SCH Number 2023030178

Project Info

Title

Sierra-at-Tahoe – Caldor Recovery Phase II (SNC1553)

Description

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy would provide funding for the El Dorado Resource Conservation District to partner with Eldorado National Forest (ENF) to continue recovery and restoration activities from the Caldor Fire at the Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, which is on ENF land. Nearly the entire forested area within the ski resort boundary burned in the 2021 Caldor Fire. Partners are already working on restoration efforts and fuels reduction through hazard tree removal within the entire 1,368-acre area. SNC funding would initially support approximately 70 acres of hazard tree removal within glade areas using a combination of hand and machine felling. Healthy, live trees that do not pose a threat to people or property will be retained. Equipment deployed to accomplish fuel reduction activities will include using a combination of ground based mechanical and aerial systems when needed on steep difficult terrain. After felling, trees will be yarded to decking areas to reduce the large amount of woody hazardous fuel. Small diameter material under 14 inches will be broadcast chipped or lopped and scattered and left in place for slope stabilization. Sierra-at-Tahoe sits at the very top of the South Fork American River watershed, which was hugely impacted by the Caldor Fire, and was one of the most severely burned areas in need of restoration to maintain a major water source for El Dorado County and beyond.

1 documents in project