We have heard the community’s concerns about the planned use of glyphosate, and we share them. We live here too, and we care deeply about this place.
To be clear, herbicides should only be used as a last resort; all other reforestation tools should be used first. Even then, they must be used with extreme caution, in minimal quantities, not prior to precipitation events, well clear of all waterways, and with robust scientific monitoring and public notice. Tahoe is a special place, and it deserves special protection.
Based on information provided by the US Forest Service (USFS) on its Caldor Fire Restoration Project webpage and during a public meeting on August 26, 2026, USFS is planning to be cautious and restrained with any use of herbicide. Additionally, the agency has not proposed any herbicide use as part of the reforestation project in the Tahoe Basin prior to 2028.
Yet, a plan is still just a plan until it’s implemented. So, we will continue to be Tahoe’s watchdog, just like we do with any project that could impact the Basin.
As a science-based organization, we rely on facts to find solutions that protect the Lake Tahoe Basin’s water quality, wildlife, environmental health, and community wellbeing.
Keep Tahoe Blue, through the Tahoe Science Advisory Council, is funding an independent scientific study to better understand how Tahoe’s forests are recovering five years after the Caldor Fire. It includes on-the-ground data collection, a review of the existing science, and researchers from public universities in California and Nevada. The study, which is currently underway, evaluates all the tools that could be used for mitigation and restoration efforts — including manual and mechanical treatments, prescribed fire, as well as herbicides. The results will identify the best way to restore Tahoe’s forests burned during Caldor and any future fire.
In addition, we’re currently collaborating with agency partners to sample and test water quality for any presence of glyphosate. We will continue that scientific monitoring to ensure herbicide use does not impact Tahoe’s water.
This continues our scientific work on the Caldor Fire’s impacts on Tahoe. When the fire was still burning in 2021, we commissioned a scientific study on the water quality effects from wildfire smoke and ash. That has spurred further wildfire research, which we also support. We tested and monitored streams for wildfire impacts and the presence of chemicals from fire retardant. In addition, we funded a study to evaluate which pre-fire fuel reduction treatments worked best to protect Tahoe during the Caldor Fire.
This fact-first approach guides our Science to Solutions method for protecting Lake Tahoe.
Our goal is to bring back a healthy, fire-resilient forest that will provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants from water flowing toward the Lake, and help the Tahoe community avoid another fast-moving wildfire in the Basin.
We will continue to serve as Tahoe’s watchdog and keep the community informed.
Updated October 1, 2026