Meiss Meadows Proposed Wilderness
Size: Approximately 19,380 acres.
Management agencies: Eldorado and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests,
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Location: Approximately two miles south of Lake Tahoe.
Description:
- This watershed is the
main source of clean water for
Lake Tahoe.
- Meiss Meadows is prime
habitat for listed species like
the willow flycatcher,
peregrine falcon, and bald eagle.
- Meiss Meadows contains large
amounts of old growth red fir.
 The
headwaters of the Upper Truckee River, which has been recommended for wild and
scenic river designation by the U.S. Forest Service, is located in the Meiss
Meadows proposed wilderness. This river is the largest source of clean water
flowing into Lake Tahoe. It supports the only population of genetically pure
Lahontan cutthroat trout in the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. Furthermore, this population
is considered the best of the twelve remaining populations within the species'
natural California range.
 The
Meiss Meadows proposed wilderness is also prime habitat for listed species such
as the willow flycatcher, peregrine falcon and bald eagle.
The area also contains large, ancient trees including red fir, lodgepole pine,
mountain hemlock, and junipers that are seven feet in
diameter. This pristine area contains the only wildlife migration corridor between
the Tahoe Basin and the Eldorado National Forest south of Highway 50.
 For
additional information, please contact:
California Wilderness Coalition
info@calwild.org
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Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
