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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 lake populations
of Lahontan cutthroat trout in the world - a fish that has been
lost from 99% of its historic range. Independence Lake also
plays an important role in providing clean drinking water to
western Nevada. 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