Department of the Interior Final Environmental Statement

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

FES 73-U6

PROPOSED ANAHO ISLAND WILDERNESS AREA NEVADA

PREPARED BY BUREAU OF SPORT FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON, D.C.

/r^^W ^ Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife SUMMARY ( ) Draft (X) Final Environmental Statement Department of the Interior, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife

1. TYPE OF ACTION: Legislative 2. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION INDICATING WHAT STATES AND COUNTIES PARTICULARLY AFFECTED: Proposal recommends that the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, WasTiqe County, Nevada, be designated as wilderness within the National Wilderness Preservation System. 3. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: No significant immediate or long-range environmental change would occur on the island or the surrounding area as a result of the proposed action. 4. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: (a) Reject the proposal and continue the present management of the Tsland under existing authorities; (b) change tRe proposal to designate the wilderness with a boundary different from that recommended in the proposal. 5. COMMENTS HAVE BEEN REQUESTED FROM THE FOLLOWING: *Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce *Department of Defense Department of Interior *U. S. Geological Survey *Bureau of Outdoor Recreation * National Park Service * Bureau of Indian Affairs * Bureau of Reclamation * Bureau of Land Management Pyramid Lake Indian Tribal Council Nevada State Clearinghouse Washoe County Regional Planning Commission 6. DATE STATEMENT FORWARDED TO COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY TO THE PUBLIC SENT TO FEDERAL REGISTER: Draft Statement: December 6, 1972 Final Statement: August U*, 1973

* Comments Received and Appended. FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT PROPOSED ANAHO ISLAND WILDERNESS AREA, NEVADA

I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of the Interior, proposes that the originally designated 247.73-acre Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge in Pyramid Lake, Washoe County, Nevada, be designated as wilderness within the National Wilderness Preservation System, in compliance with the Wilderness Act of 1964 (Public Law 88-577; Stat. 890- 896). The proposal also includes any lands which might be realized through past and future water level fluctuations. Ownership of island acreage outside the refuge boundary is in need of legal clarification.

The Wilderness Act directed the study of every roadless area of 5,000 acres or more and every roadless island within the National Wildlife Refuge System to determine the suitability or non-suitability of each as wilderness. Sections 4(a) and (b) of the Wilderness Act provide that: (1) Wilderness is to be within and supplemental to the purposes for which National Wildlife Refuges are established; and (2) Wilderness areas shall be administered so as to preserve their wilderness character and shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation and historical use insofar as primary refuge objectives permit.

In fulfilling the responsibilities of the Wilderness Act, a full and comprehensive study has been made of Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge.I/ This environmental impact statement examines the proposed action in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 7969.

I/Wilderness Study Report and summary brochure. AMAHO ISLAND N. \'1. R.

Location map ?Y*A.».IO lAXS INDIA.', RSSSRVATiOH

AN'AHO ISLAND NATIONAl ,WUDUF£ p.Hf UG;

ANAHO ISLAND P/ILDERNESS PROPOSAL ANAKO iSLAKD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUSE The 247.73-acre Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 1819 on September 4, 1913, as a "... preserve and breeding grounds for native birds." The refuge is located in the southeastern portion of Pyramid Lake within Washoe County, Nevada, and is administered from the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. The waters surrounding the refuge are part of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Due to lower water levels Anaho Island (in 1972) was estimated at about 750 acres; 500 more than when the refuge was established.

Anaho Island is the site of one of the few white pelican nesting colonies left in North America. In 1971, an estimated 1,499 nests were located on the island and during the summer about 8,000 pelicans, young and adult, congregate around the island. Under refuge protection, this species of national interest has apparently stab!ized in numbers.

Also nesting on the island are double-crested cormorants, California gulls, Caspian terns and great blue herons. When added to the pelican numbers, the summer population of water birds reaches about 15,000 individuals.

Proposed wilderness designation of these federally owned lands involved consideration of the following factors:

1. The preservation of Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge in a natural state.

2. The effect on existing and future public use of the area.

3. The impact of the proposal on existing and future economic, cultural and social values. 4 4. The effect on refuge programs and the attainment of refuge objectives.

The net environmental result, should the proposal be implemented, will be congressional classification of federally-owned lands for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such a manner that will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. Adverse impacts, considered insignificant in the context of this proposal, would be the prohibition of certain management prerogatives that might be desirable to meet future refuge objectives, and the prohibition of commercial utilization of any natural resources which might be located on the area.

Designation of wilderness areas is within and supplemental to the purposes for which national wildlife refuges are established and administered, and the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge will continue to be administered by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife should the proposal be enacted.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT For perhaps 10,000 years Anaho Island has existed as an island in Pyramid Lake. Prior to that, Anaho was occasionally an island, but for long periods it was beneath the surface of pluvial Lake Lahontan, an immense body of water covering much of western Nevada.

This was the origin of present-day Pyramid Lake. Today, the lake is 25 miles long, from 5 to 10 miles wide, and ranges to a depth of 335 feet. It has no outlet, being the terminous of the Truckee River system. Since this lake was always the deepest spot in the Lahontan Basin, a profile of Lake Lahontan's entire life is etched in the mountains surrounding the lake. Tha U. S. Government recognized Indian rights to Pyramid Lake as early as 1859, but the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation was not officially established until 1874 retroactive to 1859. The lake and Anaho Island were included within reservation boundaries; but on September 4, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed Executive Order 1819 which established Anaho Island Reser- vation as a "preserve and breeding ground for native birds." It was placed under jurisdiction of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Later, the administrative responsibility was transferred to the Department of the Interior, and the area was redesignated the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, by Proclamation No. 2416, dated July 25, 1940.

There is little doubt that the intent of the Executive Order establishing the refuge was to protect the integrity of the island land mass as evi- denced by the dotted meander line drawn about one-quarter mile offshore (page 7). In keeping with this intent and for purposes of the wilderness study, it is assumed that land accruing to the island through reliction is publicly owned; at least to the lowest contour (3,762 feet) which separates the island from the lake shore. However, due to the complicated legal history resulting from the Presidential Proclamation establishing the Indian reserve (page 8), Executive Order No. 1819, Statehood Act and Submerged Lands Act, the legal status of emerged and submerged lands on Anaho Island is clouded. Yet, Indian interests and State and Federal governments are in agreement with the need to protect the natural values which presently exist on the island. Their views are expressed in the public hearing on the Bureau's wilderness proposal on March 10, 1973.

Anaho Island is situated in the southeastern portion of Pyramid Lake, Washoe County, western Nevada. Reno and Sparks, the population center \

ANAHO ISLAND RESERWTION For Pro lection of Native Birds NEVADA Embracing an Island in Pyramid Lake.in Sees. 9, IS,and 16 T. 24 N. /?. 22 E. M. DM containing 247.73acresas segregated by broken line and designated 'ANAHO ISLAND RESERVATION'

Executive ©rber

It is hereby ordered that Anaho Island, located in Pyramid Lake, within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, and embracing parts of sections nine, fifteen and sixteen, in township twenty-four north, range twenty-two cast, of Mount Diablo meridian, Nevada, as segregated by the broken line upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, is hereby reserved and set apart for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. It is unlawful fur any person to hunt, trap, capture, wilfully disturb, or kill any bird of any kind whatever, or take the eggs of any such bird within the limits of this reserve, except under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the -Secretary of Agriculture. Warning is expressly given to all persons not to commit any of the acts herein enumerated, under the penalties of section eighty-four. United States Criminal Code, approved March 4, 1909 (35 Stat.. 1088). This reserve to be known as Anaho Island Reservation. WOODROW WILSON THE WHITE HOUSE, > Septtmbtr 4, [No. 1819.]

DEPARTMENT OF THE.INTERIOR GENERAL LAND OFFICE Clay Tallman, Commissioner Pyramid JLake, or Trucket Reserve.' lln Ntrnd* Apjocr; occupied by Faiott; mrca, 303J ?io«re mHa.} DEPARTMENT or THE INTERIOR, Office of Indian Affairs, November 29,1859. SIR: My attention has been called, by a letter of the 25th inst. from F. Dodge, esq., agent for the Indians in Utah Territory, now in this city, to the consideration of the propriety and necessity for reserving

River, including AValker's Lak'e, as indicated by the red coloring upon the inclosed map. and, fully concurring in the suggestion of Ayvnt Dodge respecting this subject, I Lave to request that you will direct the surveyor-general of Utah Territory to respect said reservation.* upon the plats of survey when the public surveys shall have been extended over that part of the Territory, and iu the mean time that the proper local land officers may be instructed to respect the reserva- tions upon the books of their effaces when such offices shall have been established. - . . •- Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. GREEMVOOD, Hon. SAMUEL A. SMITH, ^ Commissioner General Land Office.

ITEVADA WALKER BFVER BE3ZRVE. • : • ' DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Washington, D. C., 3Curch 21,1S74. SIR: I have the honor to present herewith a communication, dated the 20th iustant, from the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, together with the accompanying map, showing the survey made by Ltigeno Monroe, in January*, lS05,of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Nevada, and respectfully recommend that the President issue a.n order, "withdrawing from sale or other disposition, and setting apart said res- "ervation or tract of country for the use and occupation of Pah-Uto and other Indians now occupying the same. The form of oi'der necessary in the premises "is engrossed on the inclosed map. I have the houor to be,

Taken from Indian-Affairs, Laws & Treaties Volume I Kkppler

8 of western Nevada, are 33 miles by road to the southwest. The lake is entirely within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Tribal headquarters is at the community of Nixon at the southeast end of the lake, approximately 12 miles from the island. Surfaced roads make the southwest shore of the lake readily accessible from Interstate Highway 80 and State Route 33, while unsurfaced trails provide access along the east shore to the "Pyramid" and along the west side of the lake.

Anaho Island is about 1 mile wide and 1 1/2 miles long (north to south), and totals about 750 acres. The summit elevation of 4,377 feet is nearly 600 feet above the present lake level. This volcanic island has an eerie moon-like landscape of grotesque formations. The precipitous highlands are conspicuously terraced, indicating the past shorelines of prehistoric Lake Lahontan. An unusual calcareous formation known as tufa, characteristic of the shoreline of Pyramid Lake is also desposited on Anaho's summits, indicating the lake waters once completely covered the island. The more spectacular masses of tufa formed over hot springs. As the hot mineralized water entered the cold lake, calcium carbonate precipitated out of solution, building the weird forms and structures. The island is in an area considered to be valuable for geothermal resources.

The climate is typical of the arid high-desert country—hot summers, cold winters and low precipitation. Precipitation averages 6 inches varying from 3 to 10 inches, falling mostly in winter as rain and some snow. Temperatures vary from over 100° in the summer to an occasional -10° in winter, averaging 65°. Evaporation rates are high and on Pyramid Lake, estimates vary from 46 to 54 inches per year. Using 52 inches as an index, the natural water loss from evaporation during a normal year would be about 440,000 acre/feet at the present lake level. Prevailing winds are northerly with velocities to 50 m.p.h., averaging 15 m.p.h. Both sudden squalls and more persistent winds of several days' duration are common, and both generate extreme boating hazards.

Anaho Island was set aside as a breeding ground for white pelicans and other birds and is of special significance today because it is one of only a few known white pelican colonies in North America. It is also the largest, with a total summer population of about 8,000 pelicans and an annual production of approximately 2,500 young.

The next abundant bird on Anaho is the California gull, with a summer population of 4,500. Double-crested cormorants are third with about 2,000 individuals, followed by great blue herons and Caspian terns.

Pelicans of Anaho have been the subject of considerable interest and study. Their numbers declined in the 1950's, but have apparently stabilized in the late 1960's, perhaps indicating a degree of adaptability to various man-made disturbances.

The rest of the island avifauna is typical of the surrounding Great Basin desert country. About 55 species have so far been recorded.— A bald eagle, picked up by Bureau personnel in the vicinity of Pyramid Lake, was identified as the southern bald eagle, an endangered species.

The only resident mammals on Anaho Island are deer mice; they are widespread and abundant. Bobcats and coyotes may occasionally swim the 300-yard channel separating Anaho from the shore, but these are considered transitory.

J/ Refuge bird list 10 Spatial isolation and a minimum of outside influences have aided survival of this interesting deer mice population. It has also kept land-based predators from the bird colonies.

There are few, if any, newts, frogs or toads on Anaho because of the overall dryness of the area and possibly because Pyramid Lake is too saline to support them; however, several lizards and snakes are present. The following tentative list of reptiles was compiled by W. Verne Woodbury for his Master's Thesis, The History and Present Status of the Biota of Anaho Island, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, 1966, University of Nevada Library.

Name Occurrence Zebra-tailed Lizard Common Desert-Spiny Lizard Common Northern Side-blotched Lizard Uncommon Northern Desert-Horned Lizard Uncommon Western Whiptail Abundant Desert Striped Whipsnake Uncommon Gopher Snake Uncommon Western Garter Snake Uncommon Great Basin Rattlesnake Common

The surrounding waters of Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River provide one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the nation.£/ These are the native waters of the beautiful Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and the unique Cui-ui Lake Sucker. The latter is a prehistoric holdover, found only in Pyramid Lake. Both species are now classed as endangered, indigenous and exclusive to the drainages of ancient Lake Lahontan.

2/ The world record Lahontan cutthroat trout (41 Ibs.) was taken from Pyramid Lake in 1925. In one 6-month period (1888-89) 100 tons of trout were shipped for commercial use, and this fishery persisted until the spawning habitat of the Truckee River was destroyed.

11 Introduced species include rainbow, brown and eastern brook trout, Kokanee salmon, Sacramento perch, and Asiatic carp. Only the rainbow and perch contribute to the sport fishery.

Smaller native fish, important as food sources to the extensive bird colonies on Anaho, include suckers, shiners, chubs and dace. The great productivity of the freshwater lake is due in large measure to the abundant plankton that thrive in the lake's somewhat saline environment. The concentration of total dissolved solids is about 5,400 ppm with a PH reading of 9.1. This alkalinity is slowly increasing since the lake has no outlet.

Noteworthy among the various insects inhabiting the island are two—the black widow spider and a species of orb-weaving spider of the family Archiopidae. The black widow is interesting because of its notoriety and abundance and the orb-spider because of its large size and beautiful web, woven in the form of a large diameter wagon wheel. Dragonflies are a common prey and the orb spider's web is especially well-constructed to accommodate them.

Ecologically, Anaho Island lies at the lower end of the Upper Sonoran Life Zone, in a shadscale-greasewood vegetative climax. Vegetation is similar to other parts of the Great Basin and essentially the same as that found on the nearby shores except that big sagebrush is common on the mainland but rare on Anaho; this is probably due to soil types. Of the 45 plants identified on the island, the following are most characteristic: Hop sage Cheatgrass Winter fat Blazing star Russian thistle Evening primrose Rabbitbrush Alkali weed Saltgrass

12 The perennial woody species provide nest materials for the birds and shelter for all wildlife species. There have been 9 woody species, 8 grasses and 28 herbaceous flowering plants identified.

Lichens, mosses and fungi are present, and algae growth on the submerged island shores varies from luxuriant to barely noticeable, depending on growing conditions at the time.

Prospecting within the Pyramid Lake Basin has never developed a productive mine, although the Pyramid Mining District, located a few miles west of the lake, has produced some silver-bearing copper ore.

Total production of gold and silver, mostly in the late 1800's, amounted to $95,500. Some uranium production has occurred, but the amount is unknown. Published reports indicate that arsenical pyrite has been mined just west of Pyramid Lake and native arsenic occurs to the south. Molybdenite- bearing quartz veins are in the Mountain City Mining District east of the lake. Pumice, pumicite and volcanic cinders are also present. Although a mineral survey is lacking on the island, there are no known mineral resources and the potential for discovery appears to be very small. The volcanic composition of the island presumes the absence of commercially- valuable deposits.

The island is closed to all public visitation, and only scientific and necessary administrative landings are permitted. This is essential to minimize the disturbance to bird nesting colonies and to protect the natural values of the island itself.

13 Pyramid Lake has become an extremely popular water-oriented sports area and this activity is rapidly increasing. Estimated recreation use in 1970 totaled about 675,000 visits. Interest in outdoor sports, a reviving trout fishery and an increased public awareness through national publicity help stimulate this public use. The possibilities are startling. Projections based on Bureau of Outdoor Recreation estimates indicate annual visits to Pyramid Lake could reach 1.5 million by 1980 and 4.5 million by year 2000 if the lake was fully developed. Harmful effects of increased public use are already occurring at Anaho Island. Motorboats cruising near the island frighten birds from their nests, exposing eggs and young to the sun's heat and to predaceous gulls. Despite posting against entry, occasional parties land on the island and (sometimes intentionally, sometimes unknowingly) cause tragic losses of bird life. Without proper safeguards, these occurrences are likely to increase with accelerated public use.

Population in the combined basins of the Truckee and Carson Rivers is presently about 200,000 exclusive of the seasonal population centered mostly around Lake Tahoe and Reno. Of this number, over 140,000 are in the Reno area only 30 miles from and upstream of Pyramid Lake.

The economy of the local area (475,152-acre Pyramid Lake Indian Reserva- tion) is based on tribal interests and the small resort and ranching businesses which exist on the private inholdings within the reservation boundaries. The Indians earn their living mainly from farming and ranching; however, sale of fishing, boating and camping permits, and sale of native arts and crafts is becoming increasingly important.

14 Despite this, the per capita income of the tribe is far below the national average and during 1970 only 30 percent of the work force was employed. The Pyramid Lake Indian Tribe has a current enrollment of 1,005 members, 400 of which live in the communities of Nixon and Sutcliffe, adjacent to the lake.

Starting about 1860, the flow of water to Pyramid Lake was reduced as upstream irrigation developed. The diversion of water increased, both, in and outside the basin and inflow to the lake declined. In the early 1900's, major diversion facilities were constructed for the Bureau of Reclamation's Newlands Project. These facilities include the 32-mile Truckee Canal (from Derby Dam on the Truckee River to Lahontan Reservoir on the Carson River) plus 69 miles of primary canals and about 300 miles of lateral canals. In 1867 the elevation of Pyramid Lake measured 3,876 feet above m.s.l. A century later the lake level dropped 92 feet to an historic low of 3,784 feet (19 feet in the decade preceding the low or at an accelerated rate of 2 feet per year). Recent regulations for use of Truckee water combined with above normal rainfall during the past several years has caused a 10-foot rise in the lake level. In September 1972 this level reached 3,794 feet for a net loss of 82 feet since 1867.

As a result, the island has increased in size and is now separated by about 300 yards from the eastern lake shore. If the downward trend in water levels cannot be permanently altered, it is only a matter of ttme before the island becomes a peninsula.

One of the most striking aspects of Pyramid Lake is its almost complete lack of shoreline development. The island's shoreline is also totally

15 natural. No development is planned unless the surface of Pyramid Lake continues to diminish to a point that Anaho ceases to remain an island. In that event, measures to isolate the mainland fauna from the island will have to be considered; at this time it is not known what form those measures would take nor where they would be located.

Anaho Island is managed to preserve its natural values, particularly the indigenous bird life. The rookeries are in delicate ecological balance and require protection from outside disturbances such as human intrusion, mammalian predators, boats and low-flying jet aircraft in order to survive. Even visits by the scientific community and Bureau personnel must be carefully regulated and monitored to minimize the impact on the island ecology. Additional studies, some involving bird banding or gull management, may be desirable, but the expected benefits must be carefully weighed against the probable losses and each case judged on its individual merits.

The public is able to enjoy refuge birdlife by observing and photographing the birds on the lake and nearby feeding areas.

There are no known historical or archeological sites in existence on the island as verified by the State Liaison Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act. An inventory of the National Wildlife Refuge System, con- ducted in compliance with subsection (a), Section 2 of EO 11593, revealed no present or potential sites.

III. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTION The net environmental impact as a result of this proposal would be to provide additional protection under Legislative Act to the Anaho Island Refuge and further insure perpetuation of the desert habitat for all 16 species of wildlife. Under wilderness designation the area will remain protected from possible on-site industrial and residential development and pollution and be preserved as a bird nesting area as other areas disappear. While this protection is currently afforded under refuge status, non-conforming uses are possible and within the authority of the Secretary of the Interior.

Wilderness designation could affect decisions regarding Pyramid Lake water. It is reasonable to assume that factors adversely affecting a wilderness island would be judged more critically than would be the same factors affecting an island without such legislative protection. In other words, the case for stabilizing Pyramid Lake at a level prior to Anaho Island becoming a peninsula would be stronger with wilderness than without. A significant rise of water levels, although most unlikely, would have no deleterious impact on the island fauna.

Objectives of the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge can continue to be met by preserving the natural habitat conditions found within the proposal. There are no wildlife developments such as water control structures, nesting boxes, dikes, or impoundments planned for the proposed wilderness area, nor is it believed that any are needed to fully and efficiently meet the responsibilities of the refuge. Management options foregone will not have a significant impact on the refuge operations and objectives as the island is managed as a de facto wilderness at the present time.

Development to utilize any mineral, geothermal steam, or gas and oil under the proposal will not be permitted. However, none is permitted at the

17 present time and the potential for discovery of these resources is believed to be extremely remote.

It is anticipated that the special significance of wilderness designation would result in a certain amount of increased public interest; however, the normal increase in public use of the presently-undeveloped Pyramid Lake is expected to overwhelm the wilderness influence making it incon- sequential by comparison. The problem of maintaining the integrity of the island's environment will result inspite of wilderness—not because of it. Wilderness designation will enhance existing authority to cope with this problem by providing legislative assurance that natural ecological processes will continue to prevail and, therefore, that the island's historical, wildlife, educational, scientific and scenic values will be preserved in perpetuity. Undesirable animal responses to the unspoiled condition of wilderness, such as overpopulation or disease, are not expected to present problems on the island. Should this occur, there is sufficient latitude in wilderness management to cope with such problems.

The wilderness proposal may stimulate interest by members of the Indian reservation, Truckee-Carson Irrigation District and others concerned with water levels in Pyramid Lake, to agree to a more stable water level within the lake. Stabilization will preserve the integrity of the island and wilderness and insure preservation of the insular environments; however, stabilization may also stimulate a more rapid growth of recreational use of the lake and development of the shoreline. Stabilization of levels could also result in an improvement of fisheries resources for recreation use and propagation of rare and endangered species.

18 Increased use of Pyramid Lake will require an expanded public education program to create more awareness of the intrinsic wildlife values on Anaho. Additional patrols may also be required to assure compliance with refuge and wilderness regulations.

IV. MITIGATING MEASURES INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSED ACTION There will be no change in management as a result of the proposed action. The Bureau shall explore the possibility of cooperative agreement with appropriate governing entities to stabilize water levels of the lake. Assistance will be requested from the Pyramid Lake Indian Tribal Council to enjoin public use of waters within the vicinity of the refuge.

V. UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS Because preservation of natural environmental qualities is basic to ful- fillment of refuge objectives, no significant adverse effects on the environment are anticipated as a result of wilderness designation. The proposal would preclude development or commercial exploitation of any resources on the island; however, no exploitable resource is known to occur and it is almost certain that none will be forthcoming.

VI. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USE OF MAN'S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY Anaho Island does not lend itself to short-term uses under the mandate of a sanctuary for wildlife. The choices seem limited, but presumably tourist accommodations could be built on the island. Public use might be limited so long as the rattlesnake population was normal; however, 19 there is no doubt that the largest nesting white pelican colony in North America would be destroyed and probably most of the other nesting bird species would be decimated also. Thus, the legacy of the island's long- term productivity—as signified by annual production of bird life—would be lost. It is even possible that certain wildlife species could be eliminated. The effects of destroying the reproductive capability of this, the largest colony of white pelicans, whose continental population is already declining, would likely accelerate this trend and jeopardize the species even further.

Wilderness designation would help insure the long-term survival of the biosystem and the land, as dictated by the forces of nature.

VII. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS The wilderness proposal would commit the resources of the island for preservation under wilderness classification until such time as the Congress might determine that the National interest would be better served by using the Anaho bird sanctuary for other purposes. There is, therefore, no irretrievable commitment involved in this instance.

VIII. ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION Alternatives to the proposal are: (a) Leave the island under existing management; (b) Designate the wilderness with boundaries other than those recommended in the proposal.

The decision concerning the relative suitability of Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge for designation as wilderness was based on careful consideration of: Wilderness criteria as established in the 1964 Wilderness

20 Act; the authorities and intent of these authorities for administering the island as a National Wildlife Refuge; the objectives of the National Wildlife Refuge System and conditions as they apply to the Indian Reser- vation and the Truckee-Carson Rivers water management. Any alternatives to the present proposal should be guided by these same criteria.

Alternative A - Leave the area in its present status Leaving the area in its present status would have no immediate environmental impact.

While the objective setting procedure for the National Wildlife Refuge System which determines priorities for individual refuges throughout the nation-wide network does not now indicate the need for management and development beyond that which has been described for Anaho Island, if such a need should arise it could be accomplished under present status with possible severe impacts on the island's resources. Non- conforming uses, while not foreseen at the present time, would remain within the Secretary of the Interior's discretionary authority. Pressure to develop the area for recreational or other uses would remain a potential threat.

Alternative B - Change in wilderness proposal boundaries The entire refuge as segregated by the dotted line on Executive Order 1819 and any lands that properly accrue to the refuge are proposed for wilderness. Anything less than this would accomplish no refuge purpose and present the adverse impact of complicating management. Anything greater than the proposal would involve lands outside the refuge's jurisdiction.

21 IX. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHERS A. Consultation and Coordination in the Development of the Proposal and Preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement The Nevada Department of Fish and Game, the Biology Department of the University of Nevada, Pyramid Lake Indians, the Fisheries Services, Wildlife Services, and River Basin Studies Divisions of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Bureau representative for the Pyramid Lake Task Force were consulted during both the development and review stages of the proposal--the latter in the form of the wilderness field study report.

In February 1973 the brochure "Anaho Island Wilderness Proposal, Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, Pyramid Lake Nevada" was widely dis- tributed to Federal, State, County and municipal agencies, as well as to many national and local organizations and individuals. The Governor, State and U.S. Congressmen of Nevada, County Commissioners and other political entities were included and all were asked for their review and comment.

The Bureau wilderness proposal was presented for public review at a hearing held in Reno, Nevada, March 10, 1973. Although the public hearing record has not been completely analyzed, the response was over- whelmingly in favor of some form of wilderness classification for Anaho Island. There was some speculation also regarding the land status and who would be responsible for administering the area. There was no evidence presented during the hearing or included in the official record of the hearing that would indicate a need to alter the proposal; therefore, the proposal remains unchanged.

The hearing record and a thorough analysis of that record will be available for review in the Portland Regional Office and the 22 Washington, D. C. Central Office of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. A mailing list of those agencies, organizations and individuals is also available in the Bureau's Regional Office in Portland.

B. Consultation and Review of the Draft Environmental Statement

For Official Comment: Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Interior U. S. Geological Survey Bureau of Outdoor Recreation National Park Service Bureau of Indian Affairs Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Land Management Pyramid Lake Indian Tribal Council Nevada State Clearinghouse Washoe County Regional Planning Commission Comments were received from some of the agencies and their suggestions, where appropriate, have been included in the body of this report in accordance with CEQ guidelines.

For Information: Administrator Division of State Parks 2015 Fall Street, Nye Building Carson City, Nevada 89701 Copies of the approved draft Environmental Impact Statement were available on request and at the public hearing.

23 SUMMARY OF RESPONSES IN FINAL TEXT Comments Received Items Page(s) Bureau of Land Management Man's Influence 6, 15, 18 Management 16, 17, 19 Definition of "natural" 17, 18

Bureau of Indian Affairs Land Status 4, 6

U.S. Department of Land Status 4, 6 Agriculture Pollution 17

U.S.G.S. Land Status 1, 6 Specific Dates 4, 15 Accuracy 9, 15 Additional Mineral Data 13, 17

Bureau of Reclamation Distribution Phraseology & References I, 4, 5, 10, 12 Scientific Names 10-13 Terminology, Salinity II, 12 Lake Level 17

National Park Service Compliance with EO 11593 16

24 m IMPLY REFER TO:

United States Department of the Interior 1792(220) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

DBS 72/115 Memorandum

To: Chief, Office of Environmental Quality, BSF&W Through: Assistant Secretary, Land and Water From: Director, Bureau of Land Management Subject: Review of Proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area, Nevada

We have reviewed the subject draft and have found it to be interesting and informative. Certain additional data would add to its quality. The description of the environment could include more information which relates to man's use of the environment and its impact on the Wilderness Area. For example, recreational use, legal problems for the surrounding lands, Pyramid Lake water level problem, and the opinion of, and the impact on, the Indians. Evaluation of this information has a bearing on the significance of the wilderness proposal, since it could affect the stability of the wilderness environment. Since the refuge was established to insure the survival and the propagation of white pelicans, description of management priorities needed to protect this species and the effect of designation of wilderness on the activity to carry on these priorities would be helpful in evaluating the proposal. The harmful effects on the island from increased recreation (page 10) and the possibility of a reduced water level resulting in the connection of the island and the mainland (pages 11, 12) show the need for additional management. Additional detail on the requirements would be helpful. The use of the word "natural" in the statement needs definition. To some it can mean letting nature take its course, and to others it can mean managing nature to maintain the present state. Management policies may differ greatly depending upon which definition is used.

's>^ ^v—. 0 Assistant

25 Letter of February 15> 1973» from the Bureau of Land Management

This letter expressed tacit support of the proposal but pointed out the need for additional amplification on (1) man's impact on the island; (2) management needed to accomplish objectives; and (3) definition of "natural" and how this can be maintained.

Additional information (page 6, paragraph 2) was added and page 15, paragraph 2 was altered significantly to accommodate suggestions (1) and (2). The Bureau believes that management of the island in a "natural" condition means protecting the island from artificial change while allowing natural ecological processes to occur and we anticipate no conflict with this concept and the purposes for which the refuge was established. This matter is treated on pages 17 and 18.

26 United States Department of the Interior

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240

FEB 1 S 1973

Memorandum To: Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife Attn: Chief, Office of Environmental Quality

Frora-ttipiify; Assistant Secretary of the Interior

Subject: Review of draft environmental statement for the proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area in Nevada (DES 12/115)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs' review of the subject statement indicates that consideration of environmental impacts is adequate.

A factor of great significance to this proposed action and one that is recognized in the statement as a legal problem is the status of the island land that has been uncovered by the receding waters of Pyramid Lakei Preliminary indications are that the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is intending to cooperate with the objectives of the Wilderness Act. The land status problem, therefore, may not be a significant issue; however, this will be determined only after the hearings on the Wilderness Proposal.

Assistant Secretry or the Interior

27 Letter of February 13, 1973, from the Bureau of Indian Affairs This Bureau believed the statement to be adequate and agreed with our treatment of land status as being germane to the Wilderness Proposal.

28 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON. D. C. 2O25O

February 1 2, 1973.

Mr. Yates M. Barber, Acting Chief Office of Bwironnental Quality Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Mr. Barber: We appreciate the opportunity afforded by your letter of December 8, 1972, to review draft environmental statement DCS 72-115 regarding the proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area in Nevada. We have reviewed the draft statement and offer the following connents. In describing the proposed action on page 1, Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge is said to contain 247.73 acres. On pages 2 and 5, Anaho Island is represented as containing about 750 acres, ttie lowering lake level has increased the size of the island. However, the proposal on page 1 for a 247.73-acre Wilderness leaves an obvious question about whether the 750-acre island is proposed as Wilderness. A question also remains about landownership of the lake bed and therefore ownership of the emerging lands which accrue to the island. The draft statement should positively identify the landownership of the 750-acre island to assure reviewers that the proposal meets the Wilderness Act's definition of Wilderness as being Federal land. On page 13, the draft states that "under wilderness designation, the area will remain protected from possible industrial and residential development and pollution...11 Is this statement factual when air and water pollution could invade the area from outside the Refuge boundaries? Wilderness designation would sean only to protect the area fron onsite development and pollution.

T. C. BYERUf t Eiiv jJ Quality Activities

29 Letter of February 12, 1973, from the United States Department of Agriculture This letter asked for further clarification on land status of relicted lands and questioned the accuracy of a statement on pollution (page 17). We agree on both and made appropriate changes as suggested; however, many of the questions regarding land status have not been answered, and, therefore, further clarification (although desirable) is simply not possible at this time.

30 United States Department of the Interior GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WASHINGTON, B.C. 20242

OFFICE or THE DIRECTOR February 5, 1973

DBS 72-115

Memorandum To: Chief, Office of Environmental Quality Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Through:%Assistant Secretary--Mineral Resources From: Director, Geological Survey Subject: Review of Draft Environmental Statement for the Proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area in Nevada We have reviewed the subject draft environmental statement as you requested in a memorandum of December 8. Our comments are as follows: Page 1, line 2: "... proposes that the originally designated 274.73- acre Anaho Island . . ." We suggest the underscore to avoid implication that the present area (now some 750 acres) is only 247.73 acres, or that some other clarification be made. Page 2, lines 9 and 10: We suggest changing "presently" to some specific date, such as 1972, not only here but throughout the report. The level of Pyramid Lake fluctuates as much as several feet from one year to the next; so "presently" has little significance. The level of Pyramid Lake has had a net decline of 82 feet from 1867 (altitude 3,876 feet) to September 1972 (altitude 3,794 feet). If the decline continues another 32 feet (altitude 3,762 feet), Anaho will cease to be an island, and at that level would become connected to the east shore of the mainland.

Page 4, last line: Nixon is ". . . approximately 12 miles from the island," not 6 miles.

Page 5, line 16: We suggest adding the following: "The island is in an area considered to be valuable for geothermal resources."

31 Page 10, the first paragraph should state that a mineral survey has not been made on the proposed wilderness. Published reports indicate that arsenical pyrite has been mined just west of Pyramid Lake and native arsenic occurs just south of the lake* Molybdenite-bearing quartz veins are in the Mountain City Mining District, east of the lake. Urani- um ore is present in areas northeast and southwest of the lake* Pumice, pumicite, and volcanic cinders are present in the area. Page 12, line 5: Although the lake has had a net decline of 82 feet from 1867 to September 1972, "... the present rate of lake decline . . ," is not a decline at all, but a rise. The lake reached the historic low level of 3,784 feet above sea level in the winter of 1967. Since then, the level has risen each year, and was at level 3,794 feet in September 1972. Thus, the "present" rate of rise is about 2 feet per year. Be- cause of this rise, it does not seem reasonable to predict a decline of 32 feet in the next 20 years. We suggest (1) deletion of the sentence starting on line 5; (2) termination of the next sentence after the word "inflow," deleting "... and slowed the rate of decline" (line 8); and (3) in the last sentence of the paragraph (lines 9 and 10), change "... slight increase . . ." to "10-foot rise." Page 14, line 10: We suggest insertion of "and geothermal steam" following the words ". . .or gas and oil . . ."

Page 15, line 5: Reference is made to a Vdrainage district." We are unaware of any such district.

ftctingf Director

32 Letter of February 5, 1973, from the United States Geological Survey This agency expressed concern with land status (page 1) and their suggested changes were made. The need for being more specific as to dates was also accommodated on page 4 and throughout the report. The distance between Nixon and the lake was changed to 12 miles and a sentence concerning "geothermal resources" was added (page 9). The additional mineral data was included on page 13 as suggested. Page 15 was rewritten to present a more descriptive account of fluctuations in Pyramid Lake as suggested. Also, -"geothermal steam" was added to page 17, ~~ paragraph 4, line 1. All the suggestions made by this agency were especially pertinent to improving the statement.

33 United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF RECLAMATION WASHINGTON, B.C. 20240

IN REPLY REFER TO: 150 JAN 301973 Memorandum

To: Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife From: Commissioner of Reclamation Subject: Review of Draft Environmental Statement for the Proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area in Nevada (DBS 72-115) We have reviewed the subject statement which was enclosed with your memorandum of December 8, 1972, and offer the following comments: 1. Summary Sheet, Item 5.- The statement should have been distrib- uted for review to the private sector, too (e.g., National Wilderness Society, Audubon Society, Sierra Club, etc.). They are conspicuous by their absence. 2. Page 1, third paragraph, second line. Cite reference to this study. Also, it would be useful for the reviewer to know the conclusions reached in this "full and comprehensive study." 3. Page 2, second paragraph, last line. Describe briefly why the island has "grown" some 500 acres since the refuge was established in 1913. 4. Page 3, last paragraph. This paragraph which continues to page 4 could be improved by additional discussion of the Lahontan Basin's geological history. Suggest rewriting the first sentence as follows: "For perhaps 10,000 years, Anaho Island has existed as an island in Pyramid Lake." 5. Page 6, fourth paragraph. Discuss these disturbances and their significance relative to Anaho Island. 6. Page 6, fifth paragraph, second sentence. Cite reference for 55 species so far recorded.

34 7. Pages 6-9. We suggest an appendix be included further identifying animals and plants by their scientific names. Although the identity of the white pelican is clear enough more precise definition is desirable. The common names of plants in particular are variable regionally and should be more closely identified. The fish species are too broadly identified as chubs, dace, etc. 8. Page 7. In listing the occurrence of reptiles, it is not clear whether the rare appellation applies to the island or the rare and endangered species list. 9., Page 8, first paragraph, first sentence. Cite reference to the statement describing the Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River as one of the most productive fresh water fisheries in the nation. 10. Page 8, third paragraph, last line. Is the lake actually saline or fresh water? Discuss the amount of total dissolved solids. 11. Page 13, third paragraph. The statement that there are no known historical or archeological sites in existence on the island should be verified officially by written contact with proper authorities in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. 12. Page 13, Section III. Will the wilderness designation interfere with possible future management procedures which may need to be implemented? We are thinking of the need to eradicate or other- wise control predators such as coyotes, bobcats, or wild dogs which may gain access to the island and raise havoc with the bird colonies. Migration barriers may also need to be constructed which could conceivably interfere with maintaining the wilderness concept. 13. Page 13, last paragraph. Describe what would happen to the island and its bird habitat should the level of the lake be raised significantly. 14. Pages 13 - 15, Section III. A wildlife refuge or a wilderness area entirely surrounded by an Indian Reservation must pose management problems. Should not these be discussed. Recent events in the Truckee River drainage would seem to indicate that the Indians may be sensitive on the subject of further designation of lands which they consider ancestral for other uses.

35 15. Page 17, last paragraph. Describe in some detail possible boundary changes and their environmental significance.

16. Page 19. It is suggested that a bibliography be added listing the material referred to in the body of the statement.

36 Letter of January 30, 1973, from the Bureau of Reclamation

Item 1: The Bureau agrees that wider distribution might be more desirable but routine dissemination to all major conservation groups would be an expen- sive and formidable task. As per the Council on Environmental Quality Guide- lines, a Notice of Availability of all statements is published in the Federal Register and the response from interested groups is generally very good. All substantive comments are recognized regardless of origin. Items 2-6: Were changed as indicated; see pages 1,4,5,10 & 12. Item 7: The addition of scientific names would appear to add little to the evaluation of the proposal. Both the professional reader and the lay reviewer are able to comprehend the more common names as they are defined within the regional setting of the proposal. Items 8^11: Were changed as suggested - see pages 11 - 12. Item 12: We believe that wilderness designation will not interfere with future management needs and this is examined in the statement - pages 17 - 18. Item 13: Descriptive language added as suggested - see page 17. Item 14: Speculative statements on Indian claims seems inappropriate except for references to land status on page 4 and water level stabilization on page 18. There have been no past management problems because of the refuge's location and none are anticipated under wilderness designation. This is due in large measure to the cooperative spirit of the Pyramid Lake Tribal Council. Items 15-16: After due consideration the Bureau concluded that possible boundary changes were not germane to the central issue of this proposal and should not be examined at length in this final text. A bibliography would serve no useful purpose in assisting the reviewer to evaluate the environmental impacts of this proposal.

37 United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WASHINGTON, D.G. 20240

Of REPLY REFER TO: L7&L9-OCC JAN 2 6 1973 Memorandum To: Director, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Through: Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Via: Director, National Park Service Acting From: Associate Director, Operations Subject: Review of draft environmental statement for the proposed Anaho Island Wilderness in Nevada (DBS 72-115) We are pleased to send you our comments on the subject draft environmental statement as requested by the Acting Chief of the Office of Environmental Quality in his memorandum of December 8, 1972. The proposed action would not affect any existing or proposed units of the National Park System, nor any site eligible for registration as a National Historic, Natural or Environmental Education Landmark. Also, no properties on the National Register of Historic Places would be affected. Designation of Anaho Island as a wilderness would be a positive step toward protection of the island's natural values and any cultural values which may exist there. In regard to cultural values, we believe the draft statement should include a discussion of steps taken to comply with Section 2(b) of Executive Order 11593 of May 13, 1$

38 Letter of January 26, 1973, from the National Park Service Steps taken to comply with Executive Order 11593 may be found on page 16.

39 United States Department of the Interior BUREAU OF OUTDOOR RECREATION WASHINGTON, D.G. 20240

B» REPLY REFER TO:

07223-Anaho Island 1AM 51 Wilderness Area JrtN °

Memorandum To: Chief, Office of Environmental Quality, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife From: Director, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Subject: Review of Draft Environmental Statement for the proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area in Nevada

As requested by your December 8, 1972 memorandum we have reviewed the above mentioned environmental statement. We find the statement complete and satisfactory. We believe that the BSF&W proposal would provide the most suitable and feasible type of management of the Island to protect its avifauna values. The Island's designation as a wilderness area would not adversely affect recreation use of Pyramid Lake. Rather, visual enjoyment of the area's bird life could be enhanced through the protection of breeding and nesting grounds. We appreciate the opportunity to review and to offer our comments on the environmental statement.

40 ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON. D. C. 2O3O1

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

1 9 DEC 1972

Mr. Yates M. Barber, Chief Office of Environmental Quality- Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D. C. 20Z40

Dear Mr. Barber:

This letter is in response to your letter dated December 8, 1972 requesting the Department of Defense comments on the draft environmental statement for the proposed Anaho Island Wilderness Area.

The draft statement is satisfactory to the Department of Defense.

Sincerely,

Herbert E. Bell "Colonel, USAF BSC Acting Deputy Assistant (Environmental Quality)

111