Independence Lake Preserve is one of five preserves managed by the Nevada chapter of the Nature Conservancy and the Tahoe Donner Land Trust. Independence Lake's beauty and rustic nature are matched only by the amazing biodiversity that it supports. It is home to one of only two 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 plays an important role in providing clean drinking water to western Nevada.
The pristine status of Independence Lake faces threats. Aquatic invasive species such as quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snails, and Eurasion water-milfoil can easily infiltrate into the region and severely disrupt the lake's healthy ecosystem and the delivery of clean drinking water. In addition, these invasives could affect the lake's unique assemblage of native fish.
The lake is open year-round for walk-in day use. Preserve staff are on-site daily from June through October and irregularly the remainder of the year. No boats, float tubes or paddlecraft from outside the preserve are permitted to protect the area from invasive species. A fleet of float tubes, kayaks and small motor boats are available to the public, courtesy of the Nature Conservancy to offset the prohibited use of outside watercraft.
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GPS Coordinates
Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S
Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W