MTR is within the confines of Sierra National Forest, a jurisdiction where canisters are recommended but not required:

"Proper Food Storage
Backcountry and wilderness users are required to store food or refuse in a manner designed to keep bears from gaining access to it. Visitors are encouraged to use bear-resistant food canisters to safeguard food. If a bear canister is not available, the counter-balance method of storing food is also an acceptable method."

But the party ends about 3 miles south as you enter SEKI, just as Pika said.