 14 for public safety due to heavy equipment operations and falling trees.

Project work will not occur on Memorial Day Weekend. Thinning at the Sand Pit is expected to be completed by the end of May or early June, at which time the Sand Pit will reopen.

Hazards may be present even when operations have finished for the day and the closure is not in effect. Individuals disregarding the closure may be cited, with subsequent fines or jail time.