The Nevada Division of State Lands (NDSL) has issued a reminder about the conservation purpose of state-owned lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin. These lands, acquired and managed by NDSL since the 1980s, encompass 476 urban conservation lots dedicated to forest health and ecosystem preservation.
NDSL's management strategy involves regular inspections and treatments such as fuels thinning, brush removal, stream protection, and prescribed fire activities. These efforts aim to maintain healthy forests, reduce wildfire risks, preserve wildlife habitats, control erosion, and improve water quality.
Public access to these parcels is limited to walking and nature viewing. Any alterations or improvements by residents or visitors are prohibited. Activities like landscaping or tree pruning are considered trespassing and can lead to penalties exceeding $100,000.
Kevin Fromherz from NDSL noted an increase in trespass cases involving unauthorized uses such as tree removal and vehicle access. Over the past year, eight cases have been documented with some requiring legal action from the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
Property owners adjacent to state land are advised to conduct professional land surveys before any work that might affect these areas. GPS devices often show inaccurate property lines. To avoid costly legal issues and protect conservation lands' integrity, verifying boundaries is crucial.
For neighborhood defensible space concerns or questions about urban conservation areas' use or condition, NDSL encourages contacting their Forester at 775-684-2743 for guidance before taking any actions.