Ladybug Project Near Truckee Completes Major Forest Thinning

TRUCKEE — The Ladybug Forest Health and Fuels Reduction Project in the Tahoe National Forest, located near Truckee and east of Stampede Reservoir, recently completed its primary implementation phase. Crews treated approximately 2900 acres through various restoration activities that began in 2023. The Forest Service says work will now transition to a maintenance phase, which includes prescribed burning.

Project goals focused on improving forest resilience, reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire, and enhancing overall forest health. The Forest Service says fire suppression actions and insect infestations had increased hazardous fuel loads and vulnerability in the area. Implementation involved mechanical thinning of commercial and non-commercial timber, mastication to grind smaller vegetation, and biomass removal across the treatment areas.

Last week, the Forest Service completed pile burning of materials left from restoration work. Crews ignited hand-piled and machine-piled slash, branches, and small trees generated during thinning and mastication. Once pile burning is complete, brush under-burning operations are expected to take place.

Efforts stemmed from collaboration among the U.S. Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, National Forest Foundation, and other partners as part of broader initiatives to restore the Middle Truckee River Watershed. Completed treatments contribute to long-term ecological benefits and community protection in the region.