About Independence Lake 2.5 miles long 5.8 miles of shoreline 2,325 acres of land surrounding the lake   Species: Lahontan cutthroat trout, bald eagles, osprey, mountain yellow-legged frog, Sierra Nevada mountain beaver.     Go Deeper Learn about the Northern Sierra Partnership   Learn more about our Truckee River Project   Support The Nature Conservancy in Nevada Our success depends on the support of people like you.  Join us today in protecting and restoring places like Independence Lake- now and for future generations.

Independence Lake's beauty and rustic nature are matched only by the amazing biodiversity that it supports.  Independence Lake is home to one of only two wild, self-sustaining populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout in the world - a fish that has been lost from 99% of its historic range.  In addition, Independence Lake also plays an important role in providing clean drinking water to western Nevada.

Supporting Fish, Wildlife, and People

In addition to the Lahontan cutthroat trout, Independence Lake hosts populations of six other native Lahontan fishes that have lived here since glaciers disappeared some 10,000 years ago.  Because of its pristine nature and intact ecosystem, Independence Lake has become a unique refuge for rare fish. 

The surrounding pine forest is home to black bear, mountain lion, and mule deer.  Bald eagles and osprey can be spotted from the shorelines, hunting fish.  The region is also home to rare species like the willow flycatcher, mountain yellow-legged frog, and Sierra Nevada mountain beaver.

Independence Lake also plays an important role in supporting human communities.  As a part of the Truckee River watershed, the lake is a crucial part of the system that supplies clean drinking water to northern Nevada, including Reno and Sparks.

Independence Lake at Risk

Independence Lake faces many threats.  Real-estate development of this iconic alpine setting is one of the greatest concerns at Independence Lake.  Also, without proper management, the forest is at risk of catastrophic wildfire which would destroy habitat and cause serious erosion into the lake and stream.  In addition, if aquatic invasive species like mussels, snails, and plants find their way to Independence Lake, they could cripple the lake's ecosystem, affecting the lake's unique assemblage of native fish, its recreational opportunities, and water quality.  

The Vision for Independence Lake

The Conservancy is working with the current owner, NV Energy, and other partners to:

• Protect the lake from the risk of development
• Implement forest management strategies to decrease the risk of wildfire
• Preserve critical habitat for native fish and wildlife
• Allow visitors to enjoy the lake in ways that are compatible with the conservation of its precious resource

The recovery of the Lahontan cutthroat trout is one of the top priorities at Independence Lake, an effort that is a partnership of the US Geological Survey, the California Department of Fish and Game, the Truckee River Watershed Council, and the Conservancy.  Already, the trout are showing signs of recovery thanks to this work. This year, more than 170 trout were counted on their way to spawn in Independence Creek - the most researchers have seen there in more than a decade.

Partners

Independence Lake is a priority for the Northern Sierra Partnership, an alliance dedicated to cooperative action that will conserve the lands and waters of the Northern Sierra, and enhance its communities and local economies, for future generations.

Other partners include:

• Bella Vista Foundation
• California Department of Fish and Game
• California Resources Agency
• California Wildlife Conservation Board
• NV Energy
• Sierra Business Council
• Trout Unlimited
• Truckee Donner Land Trust
• Truckee Meadows Water Authority
• Truckee River Watershed Council
• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Geological Survey
• U.S. Senator Harry Reid

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Independence Lake © TNC; Osprey at Independence Lake © TNC; Independence Creek flowing into Independence Lake © U.S. Geological Survey.