What they are
The aim is to keep fine sediment and runoff out of Lake Tahoe, whose clarity is the reason for much of the Basin's regulation. A property's BMPs deal with roof runoff, driveways, bare slopes and disturbed soil.
The rules, the certification and the deadlines come from TRPA and from the local government. This page names the term; check with TRPA for what applies to your parcel.
Why it matters in Northern Nevada
Tree removal on the Nevada side of Tahoe disturbs soil, and the stump hole, the access path and a pile of chips are all things the agency cares about. TRPA's rules also cover which trees need a permit: live trees over 14 inches DBH, and 6 inches on certain lakeshore lots between the house and the lake. See Tahoe tree removal permits and DBH and TRPA.
Groundcover or chips left over bare soil after a removal may be part of keeping the site compliant, so ask.
What an arborist does about it
The arborist who visits a Tahoe lot tells you what the tree work involves for the ground, such as where the crew will enter, what is done with the debris and whether the work needs a permit. Permits and BMP certification are the owner's responsibility with TRPA and the fire district; we do not file them on your behalf. See Lake Tahoe tree work questions.
If you have a BMP certificate for your lot, keep it with your papers. A tree job that changes drainage, such as a big stump hole or a new bare patch, is a good reason to double-check the plan with TRPA first.
Sources
- Tahoe Regional Planning Agency: Trees and Defensible Space (read October 17, 2026)
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension: Living With Fire (SP-23-07) (read October 17, 2026)