STATELINE, Nev.- This summer, the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team (NTRT) is kicking off several important forest health projects at Van Sickle Bi-State Park to help protect the Tahoe Douglas community from wildfires and keep the park safe and healthy for years to come.

Crews will be thinning overgrown trees and brush, clearing out dead vegetation, and using equipment to break up dense plant growth. These efforts help reduce the risk of large, fast-moving wildfires while also strengthening the forest’s health overall. The work will also make trails safer and improve wildlife habitat.

These forest health projects lay the groundwork for several recreation improvement projects planned to begin in 2026 and beyond.

Projects include:

• Hazardous fuels reduction (clearing flammable material)
• Trail improvements to make them safer
• Aspen habitat restoration
• Controlled understory burning in select areas
• Protecting utility lines and evacuation routes

These efforts are part of a larger collaboration between multiple organizations working across property lines, including the Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Division of Forestry, Nevada Division of State Lands, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, NV Energy, Harrah’s, and the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team.

“Managing overgrown vegetation at Van Sickle is a critical part of protecting lives, homes, and the natural beauty that make this community special,” said Keegan Schafer, Wildfire Fuels Management Officer with Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District. “By acting now, we’re reducing wildfire risk, improving forest health, and making the park safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”

“After several years of planning, we’re eager to begin this vital work at Van Sickle,” said Anna Higgins, Forester III with the Nevada Tahoe Resource Team. “By uniting partners across property boundaries, we’re taking a more holistic approach to forest management. These treatments have a proven track record of preventing catastrophic losses to homes, lives, and ecosystems, as we’ve seen most recently with the Davis and Caldor fires”.

Work will take place over the next few years. Visitors may hear chainsaws and see heavy equipment in the park during this time. Some trails may be rerouted for safety.