 The Malheur Lake redband comprises 10 population groups in the closed interior basin of Harney and Malheur lakes.Historically, all streams were interconnected, and these fish moved through all the lakes and streams.While not an officially designated threatened or endangered species, the redband trout is recognized as important resource, and the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-399) sets aside land in Oregon for protection and research of redband trout.