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 - Project #1 & Project #2

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

Information

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routine. We will be hiking 3-6 miles off-trail, up and down steep slopes, with fence tools and heavy supplies. Volunteers who are regularly physically active can participate at this level.

Location: Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Instant Study Area, Mahogany Canyon

Dates: Thursday, October 8th - Sunday, October 11th

Travel: Leave Reno on Thursday morning, returning Sunday afternoon. High Clearance and 4x4 are required to reach the campsite. A limited number of spots available in Friends trucks, and carpooling is also an option. 

Food: Breakfast and coffee are provided on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and a big group dinner (with dessert) on Friday and Saturday nights. Volunteers must bring their own lunches and snacks.

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Camping equipment: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad. Camping gear is available for loan. Check out our suggested Packing List.

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.

More Details: In-depth information, such as camping location, weather, and project specifics, will be sent out about a week before to those who have RSVP'd.

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

RSVP is required to participate.

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 that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

Join us in Restoring Mount Rose Wilderness! 

In Spring 2026, volunteers will work hard to remove invasive musk thistle from Mount Rose Wilderness! This fall, we will head into Mount Rose Wilderness to spread native seeds in these recovering riparian areas and help bring back native plants. We will hike bags of seeds from native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants, spread them across the meadows by hand, and then let nature take them from there. These are fun projects that usually only take half a day to complete, but can make a huge difference in the ongoing restoration efforts. 

Photos from the 2025 Seed Spreading Projects in Mount Rose

Check out more information on Mount Rose Wilderness

Information:

Timing: Seeds are the most successful if spread right before snow or rain, so therefore, we are not setting specific dates at this time. Our timeframe is Late October through mid-December. Those who register on this page will be notified as soon as possible before we head out (about a week's notice). At that point, you can let us know if you are available to join us. Spots will be limited on those projects. 

Difficulty: Moderate - See our difficulty rating scale here. This project is suitable for individuals in good physical condition who participate in a semi-exercise routing. Most people who are physically active can participate at this level. The project involves hiking 2-6 miles, partially off-trail, creek crossings, steep hills up and down. We will carry no more than 10 lbs of seed each. These projects may not be appropriate for children under 12 years of age. 

Location: Hunter Creek Trailhead

Gear/Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy work or hiking shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a lunch/snacks. Shovels and gloves will be provided. 

RSVP/Registration: If you are interested in joining us, please register below. We will contact you as soon as possible before a re-seeding project (about a week's notice). Because this is weather-dependent, flexibility in scheduling is necessary, thanks for your understanding. 

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

RSVP is required to participate.

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 that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so other volunteers can join the project. You can cancel your RSVP through the cancellation link in your project confirmation email or by emailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE: We are not setting specific dates at this time. Seeds are most successful if spread right before snow or rain, so therefore flexibility in scheduling is necessary.