California Gov. Schwarzenegger and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons created the California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission on July 23. The two governors signed a memorandum of understanding to create a panel of 17 voting members that represent each state’s stake in the responsible management of lands and fire fuels within the Tahoe Basin, including representatives from affected state agencies, fire agencies and the public. They also requested the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to designate one person from the United States Forest Service to serve on the commission.

The commission will perform a comprehensive review of the laws, policies and practices that affect the vulnerability of the Tahoe Basin to wildfires. It will also study and consider various user-friendly approaches to reducing the threat of wildfires while protecting the environment and submit a report and recommendations to the two governors by March 21, 2008.

“It is crucial that we all work together to prevent something like the Angora Fire from happening again and also make sure people have the right fire protection tools to protect their property,” said Schwarzenegger. “With this action we are taking today I know California and Nevada will rise to the occasion and make sure the Lake Tahoe Basin remains as safe as it is beautiful.” The commission will disband 60 days after delivering its report and recommendations.

“Everyone—federal and state agencies, residents, management agencies, business owners and environmental entities—shares a common goal, an environmentally healthy and functioning Lake Tahoe Basin," Gibbons said. "The Lake Tahoe Basin and the forest resources must be managed by proven forestry practices based on sound science. I look forward to the commission’s review of the policies that currently govern forest management in the Tahoe Basin.”

The Angora fire began on June 24, in the North Upper Truckee area in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and was fully contained on July 2. The fire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes.