Free Flash Slideshow by cu3ox.com v1.1

Exploring the beautiful nature of California


California Nature: Independence Lake


Independence Lake is an outstanding outlet for nature enthusiasts, hikers and sportsmen alike. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just north of Lake Tahoe, Independence Lake provides a critical source of fresh water for Nevada’s second largest metropolitan area. The 2.4-mile lake also harbors one of the world’s last two wild lake populations of the Lahontan cutthroat trout.

The approximately 2 and a half mile long basin in which Independence Lake lies is a valley formed from a former glacier on the east slopes of Mount Lola. The headwaters of Independence Creek flow into Independence Lake. Independence Creek flows out of the lake and downstream into the Little Truckee River. Independence Lake is approximately 2 miles long and 0.5 mile wide, with a surface area of 625 acres. The shoreline perimeter is approximately 5.8 miles in length and the maximum depth of the lake is about 145 feet. The elevation of the lake is 6,952 feet.
Lahontan cutthroat trout are only found at Indepence lake Independence Lake is both a natural lake and a reservoir. Independence Lake is surrounded by upland forests, upper montane mixed chaparral, aspen, and riparian vegetation complexes. The majority of the land area is upland forest, but the lowland riparian area includes important wet montane meadows, riparian aspen, willow, mountain alder and cottonwood trees as well as springs and seeps. The overall assemblage of alpine lake, montane coniferous forests, mixed chaparral, aspen stands, and diverse riparian vegetation constitutes a rare ecosystem in relatively pristine condition.

Scattered large diameter Jeffrey pine trees occur in areas in the overstory and larger diameter pine stumps from past timber harvesting are present on portions of the land to be transferred. These larger pine trees and stumps may indicate that Jeffrey pine was a predominant species in the upland forest stands prior to fire suppression and historic logging. The overstory pine trees provide an important seed source and forest structure component.
Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The only remaining indigenous population of Lahontan cutthroat trout resides in the alpine Independence Lake and the main inlet tributary Independence Creek.

Like most cutthroat trout species, Lahontan cutthroat trout is an obligatory stream spawner. Lahontan cutthroat trout predominantly use tributary streams as spawning sites. Spawning typically occurs from April through July throughout the range of Lahontan cutthroat trout, depending on stream elevation, stream discharge, and water temperature
Indepence Lake is a wonderful place to explore California Nature Native fish in Independence Lake and its tributaries include LCT, Tahoe sucker, Paiute sculpin, speckled dace, Lahontan redside shiner, Lahontan lake tui chub, and mountain whitefish. Independence Lake is the only location in the Truckee River watershed to support self-sustaining populations of all native fishes that historically occurred in lakes of the upper Truckee River drainage. The dam has been in place for decades and acts as a barrier to upstream migration of invasive fish that might pose a threat to the lake’s native fish.

Non-native species have the capacity to drive native fishes to extinction and dramatically alter the lake ecosystem. Currently, Independence Lake does contain some non-native species. The goal for conservation of the area and protection of its resource values is to control or eliminate existing non-natives and minimize or prevent introduction of additional non-native species.
Wildlife found around Independence Lake include fisher, bald eagle, California spotted owl, American marten, Sierra red fox, great gray owl, northern goshawk, wolverine, pallid bat, Townsend’s big eared bat, and western red bat. Other common wildlife species in this area of the Sierra include mule deer, black bear, Douglas squirrel, northern flying squirrels, chipmunks and a variety of migratory songbirds.

Since the sale of Independence lake to the Nature Conservancy on May 11, 2010, the public will be able  to enjoy the preserve during daytime hours.  You can walk the land; you can enjoy the lake from the shore or from a canoe, kayak or float tube; you can fish subject to regulations of the California Department of Fish and Game; you can picnic; and you are welcome to just enjoy this peaceful place and its wildlife, forests and wet meadows. Motorized vehicles will not be permitted except to drive to the parking lot and on the public roads that cross the property, and for use by staff for preserve operations and maintenance. 
 
 
Website Created by Website Creations

About us      Privacy Disclaimer      Advertisers     Contact Us     Bookstore    Sitemap     Search    Floridian Nature