LAKE TAHOE and#8212; The U.S. Forest Service is mediating meetings between snowmobilers and cross-country skiers who use Tahoe Meadows recreation area just north of Incline Village.

In the past, there has been conflict between the groups over use of the area, and officials hope to ease tensions.

and#8220;Weand#8217;ve heard from both sides who are looking for solutions,and#8221; said Forest Service spokeswoman Cheva Heck.

With 53 percent of the Lake Tahoe Basin already closed to snowmobiles, the Forest Service is hoping to find solutions that donand#8217;t involve closing more property to the vehicles.

To move the varying groups of backcountry users apart, the Forest Service is considering improving signage and education, and designating different parking areas.

and#8220;We think thereand#8217;s some easy solutions that donand#8217;t change where you can or cannot snowmobile,and#8221; Heck said.

If successful, results of the Tahoe Meadows meetings may have repercussions basin-wide, Heck said.

and#8220;Weand#8217;re sort of starting with Tahoe Meadows to see if we can find solutions that are successful, and then weand#8217;ll spread those to a larger area,and#8221; she said.