Caldor Fire Fallen Leaf Lake: A Story of Resilience and Conservation Efforts

In 2008, a series of stocking strategies were implemented to improve the survival rate of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) in Fallen Leaf Lake. These innovative approaches included stocking smaller numbers of fish per site during periods of thermal stratification to minimize encounters with predators and in areas with habitat complexity. This research effort was a template for conservation measures needed to re-establish a self-sustaining lacustrine form of LCT in Lake Tahoe.

The reintroduction of LCT in Fallen Leaf Lake, led by the USFWS-Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex (LNFHC) in collaboration with state, tribal, agency, community, and university partners since 2002, aimed to re-establish a self-sustaining population of this native species. The LCT used in this reintroduction effort is the Pilot Peak strain, genetically representative of the original LCT found in the Lake Tahoe basin.

In 2012, a significant milestone was achieved when LCT were documented spawning in Glen Alpine Creek for the first time in over 70 years. This achievement demonstrated the effectiveness of the conservation measures implemented since 2008. The strategies employed, such as stocking smaller numbers of LCT during the thermocline in areas with habitat complexity and managing impacts from non-native lake trout, provided niche space resulting in increased LCT overwintering survival.

The Lake Tahoe basin recovery planning and implementation for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (LCT) has been a collaborative effort between the USFWS-Lahontan NFH Complex, state, tribal, agency, and university partners since 2002. This joint endeavor aimed to re-establish a self-sustaining population of LCT in Lake Tahoe.

Despite initial plans for a larger stocking effort, the Caldor fire restricted access to Fallen Leaf Lake, resulting in a lower number of fish planted in 2019. Nonetheless, a total of 27,776 LCT were still planted that year for both recovery and recreation purposes. In 2018, a similar effort was undertaken, with fish stocked for both recovery and recreation purposes.

In recent years, efforts have continued to rebuild the LCT population. In 2022, a total of 16,110 LCT were planted in Fallen Leaf Lake, while in 2021, 12,881 Pilot Peak LCT were stocked. These conservation efforts demonstrate the commitment to preserving this native species and its habitat.

The reintroduction effort at Fallen Leaf Lake serves as an exemplary model for conservation initiatives aimed at protecting special status species sites. By working together across state, tribal, agency, community, and university boundaries, we can ensure the long-term survival of these critical ecosystems.

Caldor fire fallen leaf lake