Report on Upper Independence Creek for Wild & Scenic

Location: Nevada County, Tahoe National Forest, 2nd Congressional District, California.

Roadless Areas: Upper Independence Creek has headwaters in the potential Castle Peak wilderness and flows into Independence Lake on the border of the potential wilderness.

Outstanding Values: The U.S. Forest Service has identified Upper Independence Creek as Outstandingly Remarkable for its fishery, botanical, and scenic values. Outstanding values include Federally-listed Threatened cutthroat trout and intact native fish assemblage.

Public Lands: Approximately 88% of the eligible two mile Wild & Scenic segment is publicly owned National Forest land. The private lands are owned by Sierra Pacific Power, who purportedly is interested in selling them.

Threats: Being close to Independence Lake there is always the threat of OHV and mountain biking activity in the area of the creek. Cumulative erosion and sedimentation impacts caused by industrial logging on private land close to the watershed and the river corridor threatens the outstanding water quality and fisheries of Upper Independence Creek, as well as scenic values enjoyed by the public.

Description: The Lahontan cutthroat trout fishery values are important because of its threatened status and because it is the only stream where it has been continuously present over time. There is a high level of concern to maintain this upper watershed in a pristine condition to ensure protection and enhancement of the Lahontan cutthroat trout fishery. The U.S. Forest Service recommended that a Special Interest Area status be given to the watershed rather than just Wild and Scenic for Upper Independence Creek to more efficiently manage the resource. Unfortunately an SIA is administrative only and does not give permanent protection. The watershed will be protected as part of the Castle Peak Wilderness, and the Upper Independence Creek will be protected from future dams with Scenic designation under the National Wild and Scenic River Act.