Dear Friends,

A new Tahoe National Forest forest health project designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire in our region will soon be underway in the area along Highway 89 South between Truckee and Olympic Valley (see map below). Work on this “Five Creeks Project" will include hand and mechanical thinning, mastication, prescribed fire, and reforestation. Unfortunately, this means that starting June 10, the Donkeytown and El Burro trails will be closed for the remainder of 2024.

While we realize this is a disappointment to many of you who enjoy these trails, it is imperative that we all respect the closure (which includes all Forest Service roads in the area for the duration of the project), as the risk to public safety due to heavy equipment, falling trees, and flying debris is significant. In the long run, we hope everyone will appreciate the improved forest health and reduced wildfire risk the 5 Creeks partners are aiming for. The first phase of this project is expected to take 3 years to complete. We will continue to monitor the project and update everyone of any changes to the closure schedule. Get your loops in now!

Meanwhile, the TTF trail crew is already busy building new trail for you to enjoy. Stay tuned!