Lake Tahoe EIP

Tunnel Creek Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project

Project Number
02.01.01.0163
Action Priority
Reduce Hazardous Fuels
Implementers
Nevada Tahoe Resource Team – Nevada Division of Forestry
Supporting Agencies
Nevada Tahoe Resource Team – Nevada Division of State Lands
Primary Contact
Anna Higgins (ahiggins@forestry.nv.gov)

Stage
Planning/Design
Duration
2025 - 2030
Total Project Cost
Funding Request
$300,000
Community Wildfire Protection Program Reduce Hazardous Fuels
Tunnel Creek is seasonal creek that is fed by multiple springs and drains into Lake Tahoe at Hidden Beach. Multiple fuels reduction projects and understory burning have occurred adjacent to the creek over the last 20 years, with light thinning occurring in the riparian vegetation 15 years ago. Recent mortality in the fir from bark beetles, combined with declining riparian vegetation due to conifer competition, has created hazardous conditions. This projects objectives will be achieved through a combination of hand thinning, pile building, and mastication.

Targeted Performance Measures

  • Acres of Forest Fuels Reduction Treatment
  • Acres of SEZ Restored or Enhanced

Threshold Categories

  • Vegetation Preservation
Pretreatment - overstocked forest with minimal understory diversity, and mortality in white fir, willow, alder, and aspen. 
(Timing: Before) (~7,839 KB)
Credit: Anna Higgins Pretreatment - overstocked forest with minimal understory diversity, and mortality in white fir, willow, alder, and aspen.

Location

Targeted Funding

Secured Funding: Tahoe Bonds Act (NDSL), $300,000

Targeted Funding: Tahoe Bonds Act (NDSL), $300,000

Photos

No additional photos provided


Project Fact Sheet Data as of 06/06/2025