Project at a Glance

• Year conserved: 2010

• Acres: 2,326

• Project partners: The Nature Conservancy, Truckee Donner Land Trust

• Owned by: The Nature Conservancy

• Things to do: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, paddling, bird and wildflower viewing, picnicking

Conservation History & Values

The Nature Conservancy acquired the Independence Lake Preserve in 2010 with support from the Northern Sierra Partnership.  Tucked in the upper reaches of the Little Truckee River watershed, Independence Lake resembles Donner Lake as it must have appeared a century ago. A unique refuge for rare fish, the lake is home to one of only two remaining wild, self-sustaining lake populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout in the world, a fish that has been lost from 99% of its historic range. The lake also hosts populations of six other native Lahontan fishes that have lived here since glaciers disappeared some 10,000 years ago.

Independence Lake is home to black bear, mountain lion and the Truckee-Loyalton deer herd, as well as to rare species like the willow flycatcher, mountain yellow-legged frog and Sierra Nevada mountain beaver. Visitors often spot bald eagles and osprey flying above the lake, hunting for fish.

In addition to sustaining abundant wildlife, Independence Lake is part of a network of mountain lakes that provides clean drinking water to western Nevada.

Recreation & Restoration

Since acquiring the property over a decade ago, The Nature Conservancy has worked with public and private partners to restore critical habitat for native fish and wildlife, prevent the introduction of invasive plants and animals, enhance the forest’s health and resilience to wildfire and climate change, and expand opportunities for visitors to enjoy the property.

Aquatic invasive species continue to pose a significant threat to Independence Lake.  If they found their way to the lake, aquatic invasive species could severely disrupt the lake’s healthy ecosystem by harming native fish, covering beaches with sharp shells and filling the lake with thick mats of aquatic plants. Boat movement between lakes has been identified as the primary means for these aquatic invaders to get established in previously unaffected lakes.

Independence Lake is open to the public year-round for walk-in day use. To enhance public enjoyment of the lake and prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species, The Nature Conservancy and the Truckee Donner Land Trust maintain a small fleet of watercraft at Independence Lake for visitor use from June through October. No watercraft from outside the Preserve are permitted on the Lake. While muscle-powered watercraft like kayaks are available every week, motorboats are provided on an every-other week basis so visitors have the opportunity to experience the lake with – or without – the sound of motors. Use of all watercraft is free of charge.