Lahontan cutthroat trout are a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In 1970, they were listed as Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act, but in 1975, the listing was downgraded to Threatened to allow for more flexible management. 

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area (ISA) was established in 1973 to ensure the preservation of this threatened species of fish, in its natural habitat and to maximize spawning areas. Interestingly, this is the purest strain of Lahontan Cutthroat (LCT) that remains (wildlife officials used fish from this population and others to restock the struggling population at Pyramid Lake and in the Truckee River). To protect the water quality, over 2,000 acres (20 percent of the study area) were fenced to exclude livestock from the stream headwaters. In 2022, we worked to repair some sections of the fence that have been damaged which allowed livestock and horses to enter the area and damage this important habitat. This year we are returning to scout and make repairs to the fence line. 

As always, this project is free! We will be providing breakfast with coffee Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as well as a delicious dinner on Friday and Saturday night. We have camping gear available for those who need it. The road to the project area requires 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We will have limited space in Friends trucks to transport volunteers and carpooling is an option as well. 

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area (ISA) is on part of the ancestral homelands of the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe (Agai Panina Ticutta) and adjacent to their current sovereign territory. The Tribe has played a major role in the protection and ongoing restoration of this fish that holds cultural significance for them. The fish composed a large part of tribal members’ diets and were the focus of many cultural gatherings. Summit Lake is closed to non-tribal members, and tribal members are limited in how many fish they can catch. Currently, Summit Lake is home to the only self-sustaining, robust, lake population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout.

Photos from our two LCT ISA fence improvements in 2022 - Project #1 & Project #2

Check out more information on the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area

Information

Difficulty level: Moderate- see our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. We will be hiking 3-6 miles off-trail each day while carrying fence tools and repair supplies.

When: Thursday June 25th - Sunday June 28th

Where: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area

Travel: High clearance and 4WD required to reach the campsite, please contact staff if you have any questions. There are limited spots in FNW vehicles from Reno. Reach out ASAP if you need a ride. 

What to bring: Sturdy work or hiking shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sun protection, a pack with the ability to carry at least three liters of water, lunch, and snacks. As this is an overnight trip you will need camping gear, dinner for Thursday, lunch and snacks for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a camp chair, and any entertainment you would like for the evenings. Check out our suggested Packing List.

What to expect: In-depth information such as weather, travel plans, parking/camping, and project specifics will be sent to those who RSVP about 1 week before the project. Friends staff members will provide any tool training necessary for the project. We will meet in the morning for a safety/stretch circle and to talk about the project, and then we will hike to the project area with all tools, safety equipment, lunch, and whatever else you may need for the day, and begin working, stopping for lunch and snack breaks as necessary. We will return to camp in the afternoon to make dinner. This is a multi-day project, we will provide breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and dinner on Friday and Saturday night. You will need to provide food for yourself on Thursday, lunches, and any other snacks you would like. 

Are Dogs Allowed? Due to the dangerous nature of fence work, no dogs are allowed on this project. 

What we need from you: If you're interested in joining us for this project, you must RSVP. Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP, you are committing to join us on this project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. If you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project.

Want to bring a friend? All participants must RSVP individually (even partners, spouses, children, etc.). Please send them this link and tell them to sign up.

Questions?: Check out our FAQ page here or email [email protected].

We can't wait to see you out there!