Tree removal could affect hikers on North Shore

Liberty Utilities this month will begin removing trees via helicopter on lands north of Highway 267 from Brockway Summit to Kings Beach for the 650 electrical line upgrade project.

Trees will be removed from U.S. Forest Service land and private property. Public access to the area will be limited during this time for safety reasons.

The Tahoe Rim Trail will not be closed during the project, but periodic access to the TRT by escort during the helicopter operations will be required where the trail crosses Highway 267 and the project area on the north side of Brockway Summit.  Trails and forest roads may experience temporary restrictions and hazards may be present even when operations have ended for the day.

The 650 line runs from Truckee to Kings Beach, parallel to Highway 267 for much of the alignment. Within the Lake Tahoe Basin, the project is primarily located on lands managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and on private lands. Construction of the new power line to replace and upgrade the existing power line will take place throughout the summer and fall after the timber removal is complete.