The Nature Conservancy is welcoming public ideas and feedback about the recreation and access management plan currently under way for Independence Lake located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Nature Conservancy is offering several ways for the public to provide input. The first method will be two public meetings.

* April 18 at the Loyalton Social Hall – Open House 5:30, 6pm meeting, 105 Beckwith St., Loyalton.

* April 19 at the Truckee Town Hall – Open House 5:30, 6pm meeting, 10183 Truckee Airport Road, Truckee.

Additionally, the Nature Conservancy has set up an online survey to collect input on specific strategies related to management issues. To ensure each person may only fill out the survey once, sign-in is required.

An independent blog has also been set up to provide information about the issues and public outreach process.

The Nature Conservancy acquired property around Independence Lake in spring 2010 and is currently working with partners, including the Truckee Donner Land Trust to:

· Preserve critical habitat for native fish and wildlife

· Reduce the risk of introduction of aquatic invasive plants and animals

· Implement forest management strategies to decrease the risk of wildfire

· Allow visitors to access the lake and enjoy the property in ways that are compatible with the conservation of this precious resource.