Reminder of the Conservation Purpose of State Parcels in Lake Tahoe Basin

Nevada Division of State Lands Reminds Public of the Conservation Purpose of State Parcels in Lake Tahoe Basin

Homeowners who trespass on state-owned conservation lands may face fines of over $100,000

LAKE TAHOE, NV – The Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL) would like to remind the public of the purpose and value of state-owned conservation areas located in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Approved by Nevada voters in the 1980s, NDSL acquired and now manages 476 urban conservation lots for forest health and the restoration and preservation of the Lake Tahoe ecosystem.

NDSL’s robust urban lots program includes frequent inspections and implementation of forest health treatments on a rotating schedule. Treatments include fuels thinning projects, brush removal, stream protection, and prescribed fire activities including pile burning. These projects are monitored to achieve healthy vigorous forests that are less susceptible to bark beetle infestation, reduce wildfire fuel loading, preserve wildlife habitat, control erosion and improve water quality. These core elements of NDSL’s management strategy are intended to achieve environmental gains while reducing wildfire risk in surrounding neighborhoods.

The State’s conservation parcels are only available to the public for walking (pass through) and nature viewing.   

NDSL wishes to remind Lake Tahoe, residents and visitors are not permitted to alter, modify, or make improvements to these state-owned lands. Activities such as landscaping, building structures, creating access paths, or removing or pruning trees to improve defensible space or improve views of the Lake are considered a trespass of state property. Not only do they undermine the ongoing conservation work on these landscapes; they may result in significant penalties.

“NDSL has experienced an increase in trespass cases involving these urban conservation areas,” said Kevin Fromherz, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team Program Manager. “NDSL is always willing to work with our neighbors to address concerns; however, trespass is never an acceptable solution and can result in serious penalties.”   

Over the past year, NDSL has documented eight different trespass cases, involving unauthorized uses such as tree removal, tree pruning, dumping and vehicle access, as well as trampoline and deck encroachment. Several of these cases resulted in legal intervention by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Penalties for such violations can exceed $100,000.

If your property shares a boundary with state-owned land, NDSL strongly recommends conducting a professional land survey before undertaking any work that could alter or impact the land - including tree removal, defensible space work, landscaping, or construction. Many GPS devices show inaccurate property lines – sometimes by 10 feet or more. In addition, original property monuments may be over 50 years old and can be difficult or impossible to locate. While NDSL signage provides general information, it does not mark legal property boundaries. Verifying property boundaries before beginning a project can save time, avoid costly legal issues, and help protect the integrity of state-managed conservation lands.

Finally, for any concerns about neighborhood defensible space, NDSL encourages calling or emailing NDSL’s Forester before taking any unauthorized action. Since a Tahoe Regional Planning Agency permit or local Fire Protection District prescription doesn’t apply to state land, the surefire way to avoid a trespass is by reaching out to NDSL up front for assistance.

For questions or concerns about the condition or use of an urban conservation area, please contact the NDSL Forester at 775-684-2743.