People Who Care Spend a Day in the Woods

Dead and dying trees, downed trees, and thick brush are a recipe for disaster if a fire starts. Forest habitats in the United States have changed dramatically in the last four centuries because of human activity. As a result, today’s forests are less structurally diverse and support fewer wildlife species.

The very successful Tahoe Forest Stewardship Days provide an opportunity for people to participate in important hands-on forest restoration activities that help to improve the health of Tahoe’s forests. Residents of the Tahoe Basin remove selected trees to restore more of the original forest structure and create a mosaic of vegetation types and ages. They also remove invading conifers to protect critical aspen habitat. And they make sure to leave important habitat features such as snags, downed logs, and large trees, which offer protected sites for perching, nesting, or cover.

By being actively involved in restoration efforts, volunteers learn firsthand about the dynamics of forest ecosystems and the direct connection between healthy forests in the Tahoe Basin and the health of Lake Tahoe. As one member of the team said, “I know everyone … really felt a sense of accomplishment. You could see the forest change. It was really dramatic!”