PYRAMID LAKE INDIAN RESERVATION

Comprehensive Resource Management Plan

Washoe County, Nevada

Prepared by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

September 2005

NRCS Nevada State Office 1365 Corporate Blvd. Reno, NV. 89502

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i Table of Contents

Table of Contents______i List of Figures ______v List of Tables ______vii Statement of Purpose______1 Introduction ______2 Resource Management Objectives ______3 Description of Planning Area ______4 Location ______4 Watersheds of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation ______5 Watershed-Wide Resource Concerns______7 Invasive and Noxious Weeds ______8 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents ______9 Physiographic Features ______10 Physiography ______10 Climate ______12 Conservation Resource Areas (CRAs)______16 Soils ______18 Geology ______21 Air ______22 Land Use ______24 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents ______24 Social and Cultural Background ______28 Tribal Government and Demographics ______28 Cultural Considerations ______29 Summary of Resource Concerns:______31 Resource Opportunities ______31 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______31 Planning Regions ______32 Overview ______32 Residential Regions: Wadsworth, Nixon and Sutcliffe ______33 Wadsworth ______34 Summary of Resource Concerns ______36 Recommended Conservation Practices ______36 Resource Opportunities ______37 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______37 Nixon ______38 Summary of Resource Concerns:______40 Recommended Conservation Practices ______40 Resource Opportunities ______40 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______41 Sutcliffe ______42 Summary of Resource Concerns ______44

ii Recommended Conservation Practices ______44 Resource Opportunities ______44 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______45 Truckee River Region ______46 Background ______46 Dams and Diversions ______48 Riparian Ecosystem ______50 Geomorphology ______50 Vegetation ______50 Proper Functioning Condition______53 Water ______55 Wetlands______55 Summary of Resource Concerns ______57 Recommended Conservation Practices ______58 Resource Opportunities ______58 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______59 Wildlife and Riparian Wildlife Habitat ______61 Birds______61 Amphibians ______63 Fish______63 Reptiles______64 Summary of Resource Concerns ______64 Recommended Conservation Practices ______65 Resource Opportunities ______65 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______66 Irrigated Land ______68 Summary of Resource Concerns ______71 Recommended Conservation Practices ______71 Resource Opportunities ______72 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______72 Pyramid Lake Region ______73 Fisheries ______75 Pyramid Lake Fish Habitat______75 Pyramid Lake Fish Population ______76 Truckee River Fish Habitat ______77 Water Quality and Quantity ______77 Wildlife ______77 Anaho Island ______78 Recreation______79 Cultural Importance ______79 Other Environmental Concerns ______80 Department of Defense Activities ______80 Torpedo and Bombing Range Munitions Clean Up ______81 Sierra Army Depot ______82 Fallon Naval Air Station ______82 Guanomi Mine ______83 Summary of Resource Concerns______83 Recommended Conservation Practices ______83

iii Resource Opportunities______84 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: ______84 Range and Wildlife Areas ______85 Overview ______85 Range Resources ______86 Current Resource Conditions ______89 Range Management and Improvements______92 Facilitating Practices – Water and Fences ______92 Accelerating Practices –Range Planting and Brush Management ______95 Grazing Management System ______97 Key Range Areas – Monitoring ______97 Detailed Planning and Plan Implementation ______97 Important Range Resources - Springs, Streams and Wetlands______99 Wildlife ______101 Summary of Resource Concerns______111 Recommended Conservation Practices ______112 Resource Opportunities______112 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: ______112 Nonagricultural Resource Concerns ______112 Mines ______112 Summary of Resource Concerns ______113 Recommended Conservation Practices ______113 Resource Opportunities ______114 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: ______114 Sierra Army Depot ______115 Summary of Resource Concerns ______116 Recommended Conservation Practices ______116 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: ______116 Lake Range Proposed Wildlife Region______117 Background ______118 Summary of Resource Concerns______119 Recommended Conservation Practices ______119 Resource Opportunities______119 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: ______119 Winter Range Area ______120 Background ______121 Nonagricultural Resource Concerns ______127 Summary of Resource Concerns ______128 Recommended Conservation Practices ______128 Resource Opportunities ______128 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______129 Big Mouth ______130 Nonagricultural Resource Concerns ______132

iv Guanomi Mine and other Historic Mines ______132 Community Growth______132 Summary of Resource Concerns ______134 Recommended Conservation Practices ______134 Resource Opportunities ______134 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______135 Dead Ox______136 Nonagricultural Resource Concerns ______137 Summary of Resource Concerns ______139 Recommended Conservation Practices ______139 Resource Opportunities ______139 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______140 Dodge Flat______141 Nonagricultural Resource Concerns ______143 Summary of Resource Concerns ______143 Recommended Conservation Practices ______143 Resource Opportunities ______144 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______144 The Black Mountain ______145 Summary of Resource Concerns ______146 Recommended Conservation Practices ______146 Resource Opportunities ______147 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______147 East Truckee______148 Summary of Resource Concerns ______150 Recommended Conservation Practices ______150 Resource Opportunities ______150 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______150 Summer Range Management Units ______151 Background ______151 West Lake Region ______155 Background ______156 Offsite Mining Effects ______161 Sage Grouse Habitat______162 Summary of Resource Concerns ______162 Recommended Conservation Practices ______163 Resource Opportunities ______163 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______164 North Lake Area ______165 Smoke Creek Desert______167 Summary of Resource Concerns:______170 Recommended Conservation Practices: ______170 Resource Opportunities:______171 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______171 Fox ______172 Summary of Resource Concerns:______175 Recommended Conservation Practices: Prescribed Grazing ______175 Resource Opportunities:______176 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______176 San Emidio ______177

v Summary of Resource Concerns:______180 Recommended Conservation Practices: ______180 Resource Opportunities:______180 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______181 North Lake ______182 Summary of Resource Concerns ______183 Recommended Conservation Practices ______183 Resource Opportunities ______183 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______183 Nugent ______185 Summary of Resource Concerns ______188 Recommended Conservation Practices ______188 Resource Opportunities ______189 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______189 East Lake ______190 Summary of Resource Concerns ______193 Recommended Conservation Practices ______193 Resource Opportunities ______193 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:______194 Summary and Suggestions for Follow-Up ______195 Bibliography______196 Appendix. ______202 List of Conservation Practice Specifications ______202

List of Figures

Figure 1. Planning Area Location...... 4 Figure 2. Pyramid Lake Watersheds...... 5 Figure 3. Major Water Sources on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation...... 6 Figure 4. Basin and Range Province...... 10 Figure 5. Elevations of the Pyramid Lake Area ...... 11 Figure 6. Precipitation Range for the Pyramid Lake Area...... 12 Figure 7. U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook through June 2005 ...... 15 Figure 8. Conservation Resource Areas within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 17 Figure 9 USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Area Boundaries...... 19 Figure 10. General Soils Map of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 20 Figure 11. General Geology of the Pyramid Lake Area...... 21 Figure 12. General Land Use Plan for the Pyramid Lake Area...... 26 Figure 13. Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Fee Lands...... 27 Figure 14. Pyramid Lake Planning Regions ...... 32 Figure 15. Residential Region Locations...... 33 Figure 16. 50 Year Land Use Plan – Wadsworth Region ...... 35 Figure 17. 50 Year Land Use Plan – Nixon Region...... 39 Figure 18. 50 Year Land Use Plan - Sutcliffe ...... 43 Figure 19. Truckee River Corridor through the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 46 Figure 20 . Lower Truckee River Dams and Diversions...... 49 Figure 21. Proper Functioning Condition Classes of the Lower Truckee River ...... 54 Figure 22. Wetlands near the Lower Truckee River Corridor...... 56

vi Figure 23. Irrigated Cropland of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation...... 68 Figure 24. Prime and Unique Farmlands, (if drained and irrigated) ...... 70 Figure 25. Historic Water Elevations of Pyramid Lake...... 74 Figure 26. Recent Surface Elevations of Pyramid Lake ...... 74 Figure 27. Range Unit Boundaries for Grazing Management ...... 87 Figure 28. Range Condition of PLIR Grazing Lands...... 90 Figure 29. Livestock Forage Capacity Classes in AUMs...... 91 Figure 30. Grazing Land Watering Facilities ...... 93 Figure 31. Grazing Land Fences ...... 94 Figure 32. Suitable Areas for Brush Management ...... 96 Figure 33. Key Grazing Monitoring Sites...... 98 Figure 34. Important Streams and Water Bodies...... 100 Figure 35. Location of Mines within and Surrounding the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 115 Figure 36. Lake Range Proposed Wildlife Region Location ...... 117 Figure 37. Winter Range Grazing Units...... 120 Figure 38. Winter Range Planned Improvements, 2000...... 123 Figure 39. Location of Brush Management Study Sites ...... 125 Figure 40. Winter Range Areas Suitable for Brush Management Practices ...... 126 Figure 41. Big Mouth Region ...... 130 Figure 42. Big Mouth Practices and Concerns ...... 131 Figure 43. Guanomi Mine Site...... 133 Figure 44. Dead Ox Region...... 136 Figure 45. Dead Ox Conservation Practices and Resource Concerns ...... 138 Figure 46. Dodge Flat Region...... 141 Figure 47. Conservation Practices and Resource Concerns at Dodge Flat ...... 142 Figure 48. Black Mountain Region ...... 145 Figure 49. East Truckee Region ...... 148 Figure 50. East Truckee Region Conservation Practices ...... 149 Figure 51. Summer Range Planning Areas...... 152 Figure 52. PLIR Summer Grazing Management Units ...... 153 Figure 53. West Lake Planning Region...... 155 Figure 54. West Lake Grazing Management Units...... 156 Figure 55. West Lake Planned Conservation Practices ...... 157 Figure 56. Areas Suitable for Reseeding ...... 159 Figure 57. Location of Warrior Fire, 2001...... 160 Figure 58. Mine Location near Sutcliffe Nevada...... 161 Figure 59. Northern Area Planning Areas...... 165 Figure 60. Conservation Practices Currently Planned for the North Lake Area...... 166 Figure 61. Smoke Creek Region ...... 168 Figure 62. Smoke Creek Region Conservation Practices ...... 169 Figure 63. Fox Region ...... 173 Figure 64. Fox Region Conservation Practices...... 174 Figure 65. San Emidio Region...... 178 Figure 66. Conservation Practices for San Emidio...... 179 Figure 67. North Lake Region ...... 182 Figure 68. East Range Planning Areas ...... 184 Figure 69. Nugent Region...... 186 Figure 70. Nugent Riparian Restoration Areas...... 187 Figure 71. East Lake Region...... 190 Figure 72. East Lake Conservation Practices ...... 192

vii List of Tables

Table 1. Watershed Problems and Priorities ...... 7 Table 2. Noxious Weeds of the Pyramid Lake Watersheds...... 8 Table 3. Climate Records for Sutcliffe, Nevada...... 13 Table 4. Climate Records for Wadsworth, Nevada...... 14 Table 5. Conservation Resource Areas of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 16 Table 6. Partial List of Traditionally Used Plants ...... 30 Table 7. Lower Truckee River Riparian Species List;...... 52 Table 8. List of Bird Species of Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation...... 62 Table 9. Common Reptile Species ...... 64 Table 10. Bird Species of Concern at Pyramid Lake...... 78 Table 11. Forage Capacity, in AUMs, by Range Unit...... 88 Table 12. Forage Capacity, in AUMs, by Grazing Management Unit...... 88 Table 13. Animal Species of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation ...... 102 Table 14. Summary of Winter Range Acreage and Recommended Stocking Rate 2004...... 121 Table 15. Summary of Summer Range Acreage and Recommended Stocking Rate 2004 ...... 154

1

Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Comprehensive Resource Management Plan

Statement of Purpose

The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan (CRMP) is a reservation-wide plan for all resource management planning on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. The primary objectives of the CRMP are as follows:

• To thoroughly assess current resource conditions and identify priorities for resource conservation and enhancement; • To make wise management decisions based on analysis of the best available scientific data and traditional knowledge and information; • To consolidate and enhance the use of resource management plans and supporting data under the scope of the CRMP to protect, preserve, and improve the natural resources; • To better conserve and improve the natural resources of tribal lands for cultural and ceremonial purposes for future generations; • To improve program coordination and implementation between tribal departments responsible for resource management and tribal members who utilize the natural resources; • To promote working partnerships with external resource management agencies and consultants; • To provide a well documented plan to pursue needed funding to implement tribal resource priorities.

2 Introduction

The Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Comprehensive Resource Management Plan (CRMP) was initiated in 1999 by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, after the adoption of tribal resolution P.L. 100-98-1998. This tribal resolution affirms the Tribe’s commitment to protection of its natural resources, and develops the framework for technical assistance from NRCS. “The Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe with technical assistance upon request to assist in the development of an overall comprehensive conservation plan for EQIP funding and other programs designed to preserve, protect, and improve soil, water, and related resources, including grazing lands, wetlands and wildlife habitat…”. The major objective of the CRMP is to provide a comprehensive, watershed based, resource management plan for all PLIR tribal lands. It provides general background and specific resource information to develop Tribal resource management goals for irrigated cropland, grazing lands, water resources, fisheries, and environmental quality concerns. Additional elements of the plan are an updated Pyramid Lake Range Inventory and Range Management Plan, in a separate document. This plan provides a general background description of each tribally designated planning region, followed by a list of resource concerns and opportunities. A list of inventories, documents and studies with more detailed information is provided for each planning region. These references can be used to obtain more in-depth information about resource inventories, reports, and plans. Each reference is followed by the primary location of the data or the responsible Tribal Department. This data source is designated in bold, blue text and enclosed in brackets. The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan is a working document by nature. The multiple resource and environmental concerns of the Reservation, combined with upstream environmental and political effects, are complex and dynamic. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is involved with numerous local, state, and national issues, involving multiple federal, state, and local agencies and committees. Several Tribal Departments strive to meet these complex demands, including the PLPT Environmental Department, Water Resources Department, Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program, Tribal Planning, and Tribal Economic Development. The effort to protect and improve the Tribal natural resource base is continually evolving, as new opportunities and issues arise. Implementation of the developed plan will require additional time and effort from the Tribe. This document provides the framework for planning, which will need to be strategized for implementation. As resource objectives are further defined and prioritized, decisions must be made on the best option for addressing problems and/or opportunities. And, following implementation, evaluation and monitoring of resource improvements should be made to ensure that ecological, economic, and social objectives are being met. This document is expected to change and grow as new information is obtained. The Natural Resources Conservation Service will continue to provide technical assistance to the Tribe in site-specific conservation planning and implementation and can provide opportunities for funding through appropriate Farm Bill programs.

3

Resource Management Objectives

• To identify tribal resources and to thoroughly assess current resource conditions to set priorities for resource conservation and enhancement • To identify resource management opportunities that will contribute to the overall goals and expectations of the Tribal Master Land Use Plan • To consolidate existing resource inventories and reports into a comprehensive management plan for the reservation • To identify resource concerns and opportunities that require protection through tribal regulations or initiatives • To enhance natural resources that sustain agricultural productivity and environmental quality while supporting economic development, recreation, and scenic beauty. • To protect human and animal health by sustaining healthy ecosystems and providing environmental protection • To sustain the ecology of the entire watershed encompassing the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation and to monitor ecological health through biological integrators and indicator species • To maintain and improve the biotic and abiotic conditions of the Pyramid Lake ecosystem • To improve conditions in the Lower Truckee River and in Pyramid Lake so that Lahontan cutthroat trout and cui-ui populations, with their associated riverine/riparian and lacustrine habitats, are self-sustaining • To lay the ground work for goal-oriented partnerships with other agencies and non-governmental organizations

4 Description of Planning Area

Location The Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation is located in northwestern Nevada, approximately 35 miles northeast of Reno. It lies dominantly within Washoe County, but a small portion is in Lyon and Storey Counties. It is the largest Native American reservation in the state, in both size (475,000 acres) and tribal population (2300). The Paiutes have lived successfully in this location for over 600 years, utilizing the fish populations in Pyramid Lake as the mainstay of their diet and economy. Pyramid Lake is a large terminal lake whose waters originate at Lake Tahoe and flow northeastward as the Truckee River for 105 miles to its terminus at Pyramid Lake. The lake covers 112,000 acres, approximately 175 square miles, and is 26 miles long and 11 miles wide. It is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which existed 9,000 to 40,000 years ago. The modern lake has a maximum depth of 350 feet and a volume of nearly 22 million acre-feet. It is one of the most valuable historic, cultural, and economic assets of the Tribe.

Figure 1. Planning Area Location

5 Watersheds of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation can be divided into four watershed units, at the eight digit USGS hydrologic unit cataloging level. The majority of the reservation, including Pyramid Lake, lies within Hydrologic Unit 16050103. This sub-watershed extends from the crest of the Virginia Range, on the west, to the top of the Lake Range, east of Pyramid Lake, and encompasses 1,059,925 acres. Eighty-two percent of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation lies within the boundaries of this hydrologic unit. Numerous springs and streams are scattered throughout the Reservation (Figure 3). However, the major source of water for the Reservation is the Truckee River, which originates at Lake Tahoe, approximately 130 miles to the southwest.

Figure 2. Pyramid Lake Watersheds

6

Figure 3. Major Water Sources on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

7

Watershed-Wide Resource Concerns

In 1998, in response to the USEPA and USDA Clean Water Action Plan, the Tribe completed a Unified Watershed Assessment. This assessment identified watersheds with critical water quality problems and prioritized their needs for restoration. The Smoke Creek Desert watershed (16040203), Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes watershed (16050103), and Truckee River watershed (16050102) were classified as Category I watersheds, needing restoration. The highest priority watershed was identified as Pyramid/Winnemucca Lakes.

Problems Smoke Creek Pyramid/Winnemucca Truckee Desert Lake River T&E Species at risk x x Impaired Fisheries x x Poor quality ground water for human x x use Cultural practices impaired by water x x x quality Agricultural practices contributing to water quality problems Upland range condition deteriorating x x Loss or decline of wetland and riparian x x x areas Shift in riparian communities toward x x x undesirable plant species Reproduction of cui-ui and Lahontan x x cutthroat trout

Priority for Treatment 3 1 2 Table 1. Watershed Problems and Priorities

As a terminus lake for the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake and the Lower Truckee River area subject to continual stress and influences from upstream communities. Water supply, water quality, and the invasion of noxious weeds are all closely related to actions and inactions of upstream users.

8

Invasive and Noxious Weeds Numerous noxious weeds are found throughout the rangelands, agricultural lands, riparian and wetland areas of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Approximately 363,000 acres of the Reservation have invasions of noxious weeds, existing dominantly as disconnected patches throughout the Reservation. The exceptions are tall whitetop, which has established a large monoculture along the Truckee River corridor, and tamarisk/salt cedar, with an infestation of about 1000 acres near the delta of the Truckee River. Both species are also found in all other ecological regions on the Reservation. The following weeds, found on the Reservation, are currently in noxious status with the State of Nevada and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Species Estimated Infestation Size Reservation Wide Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) 93 acres Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) 170 acres Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) 132.50 acres Scotch Thistle (Onopordum acanthium) 83.90 acres Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba) 60.50 acres Russian knapweed (Centaurea repens) 30.13 acres Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) 6.35 acres Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitalis) 4.75 acres Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) ∼5000-6400 acres Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) 9,000-12,000 acres

Table 2. Noxious Weeds of the Pyramid Lake Watersheds

Approximately half of the listed noxious weed species are “newcomers” to the Reservation and are quickly spreading due to lack of proper management and prevention. The new infestations have been designated for total eradication. Larger, established stands will be “controlled “, due to the inability for total eradication within 25 years. Since 2003, purple loosestrife has become a new invader in many new areas along the River corridor. Since these newly established areas have 1-2 year old plants, the Tribe is planning on total eradication for these small areas. Other noxious weeds such as Mediterranean sage, squarrose knapweed, curly pondweed, and Eurasian watermilfoil have been discovered in areas adjacent to the Reservation. These weed species are very invasive and are on the Tribe’s watch list. Another concern for the Tribe is the extent of Russian olive naturalization along the Truckee River corridor and in the adjacent rangelands. Russian olive and salt cedar are both phraetophytes (water searchers) with the same habitat requirements. Therefore, they tend to make up a single complex that is beginning to dominate the riparian shrub/tree community in some areas. Early response will be crucial to prevent a massive infestation of Russian olive in those areas. Russian olive has been listed as noxious in many states throughout the West due to its aggressive invasiveness. The Tribe is actively working with the Nevada Department of Agriculture to have Russian olive listed as a noxious weed in the State of Nevada.

9 The Tribe has developed a comprehensive Integrated Weed Management Program (IWMP) to address the needs and management options for controlling and/or eradicating noxious weeds. Monitoring, mapping, inventorying, education, control measures, and prevention are all components of the IWMP. Education is a major component in the IWMP and is the foundation for all of the management efforts. Weed control on agricultural lands will not be permitted under this program funding, as that is the responsibility of each individual assignment holder The PLIR IWMP is organized into sixteen weed management regions, based on the same Planning Regions as the Comprehensive Resource Management Plan and the newly established Livestock Grazing Regions. Controlling these noxious weed species is crucial to the protection of the biodiversity and productivity of Reservation lands. In the past few years, weed management funding has come from EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services and from BIA Noxious Weed grants for on-the-ground implementation of program goals. Detailed information and treatment methods are available in the PLPT IWMP and are also available in a handbook for tribal residents, being mailed to each household by the PLPT Environmental Department. In 2005, the Tribe will be drafting the first PLPT Invasive Plant Ordinance to put before the Tribal Council by the end of the year. The ordinance will address issues such as contractor best management practices, notification, weed free hay and forage materials, quarantine protocols and actions, tribal noxious weed listing and control, property management practices, and early detection and rapid response protocols for new invaders.

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents

• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Integrated Weed Management Program, 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Weed Inventory, 2003-2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Unified Watershed Assessment, EPA, 1998. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

10

Physiographic Features

Physiography Physiography of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation is representative of the Basin and Range Province, an immense area of alternating, north-south-trending, faulted mountains and flat valley floors. Nearly parallel mountain ranges, uplifted by faulting, drain into the intervening valleys, where water and sediment accumulate as playas or desert lakes with no external outlet. Elevations range from 3820 feet (1164 meters) at lake level to 8182 feet (2484 meters) at Tohakum Peak, east of Pyramid Lake. Pyramid Lake lies in one of these basins, and portions of two playas in neighboring basins occur on the reservation. Winnemucca Lake is located on the eastern boundary of the reservation and the Smoke Creek Desert lies to the northwest. Although Winnemucca Lake contained water as recently as 1930, water diversion from the Truckee River has transformed it into a saline-alkaline playa, as is Smoke Creek Desert. Pyramid Lake still receives water from the Truckee River, but has dropped nearly 80 feet since the Derby Dam diversion was installed in 1905.

Smoke Creek Desert

Pyramid Lake

Winnemucca Lake

Figure 4. Basin and Range Province (Source: USGS Website, Tapestry2000)

11

Figure 5. Elevations of the Pyramid Lake Area

12 Climate The Pyramid Lake area has a semi-arid climate, with an annual precipitation range of less than 7 inches in the basins to 18 inches in the high mountains. The amount of precipitation is directly correlated with elevation. Most precipitation falls as snow in the high elevations, providing stream runoff and peak flow during early spring. Summers are typically dry, with very little rainfall between July and August.

Figure 6. Precipitation Range for the Pyramid Lake Area

13 Source: USDA –NRCS PRISM Climate Mapping Project, 2002 Climate summary data from stations formerly located at Sutcliffe and Wadsworth, Nevada are shown in the following TAPS (Temperature and Annual Precipitation) tables. In 1999, a permanent weather station was installed in Sutcliffe, near the fisheries administration building. At this time, the length of data collection is insufficient to present that data.

TAPS Station : SUTCLIFFE, NV7953 Start yr. - 1971 End yr. - 2000 ------| Temperature (Degrees F.) | Precipitation (Inches) |------|------| | | |2 yrs in 10| | | 2 yrs in 10 |avg | | | | | will have | avg | | will have |# of| avg |-----|-----|-----|------| # of| |------|days| total Month | avg | avg | avg |max | min |grow | avg | less | more |w/.1| snow |daily|daily| |temp.|temp.|deg | | than | than | or| fall | max | min | |>than|

14 In Sutcliffe, the average annual precipitation is 8.06 inches, of which 6.9 inches falls as snow. Average daily temperature is 54.6 degrees, with occasional readings of 100 degrees in July and August, and minimum temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees in December and January. The last freezing frost usually occurs in mid-April to early May, while the first fall frost can occur from mid-October to early November. The mean number of growing days, greater than 32 degrees, is 220 days.

TAPS Station : WADSWORTH 4 N, NV8838 Start yr. - 1974 End yr. - 2000 ------| Temperature (Degrees F.) | Precipitation (Inches) |------|------| | | |2 yrs in 10| | | 2 yrs in 10 |avg | | | | | will have | avg | | will have |# of| avg |-----|-----|-----|------| # of| |------|days| total Month | avg | avg | avg |max | min |grow | avg | less | more |w/.1| snow |daily|daily| |temp.|temp.|deg | | than | than | or| fall | max | min | |>than|

15 In Wadsworth, climate record shows an average precipitation of 6.01 inches, with only 1.2 inches falling as snow. Average daily temperature is 51.1 degrees, with a maximum of 102 degrees in July and August, and a minimum of 3 to 7 degrees below zero in December and January. No frost data is available from the Wadsworth climate data site. The mean number of growing days greater than 32 degrees is 131 days. Periodic cycles of drought occur throughout the west, including Pyramid Lake. Drought cycles have been recorded between the years of 1929-1935, 1959-1961, 1976-1977, and 1987-1994. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation is currently in a period of prolonged drought. Since 2001, the area has been classified as being under severe to extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, using the Palmer Drought Severity Index. The U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook predicts continuation of drought conditions, with some improvement, through at least June of 2005 (Figure 7).

Figure 7. U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook through June 2005 Source: National Weather Service, Climate Prediction Center, April 2005

16 Conservation Resource Areas (CRAs)

A Common Resource Area (CRA) is defined as a geographical area where resource concerns, problems, or treatment needs are similar. Landscape conditions, soil, climate, human considerations, and other natural resource information are used to determine the geographic boundaries of a Common Resource Area. The Pyramid Lake Indian reservation lies within portions of three common resource areas: 1) the Fallon-Lovelock Area Lahontan Basins and Low Uplands (CRA 27.1), 2) the Fallon-Lovelock Area Lahontan Mountains and High Fans (CRA 27.2) and 3) the Carson Basin and Mountains – Eastern Valleys and Uplands (CRA 26.2). These Common Resource Areas are described briefly in Table 5. Figure 8 displays the geographic extent of each CRA within the Reservation.

27.1 Fallon-Lovelock Area - This unit consists of the broad basins, fan piedmonts and low hills Lahontan Basins and Low influenced by Lake Lahontan. Soil temperature regimes are mostly mesic; Uplands soil moisture regime is aridic. Typical vegetation consists largely of shadscale, Bailey greasewood, black greasewood and Indian ricegrass. At high elevations, Wyoming big sagebrush and Lahontan sagebrush are common. Irrigated agriculture is widespread in the unit.

27.2 Fallon-Lovelock Area - This unit consists of the mountains, high fans and intermontane valleys Lahontan Mountains and that bordered ancient Lake Lahontan. Soil temperature regimes are High Fans mostly mesic and frigid; soil moisture regime is aridic or aridic bordering xeric. Common vegetation includes shadscale and Bailey greasewood on lower slopes; Wyoming big sagebrush, Lahontan sagebrush, low sagebrush, black sagebrush, Utah juniper and singleleaf pinyon.

26.2 Carson Basin and This unit includes the basins, fan piedmonts and low hills and mountains Mountains - Eastern on the east side of the major land resource area. The area is influenced Valleys and Uplands by the nearby Sierra Nevada range. Soil temperatures range from mesic to frigid; soil moisture regimes are aridic bordering xeric or xeric. Typical vegetation includes Wyoming big sagebrush, basin big sagebrush, low sagebrush, Lahontan sagebrush, Indian ricegrass, antelope bitterbrush and small areas of singleleaf pinyon-Utah juniper woodland.

Table 5. Conservation Resource Areas of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

17

Figure 8. Conservation Resource Areas within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

18 Soils

Portions of three published soil surveys cover the reservation: Washoe County, NV, Central Part –published in 1990; Washoe County, NV, South Part – published in 1995 and Fallon-Fernley Area, parts of Storey County, NV, - published in 1971. The soil surveys locate and identify significant natural boundaries of soils, delineated on aerial photographs at a scale of 1:24000. Soils within a delineated boundary comprise a soil map unit. Most map units are made up of two or more major soils and one to several soils of minor extent. Each of the soils within a map unit that supports native vegetation has been correlated to a specific ecological site. Detailed soils descriptions, chemical and physical data, and interpretations for various land uses are included in the soils survey manuscripts. The information is also on-line at the NRCS Soils Datamart website: http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/ The soil survey boundaries within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation are shown in Figure 9. In general, soils along the Truckee River flood plain and its stream terraces are nearly level, somewhat poorly drained, very deep, coarse to moderately fine textured soils. The adjacent uplands in the southern portion of the Reservation are commonly coarse-textured to sandy soils that are very deep, well drained or excessively drained. The soils of the upland mountains in this region are generally shallow, well drained, moderately-fine textured soils over basalt and tuff. In the central portion of the Reservation, soils in the west region vary from shallow to very deep, with moderately coarse to medium textures, and are well drained. The eastern region is dominantly mountainous terrain, overlain by shallow, well drained soils with medium to moderately fine textures and high rock contents. The valleys and alluvial fans support very deep, well drained to excessively drained soils that are coarse to moderately coarse textured. The northwestern portion of the Reservation contains a large area of playa, not classified as a soil type because of its inability to support vegetation. The mountains and hills of the northern Regions generally have well drained soils that range from shallow to moderately deep, with medium to moderately-fine textures. The lake terraces in this area are covered by very deep, well drained soils with moderately coarse to medium textures. A much generalized map shows the spatial extent of these broad soil association classes within the Reservation in Figure 10.

19

Figure 9. USDA-NRCS Soil Survey Area Boundaries

20

Figure 10. General Soils Map of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

21 Geology The geology of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation consists dominantly of Quaternary aged alluvium on remnant lake terraces and playas. Smaller areas of Tertiary volcanic rock underlie the hills and mountains with small inclusions of Jurassic and Mesozoic aged rock formation.

Figure 11. General Geology of the Pyramid Lake Area Source: Geologic Map of Nevada, compiled by J.H. Stewart and J.E. Carlson, 1978

22

The Pyramid Lake region is noted for its unique and interesting tufa formations. Tufa is a calcium carbonate rock, derived from a combination of spring and lake water. The tufa deposits near Pyramid Lake occur as large mounds of interlocking spheres or as reef-like sheet formations made up of branching and pendant-like forms. These deposits formed between 26,000 and 13,000 year ago, when calcium-laden spring waters discharged from the bottom of the ancient lake and combined with the dissolved carbonates in lake water. Five varieties of tufa have been classified at Pyramid Lake: lithoid, thinolite, dendritic, cemented beachrock, and porous coatings. These varieties combine to create the interesting tufa forms, such as pillows, tubes, sheets, drapes, spheres or barrels. Excellent examples of these formations are located near the Pyramid, Popcorn Rock, Indian Head Rock, Pelican Point, and the Needles Rocks. The reservation also contains areas of geothermal waters, currently being studied for potential use as energy sources. The most promising thermal regions exist near the Needles Rocks, the Nugent Region, and along major fault lines.

Air The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is in the process of developing an Ambient Air Monitoring Program to monitor and protect the ambient air quality within Reservation. Pyramid Lake is classified as a Class II Air Shed by the state of Nevada. The EPA classification system for the prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) of air quality uses Class I, Class II, and Class III categories. Class I airsheds are areas with pristine air quality, such as national parks, national monuments, or wilderness areas. Class II areas include all other areas in the United States; there are no areas in the United States with a Class III designation. Though the air quality at PLIR may actually qualify for a designation as a Class I Air Shed, it is a designation that is unlikely to be sought by the Tribe. Any area in pursuit of economic development will leave the option open for some allowable emissions. Within Washoe County, the cities of Reno and Sparks are in serious non-attainment for PM10, moderate non-attainment for the 8-hour carbon monoxide standard, and marginal non- attainment for ozone. The development along the I-80 corridor has triggered prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) classification for PM10, NO2, and SO2 in three hydrographic areas impacting Washoe and Storey Counties. The Nevada Department of Environmental protection (NDEP) announced that one of the three hydrographic areas (HA83, the Tracy Clark area) is at or has surpassed the increment for PM10 in both the 24-hour and annual standards and also surpassed the annual standard for NO2. The other two hydrographic areas will be areas for continued growth. Both of these areas are adjacent to the reservation on the western and southern boundaries. Less than 500 yards from the Reservation boundary is the Nevada Cement Company, a Title V facility. There are 51 air emission reporting facilities within a 25 mile radius of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Along the I-80 corridor, there are many industries such as the Tracy Clark Power Plant (a Title V source), Kaiser Aluminum, Eagle Pitcher Mine, Olinghouse Mine, and several new gravel-mining operations. Pollutants emitted from the above listed sources include, but are not limited to, PM, SO2, NO2, NH3, CO, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and formaldehydes. For over 50 years, the Sierra Army Depot has destroyed munitions by open burning and detonation only 12 miles from the Reservation. The munitions contain heavy metals and dozens

23 of organic and inorganic constituents, many of which are known carcinogens. Due to a lawsuit filed by the Tribe in April 2001, and eventual settlement in May 2002, SIAD has reduced operations to a half dozen emergency detonations per year. The status can change, however, under a declared state of national emergency. Pollutants generated on the Reservation also impact air quality. There are two gravel mining operations producing 560,000 tons of gravel per year. There are several abandoned gravel operations that contribute dust during high wind episodes. There are about 400 miles of road on the reservation; 250 miles are unpaved, with heavy commercial truck and vehicle use on 25% of these. Pyramid Lake is a destination recreational area, which results in high recreational vehicles and watercraft use throughout the year. Motor vehicle use coupled with the many unpaved roads contributes to non-point emissions from within the Reservation. Frequent fires throughout the summer months, occurring both locally and regionally, have resulted in numerous air quality alerts for the Washoe County area. The prolonged dry conditions in the West make smoke-filled air a recurring event. Pyramid Lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which has gradually receded since the Pleistocene. As a result of the gradual drying over time, much of the Pyramid Lake basin is playa that is easily affected by wind resulting in elevated PM episodes. Phase I Air quality samples are being collected during Year 1 and Year 2 for the following purposes:

• To determine ambient levels of PM10 on the Reservation. • To observe pollution trends throughout the region, including non-urban areas. • To develop, modify or activate control strategies that prevent or alleviate air pollution episodes. • To provide a database for research and evaluation of effects. • Determine the highest concentrations to occur in the area covered by the monitor. • Determine general background concentration levels • Enable PLPT to make assessments of its tribal air space. Tribal air quality has remained an unknown.

The information will be used: • To provide real-time data to the public via the tribal website • To submit air quality data to the EPA Air Quality System and other data collection agencies, such as AIRNow and the National Weather Service • To determine ambient levels of PM10 on the Reservation, and possible expand to sample ozone, NOx, and SOx The PLPT is also initiating regular meteorological monitoring as part of an integrated, Reservation-wide environmental protection effort. Tribal goals for environmental protection are to protect human health and natural resources. The objective of the Meteorological Monitoring Program is to characterize ambient meteorological conditions where ambient air quality measurements are made. The meteorological data are then used to support the air-monitoring

24 program. Parameters include wind speed, wind direction, wind direction variability (sigma theta), barometric pressure, ambient air temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation. The data generated from this project will help support air management, water resource management, smoke management, pesticide application, controlled burning, and energy planning. The information may be used to model air transport of pollutants.

Land Use

At the beginning of the CRMP planning process, land use was primarily open range for livestock grazing, residential areas, agriculture, and limited recreation. The Pyramid Lake Tribe has recently begun implementation of land use plans for both the residential and grazing regions, and is actively planning improvements in the Pyramid Lake and Truckee River planning regions. In 1999, the PLPT Environmental Department began working with the Pyramid Lake Cattlemen’s Association to update range unit boundaries and to implement new management strategies. The general land use plan used the new range management units as planning regions, and defined additional regions for the residential areas, river corridor, and lake regions. Figure 12 shows the general land use plan for the CRMP area. There are several small in-holdings of private land within the reservation boundary, known as fee lands (Figure 13). The Tribe is acquiring these lands as they become available, and has also acquired adjacent lands that are part of their traditional homeland. In 2001, the PLPT Economic Development Committee developed a 50-year land use plan for each of the residential communities. The plans address future growth and development through designated land use classes: agricultural land assignments, commercial use, commercial- recreation, industrial use, leased land, range land, residential, and open space (which includes the 100 year flood plain of the Truckee River). The “residential” regions are depicted in more detail in Figures 16 through 18. As of April, 2005, a more detailed Tribal Economic Development Plan is under development. The plan will provide an analysis of opportunities and constraints of natural resources use for economic development, with consideration to cultural and community concerns and preferences. Currently, the infrastructure is inadequate to address the future growth of proposed commercial and residential development. A Transportation Plan was completed in 2004 to help identify areas that need road and transportation improvements to provide sustainable future economic growth for the tribal communities.

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents • The Tufas of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. USGS Circular 1267, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

25 • Soil Survey of Washoe County, NV, Central Part, 1990. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Soil Survey of Washoe County, NV, South Part, 1995. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Soil Survey of Fallon-Fernley Area, parts of Storey County, NV, 1971. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Preliminary Geologic Map of the Sutcliffe Quadrangle, Nevada. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Project Plan for the Tribal Meteorological Air Monitoring Program. PLPT, Environmental Department 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

• Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the PM10 Tribal Air Monitoring System for Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Perry Canyon Site Investigation Report USACE Contract No. DACW45-03-D-001 September 2004. Prepared by MWH (Montgomery Watson Harza). [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Evaluating The Impact of Perry Canyon Acid Mine Drainage Washoe County, Nevada and Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation Brian Rasmussen Scott Tyler UNR Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences. December 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Environmental Impact Statement Olinghouse Mine Project September 1997 Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

26

Figure 12. General Land Use Plan for the Pyramid Lake Area

27

Figure 13. Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Fee Lands

28

Social and Cultural Background

Tribal Government and Demographics In 1859, the U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs reserved for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) 470,000 acres of land surrounding Pyramid Lake. In 1874, President Ulysses S. Grant signed an Executive Order confirming the status of the Tribal Reservation. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is organized pursuant to the provisions of Section 16 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, 25 U.S.C. Section 267, and is federally recognized by the United States Government. It is governed by 10 Tribal Council members consisting of the Tribal Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and eight Council Members. The Council members are elected bi- annually in December and serve for staggered two year terms. The Tribe operates under the Indian Reorganization Act Constitution and By-Laws approved on January 26, 1936 by the Department of Interior. According to the 2002 census, reservation residents numbered 1705 individuals. The majority of enrolled tribal members reside on the reservation, while approximately 12% of the members reside in other areas throughout the Western United States. Over 50 percent of the population resides in Wadsworth, 25 percent in Nixon, and 16 percent reside in Sutcliffe, Nevada. The majority of the reservation population is young, comprised of individuals under age thirty-five (35) years. The median age is thirty-two (32) years. In the community of Nixon, the primary employment is tribal government or agriculture. In Sutcliffe, the economy is dominantly recreational and small commercial enterprises. Development is limited by the lack of a suitable water supply and sewer system. The Wadsworth community is the commercial hub of the reservation, due to its strategic location on I-80. The majority of the population lives here, due in part to its easy commuting distance to jobs in Fernley and Reno. Much of the economy on the Pyramid Lake Reservation is based on fisheries operations, sports fishing and recreational activities at Pyramid Lake. In addition to these permit fees, the Tribe also receives lease revenue, and tax revenue. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has a 62% employment rate and a 38% unemployment rate. Employment includes office and sales occupations, construction, service industries, and professional or management occupations. Approximately 25 percent of the population works for PLPT tribal or other government operations. Several tribal members belong to the Pyramid Lake Cattleman's Cooperative Association and the Association utilizes the PLPT range land to operate and manage individual cattle herds. Small farms and ranching provide some income for the agricultural segment, dominantly through the sale of hay and cattle. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe facilitates a Government to Government Relationship with the Federal Government, which recognizes the federal trust responsibilities to the Tribe. Therefore, the Tribe contracts with or receives grants directly from Federal Agencies or the State of Nevada, to provide services to the tribal members and residents of the Reservation. Conservation technical assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is an example of these services, and was utilized to prepare this Comprehensive Resource Management Plan. Conservation and natural resources management are handled by various departments within the PLPT tribal structure. The Natural Resources Division consists of the Environmental Department and the Water Resources Department. The Environmental Department provides and manages

29 programs that assess tribal resources and develops plans for their enhancement or protection. The Water Resources Department deals with all issues concerning water rights, water quality and quantity of the Truckee River, and implements the agreements of the Truckee River – Carson River – Pyramid Lake Water Settlement Act (101-618). It also administers the PLPT tribal irrigation system. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program is responsible for preserving the endemic cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake and the lower Truckee River. The cui-ui is an endangered species that is found only at Pyramid Lake. This fish was the main dietary staple for the Paiutes before recent times. The tribal name in Paiute is “Kuyuidokado”, or Cui-ui Eater. Representatives from all three Departments meet regularly with the Tribal Chairman as an Interdisciplinary Team to discuss resource concerns and coordinate resource management activities.

Cultural Considerations Any land use or property development must consider the desires and values of the tribal people and the potential impacts on their culture and heritage. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation and its surrounding lands are the ancestral homeland for the Paiute people. The Lake and many other sites have sacred and cultural importance to the Tribe. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s ceremonial, cultural, and spiritual ties to the Creator are maintained through nature and the natural resources it provides. Native American people are tied to the land and most still live in the area of their ancestral homelands. Tribal members use many species of plants for native foods, fiber, dyes, and medicine. Needed food and subsistence items come from riparian and wetland resources, montane resources, and desert resources. The use of both plant and animal resources by Native Americans increases the likelihood of negative impacts due to loss of natural habitat or exposure to environmental contaminants. Contaminant exposure pathways are not limited to food intake. Exposure may occur during the acts of gathering and preparation. Important to consider are cultural activities such as reed gathering, basket making, medicinal poultices, and use of sweat lodges. The following considerations must be part of the decision-making process: • Tribal sovereignty and Government to Government relationships • Protection and preservation of Cultural Resources both on and off the reservation, some on private land • Traditional use of the land, including agriculture, farming, ranching, hunting, and traditional uses of native plants • Cultural and esthetic value of the natural environment and open space • Preservation of culture, language, and native ways of life • Potential impact of social changes related to economic development • Review and approval of proposed studies and actions by the Tribal Council • Tribal consultation on proposed disturbance to ancestral or traditional use areas on or outside of the Reservation

A number of native species are harvested and used by Tribal members for many purposes. Plants and animals may be used for ceremonial purposes, food, medicine, basketry material, dyes, and

30 arts and crafts. A list of common plant species utilized by the Paiutes and other tribes is exhibited in Table 6. Common Name Paiute Name Scientific Name Use Alkali bullrush Alkali rye Antelope bitterbrush Aster, dwarf purple Dumbassop Erigeron medicinal Aster, dwarf yellow Ak-gwe-shuh Erigeron medicinal Bisquitroot Lomatium nevadense, Austinea sacred medicinal plant/ food Bitter Root Kanigda Lewisia rediviva food Black currants Non hal wa Ribes petiolare food Blue gilia Buckwheat Naka-donup Eriogonum spp. medicinal tea from roots Bunch grass Sopeeva food Camas Kogi Camassia esculenta food Cat Tail Tabu'oo Typha latifolia food Chokecherry Daw-esha-bui Prunus virginiana. food Columbine Pah aha na habu Aquilegia spp. medicinal Curly Dock Pawia Rumex crispus food and medicinal Elderberry Sambucus racemosa food and medicinal Golden currants Pokops Ribes aureum food Greasewood Tonobe Horehound Marrubium vulgare medicinal Indian Balsam Toza Lomatium dissectum medicinal Indian gum root Indian paintbrush Dosh mooye hanguna Castilleja spp. medicinal Indian ricegrass Wye food from seed indian tea/mormon tea Tsurupe Ephedra viridis beverage and medicinal Juniper Juniperus utahensis medicinal Larkspur Delphinium andersonii medicinal Lupine Meadow barley Quasi wahah Hordeum californicum Mountain Mahogany Mullein Verbascum spp. Nut Grass Taboose cyperus rotundus food Onion Allium spp. food and medicinal Osier Dogwood Atsa wish tsi danabu Cuscutta spp. medicinal Purple Sage Salvia dorii medicinal Sagebrush Sawabe Artemisia spp. medicinal, dye Sego Lily Kogi Calochortus nuttallii food, beverage Silver Buffalo Berry Weapuwi Shepherdia argentea food Spearmint Sunflower Ah-kerh Balsamorrhiza sagittata Gum from root, food from seed Three-lobed sumac See a wimb Rhus trilobata beverage, dye Valerian Gwee-ya Valeriana edulis medicinal Veiny Dock Oanatsagodedu Rumex venosus medicinal Watercress Rorippa nasturnium - aquaticum food and medicinal wheatgrass Wild peach Tsanavi Prunus anderonii medicinal tea from branches Willow tsube medicinal and basketry material Salix spp. Woods rose Tsiavl Rosa woodsii. medicinal.beverage, food, dye Yellow bee plant Pokusinop Cleome serrulata Table 6. Partial List of Traditionally Used Plants

31 Summary of Resource Concerns: • Loss of traditional homelands and hunting/gathering grounds • Need for cultural resources evaluation and protection protocol • Need for economic development to provide local employment opportunities to decrease high unemployment rate • Loss of important wildlife and cultural resources at wetlands of Winnemucca Lake • Prevention of contamination of traditionally used natural resources through chemical use or pollution

Resource Opportunities • Land acquisition of traditional lands bordering reservation • Tribal authority over cultural resource issues, through establishment of Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) • Development of tribal protocol for emergency cultural site assessments, i.e. Fire control • Development of Ethnobotanical Garden and Educational Center at Tribal Museum and Pyramid Lake High School • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value throughout the Reservation

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Habitat Evaluation for Winnemucca Lake, Huffman & Associates, 1994. • United States Census Data. http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html [website] • PLPT Community Needs Assessment, PLPT Planning Department, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Edible and Medicinal Plants, TMCC Course Notes, Nelson, L. 1999. [NRCS State Office] • Uses of Native Plants by Nevada Indians, Reed, F. 1971. [NRCS State Office] • Contributions Toward a Flora of Nevada No. 45: Medicinal Uses of Plants by Indian Tribes of Nevada. Archer, A. 1957. [NRCS State Office] • A Short Resource History of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Knack, M. Ethnohistory, Winter 77, Vol. 24, Issue 1, p. 47. [UNR library] • Wetland Adaptations of the Great Basin: papers from the Twenty-first Great Basin Anthropological Conference, Brigham Young University, 1990. . [UNR library] • Cultural Persistence in Western Nevada: the Pyramid Lake Paiutes. Wihr, W., UC Berkeley, 1988. . [UNR library] • Indians of Coo-yee Pah: the History of the Pyramid Lake Indians. Shaw, N. 1978. [UNR library]

32 Planning Regions

Overview The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan (CRMP) for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation is organized into eighteen planning regions, based on location, ecological sites and planned land use (Figure 14). Thirteen of these regions are planned for livestock grazing and wildlife use. The three communities (Wadsworth, Nixon, and Sutcliffe) are each a designated planning region. A separate region is defined for the Truckee River corridor and also for Pyramid Lake. Detailed descriptions of each planning region, along with the resource concerns and opportunities, begin on page 33. Each section provides a brief background and overview of the region, a listing of major resource concerns, a list of recommended conservation practices, and a reference list of more detailed studies and information. More detailed plans exist for each PLPT Resource Office (Environmental, Water Resources, and Fisheries) as well as an overall Economic Development Plan for the Reservation. These are available through the appropriate Pyramid Lake Tribal Offices.

Figure 14. Pyramid Lake Planning Regions

33 Residential Regions: Wadsworth, Nixon and Sutcliffe

Figure 15. Residential Region Locations

34

Wadsworth

Wadsworth is located near the southern tip of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Interstate Highway I-80 traverses the region just south of the main residential area, and provides an economic opportunity for commercial, transportation and tourism enterprises. The town of Fernley is less than four miles from Wadsworth, providing several options for shopping, dining, and services. Its proximity to I-80 and relatively short distance to Reno (32 miles) and Fallon (32 miles) make it a practical living location for commuters. The majority of the tribal population resides in Wadsworth, as well as numerous people who are not PLPT members. The Wadsworth region contains several private in-holdings of land, known as “fee-lands”. The population is expected to grow to 2200 inhabitants by the year 2025. A number of tribal facilities area located in Wadsworth. These include the I-80 Smoke Shop, the Big Bend Ranch and trailer park, the Paiute Pit gravel source, a sewage plant, and sold waste transfer facilities. Wadsworth is located along the Truckee River as it bends northward to Pyramid Lake (Big Bend). This location makes it susceptible to flooding from upstream sources during major flood events. Many stretches of the river are currently incised and disconnected to its former flood plain, increasing the risk of overbank flooding during major storms. In addition, rapidly expanding urban growth in the Reno/Sparks area has increased upstream runoff to the Truckee River. The existing water and waste facilities are not adequate for the expected growth and development of the Wadsworth area. The current use of 300 acre-feet of water is expected to increase to 1500 acre-feet by 2025. Local aquifers are very complex and unpredictable because of numerous fluvial clay lenses in the vadose zone. Currently, separate wells and water systems exist for the tribal residential areas, Washoe County residents, Natchez School, the Smoke Shop, and the Big Bend facilities. Problems with a consistent water supply and with drinking water quality have occurred. Contaminant sources exist within the drawdown area for some of these wells, and Wellhead Protection Plan was recently developed by the Tribe. Sewage is handled through a combination of sewage lines, lift station, a sewage lagoon and individual septic tanks. This facility is in need of replacement to meet the demands of population and economic growth. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has recently completed a feasibility study and a Master Plan for water and sewage infrastructure in the Wadsworth area. Partnerships are being formed and funding is being sought to assist in the implementation of the plan elements. Several sources of nonpoint pollution affect the Wadsworth area. These include air pollution from Interstate 80, upwind urban areas, the Tracey Power Plant, and local gravel and mining operations. Water pollution occurs from upstream sediment sources, agricultural pesticides, urban runoff, and sewage treatment effluent.

35

Figure 16. 50 Year Land Use Plan – Wadsworth Region As approved by the PLPT Tribal Council, 2000

36 Summary of Resource Concerns • Risk of flooding during major storm events with need for flood protection • Water quality impairment o Septic tanks o Nonpoint source pollution – mining; sediment; agricultural pesticides; gravel operations; Olinghouse Mine o Wellhead protection plan needs implementation and refinement • Water quantity o Unpredictable well sources o Inadequate infrastructure and delivery system for sustained growth and economic development o Need for increased capacity for future growth • Inadequate waste management facilities o Need for larger-capacity, modern waste processing facility • Air quality impairment o Pollution transport from Reno/Sparks to downwind reservation communities o Emissions from vehicles along I-80 o Wind erosion from local construction sites, gravel and mining operations o Risk of wild fires • Lack of monetary resources to complete water/sewer infrastructure plan • Economic Development o Need for local employment opportunities • Land Inholdings (Fee Lands) within Reservation boundary • Invasive Species – including weeds, insect pests, and bullfrogs

Recommended Conservation Practices • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management • Conservation Cover • Firebreak • Flood Control • Pest Management • Recreation Area Improvement • Recreation Trail and Walkway • Tree/Shrub Establishment • Windbreak/shelterbelt establishment

37 Resource Opportunities • Water conservation plan o Incentive payments for water conservation o Installation of water meters • Dust control on dirt roads • Septic tank maintenance and pumping program • Recreational Development – golf course, resort, bike path • Industrial and commercial development • Residential expansion • Use of native and drought tolerant plants for landscaping and harvesting

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Water System Master Plan, Wadsworth, Nevada. Stetson Engineers, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Wellhead Protection Area Delineation and Drinking Water Source Evaluation, Stetson Engineering, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Emergency Response Plan. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] o Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Plan o Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Plan • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Air Monitoring Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Solid Waste Program . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Transportation Plan 2004. Ayala & Associates, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Draft Tribal Economic Development Plan, 2004. [PLPT Economic Developer] • PLPT Community Needs Assessment, PLPT Planning Department, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Evaluation of Groundwater and Solute Transport in the Fernley-Wadsworth Area. Desert Research Institute, Publication No. 41173. Pohll, G. et al, Nov. 2001. [Desert Research Institute Library] • Master Plan for local Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal System for Wadsworth and Vicinity. Stetson Engineers Inc. 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.]

38 Nixon

Nixon is the seat of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Headquarters, and includes the Tribal Administration offices, Housing Authority, the Tribal Police, Tribal Court, and the Natural Resources Division, consisting of the Environmental Department and the Water Resources Department. Tribal facilities include a post office, the Tribal Visitor Center and Museum, the Head Start Program, Nixon Day Care, Pyramid Lake Health Clinic, Nixon Store, and the Pyramid Lake High School. Nixon has a transfer facility for solid waste, but homes and businesses are still on septic systems. Most residents of this community have small agricultural assignments along the Truckee River, used predominantly for the production of alfalfa. The alfalfa is commonly used as winter feed for small personal cattle operations, or occasionally for local sale. A fishery facility is located at Marble Bluff, north of Nixon, and is operated jointly by the Tribe and USFWS. Residential growth is expected in the Nixon area and is limited by the current infrastructure. There is a need for utilities infrastructure and cost-effective lot size and locations. Water quality and waste management are also concerns for Nixon. A community wastewater facility is needed to replace the current residential and business septic systems. The existing water distribution lines are in poor condition and are constructed of asbestos cement piping. Many of the septic tanks have exceeded their expected lifespan and have ceased to function properly. The Tribe has recently increased water distribution and capacity for the town through construction of a new storage tank and water conveyance lines west of route 446 and to the Pyramid lake High School. The wellhead protection plan needs to be modified to include changes to the Nixon water system.

39

Figure 17. 50 Year Land Use Plan – Nixon Region As approved by PLPT Tribal Council, 2000

40 Summary of Resource Concerns: • Water quality impairment o Septic tanks o Need to modify wellhead protection plan o Asbestos cement distribution pipes need to be replaced • Water quantity o Inadequate infrastructure and delivery system for sustained growth and economic development o Need for increased capacity for future growth • Inadequate waste management facilities o Need for modern waste processing facility • Air quality impairment o Emissions from vehicles along NV Highway 447 o Wind erosion o Risk of wild fires • Lack of monetary resources to complete water/sewer infrastructure plan • Economic Development o Need for local employment opportunities • Invasive Species – including weeds, insect pests, and bullfrogs

Recommended Conservation Practices • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management • Conservation Cover • Firebreak • Pest Management • Recreation Area Improvement • Recreation Trail and Walkway • Tree/Shrub Establishment • Windbreak/shelterbelt establishment

Resource Opportunities • Septic tank maintenance and pumping program • Water conservation plan o Price incentives for water conservation o Installation of water meters • Increased tourism industry and associated facilities

41 • Recreational Development • Residential expansion • Use of native and drought tolerant plants for landscaping and harvesting • Development of Ethnobotanical Garden and Educational Center at Tribal Museum and Pyramid Lake High School

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Wellhead Protection Area Plan, Stetson Engineering, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Emergency Response Plan. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] o Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Plan o Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Plan • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Air Monitoring Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Solid Waste Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Transportation Plan 2004. Ayala & Associates, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Draft Tribal Economic Development Plan, [PLPT Economic Developer] • PLPT Community Needs Assessment, PLPT Planning Department, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner]

42 Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe is located on the west side of the lake, a few miles north of the Pyramid Lake Highway (NV 445) from Sparks and Reno. It is the main access for recreational use of the lake, and is a common destination for fishermen, campers, and day-users. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries offices are located here, as is the David Dunn LCT Hatchery, the Koch Cui-ui Hatchery, Ranger Station, Pyramid Lake Fisheries Lake Operations and Marina. Some private in-holdings (fee lands) are also located in the Sutcliffe Region. Pyramid Lake Fisheries provides employment for several tribal members, at the Fisheries Administrative Offices, the Adeline Davis Resource Laboratory, and the fish hatchery facilities. Sutcliffe is serviced by a sold waste transfer station and a sewage lagoon system.

Water quality and quantity are major concerns for the Sutcliffe area. The current water supply contains high levels of iron sulfide, manganese and sediment and also small amounts of arsenic. Contaminated waters from the Parry Canyon mines, located west of the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe, contain 320 times the acceptable level of arsenic. This mining area overlies the recharge area for the main drinking water aquifer (in Mullen Pass) for the Sutcliffe area. The local aquifer supply of this water is likely to decrease in the near future because of nearby urban expansion and water use in Palomino Valley. Several detailed feasibility studies for water development in the Sutcliffe area have been done by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service. No suitable water sources have been found other than Mullen Pass. Further studies are required, as no back-up well currently exists for the community system.

43

Figure 18. 50 Year Land Use Plan - Sutcliffe As approved by PLPT Tribal Council, 2000

44

Summary of Resource Concerns • Water quantity and quality o Iron sulfide, manganese, arsenic levels above new SPWA standard (15 ppm), and sediment in water system o Decreasing water supply o No back-up well for community system o Upslope contamination from mining and development • Air quality o Emissions from vehicles on NV highways 445 and 446 o Wind erosion o Risk of wild fires • Waste management assessment and plan needed • Economic Development o Need for local employment opportunities • Invasive Species – including weeds, insect pests, and bullfrogs

Recommended Conservation Practices • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management • Conservation Cover • Firebreak • Pest Management • Recreation Area Improvement • Recreation Trail and Walkway • Tree/Shrub Establishment • Windbreak/shelterbelt establishment

Resource Opportunities • Water conservation plan o Price incentives for water conservation o Installation of water meters • Increased tourism industry and associated facilities • Recreational Development • Residential expansion • Use of native and drought tolerant plants for landscaping and harvesting

45

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Wellhead Protection Area Plan, Stetson Engineering, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Emergency Response Plan. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] o Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Plan o Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Plan • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Air Monitoring Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Solid Waste Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Transportation Plan 2004. Ayala & Associates, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Draft Tribal Economic Development Plan. [PLPT Economic Developer] • PLPT Community Needs Assessment, PLPT Planning Department, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] • Evaluating the Impact of Perry Canyon Acid Mine Drainage. UNR Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.]

46 Truckee River Region

Background The lower 31 miles of the Truckee River flow through the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, from below the Wadsworth region, where it bends northward, to Nixon, and then to its delta at Pyramid Lake near Marble Bluff. It is the only permanent inflow of water to Pyramid Lake. The river is important spawning habitat for two important fish species: the endangered cui-ui and the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout. The riparian habitat along the river is also an important ecosystem for a large diversity of plant and animal species. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe designated the 100 year flood plain of the lower Truckee River as open-space in their 50 Year Land Use Plan. This corridor will serve as a riparian buffer zone to address environmental concerns, help control pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat.

Figure 19. Truckee River Corridor through the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

47 Water from the Truckee River is heavily utilized upstream for multiple uses: urban, agricultural, recreational, and environmental. The lower Truckee River has a recent history of drastic flow change, down-cutting, and degradation caused by human-related activities. During the past 100 years, several dams and water diversions have been constructed, channel morphology has been manipulated, and exotic fish species and invasive plants have been introduced. In addition, urban activities in the Reno area and agricultural activities in Fernley have contributed to water quality degradation in the downstream reaches of the Truckee River. Agricultural drainage and treated municipal effluent contribute to salt and nutrient loafs in the river. The first project under the Reclamation Act of 1902 was the construction of Derby Dam for Truckee River water diversion to the Newlands Project in Fallon, Nevada, over 30 miles to the east. When the Newlands irrigation project began operation in 1905, no water rights were appropriated to Pyramid Lake. Between 1918 and 1970, the Derby Dam diverted an average of 250,000 acre-feet of water per year, about 50 percent of the total flow, for offsite irrigation and power generation. Not until 1944, with the Orr Ditch Decree, were water rights established for the reservation, and the Tribe was appropriated only 32,000 acre-feet for agricultural purposes. The important lake and fisheries operations were not considered, and no additional water rights were allocated. Between 1905 and 1967, the level of Pyramid Lake dropped 80 feet, exposing the delta and incising the lowermost river reaches. Winnemucca Lake, whose source of water had been the overflow from Pyramid Lake through Mud Slough, was completely depleted of water by 1940. The extensive, shallow water habitat was an important source of food and fiber to the Paiutes, and an important feeding ground for the American white pelicans The cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake were unable to adapt to the sudden changes in water regime and the drop in lake level that cut the fish off from their spawning habitat in the Truckee River. The Lahontan cutthroat trout were extirpated by 1938. The Lower Truckee River was channelized and straightened in the 1960s by the Army Corps of engineers for upstream flood control. The loss of its natural channel shape, followed by major flood events, caused rapid downcutting and destabilization of the river. Over the past 40 years, the river has begun to adjust its morphology towards equilibrium, especially in the stretch between Wadsworth and Numana A period of short-term instability, marked by widening of the channel and increased sedimentation, is resulting in new river meanders and the building of new flood plains adjacent to the new channel. After a severe population decline for both species, to a point of near extinction, the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout were protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and recovery plans were initiated to protect, enhance and strive towards de-listing these species. The Tribe engaged in extensive legal battles for control of their water resources during the 1970s. Not until 1982 was the Tribe able to obtain sufficient water rights to begin restoration efforts for the two threatened and endangered fish species. In 1990, the participated in a negotiated settlement (Public Law 101-618, the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act) with the Federal Government, the State of Nevada, the State of California, and Sierra Pacific Power Company. The Settlement Act provided authority to acquire sufficient water to promote cui-ui recovery; change the timing of flows in the Truckee River to benefit fish spawning; improve fish passage facilities; restore the river’s riparian area; provide for water transfer to Stampede Reservoir for Pyramid Lake fisheries; established a Trust Fund to support fishery operations at Pyramid Lake; and provided for an economic development fund for the Tribe In 1999, the Truckee River Operating Agreement – Memorandum of Agreement (TROA- MOA) delineated the roles and responsibilities of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the U.S. Fish

48 and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the management of waters designated for the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout. A Conservation and Management Plan and an Annual Water Management Plan were created under this agreement, intended to be managed by the Tribe in collaboration with the other agencies.

Dams and Diversions Several diversions and dams were built on the reservation for irrigation and erosion control, as shown in Figure 20. Most of these structures are barriers to fish passage and are in need of repair and/or redesign. Many diversion intakes on the lower Truckee River do not have adequate fish screens to prevent the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout from being diverted into the ditches. Marble Bluff Dam was constructed in 1976 to provide grade control for the rapidly head-cutting river system to slow the bank erosion and degradation of the upstream riparian ecosystem. A fish channel was constructed to provide access to LCT spawning grounds, but has not functioned properly. An elevator system, operated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is used to manually lift the migrating cui-ui from the river delta to the river elevation upstream of the dam. Numana Dam was built in 1917 to divert water to the Nixon irrigation unit. Numana Dam was evaluated for fish passage by the Corps of Engineers. Water velocity and pools are passable for Lahontan cutthroat trout, but not for the cui-ui. The Water Resources Department is currently working on the redesign or potential removal of Numana Dam. One proposed solution is to remove the dam, and replace it with a channel and intake structure upstream near the USGS gauging station. A rock diversion and pump for the Gardella Ditch are obstacles to the migration of juvenile LCT. Another diversion structure at Fellnagle Dam, which provides water to private landholdings on the west side of the river, lacks a head gate or water control structure. It also impedes migration of juvenile LCT. The Wadsworth irrigation unit receives water from a diversion at Proctor Dam and from pumps with diversion structures at Olinghouse No. 1 and Olinghouse No. 3. The Tribe, together with the USFW, has recently renovated the Olinghouse diversions and pumps to provide fish passage, improve irrigation water conveyance, and stabilize adjoining stream banks. Proctor Dam diverts water to the eastern and southern fields, which requires a high head for delivery. It is therefore a major obstruction to fish passage. An alternative for water delivery to the east side is possible with ditching or pipelines. However, the west side requires a high dam for sufficient head. Pearson Dam provides water to the Big Bend area. The existing rock diversion structure causes bank erosion below the structure. Its height also impedes the passage of juvenile LCT. Derby Dam, installed in 1905, originally had fish passage facilities, but they were destroyed by flooding soon after installation. In 2003, during the renovation of Derby Dam, the Bureau of Reclamation installed new baffles to improve fish passage at the dam. The effectiveness of this structure is currently being assessed.

49

Figure 20 . Lower Truckee River Dams and Diversions

50

Riparian Ecosystem The lower Truckee River is an important habitat and spawning site for both the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Two major goals for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program are to improve the quality of fish habitat in the river and to re-establish a naturally reproducing population of cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout in the Truckee River. The Conservation and Management Plan for the Lower Truckee River provides a basic assessment of the local watershed conditions and outlines restoration strategies to improve ecosystem function and recovery of the native fish species. The habitat recovery is to facilitate fish populations that are self-sustaining. The PLPT Environmental Department and the Pyramid Lake Fisheries are actively involved with river monitoring and restoration efforts. Some of the wetlands and small sections of river banks have been restored or enhanced with bank sloping, weed control, and reestablishment of native vegetation.

Geomorphology The lower Truckee River is still adjusting to the extreme straightening and down-cutting of the river since the 1960s. Aerial photography interpretation indicates that the river has become straighter, wider and less confined than a century ago. Human related activities and major flood events have contributed to increased steepness of channel banks, eroded floodplains, decreasing woody vegetation in riparian areas, and formation of high terraces removed from the floodplain. Many stretches of the river are in a depositional phase because of heavy sediment loads caused by erosion. Much of the river is disconnected to the former floodplain, and is causing bank erosion as part of the geomorphic processes of adjustment to its new base level. Loss of the floodplain prevents the natural periodic inundation of the riparian area, necessary for water storage during flood events and crucial for cottonwood reproduction and recruitment. After severe disturbance and down-cutting, a few stretches of the river are beginning to equilibrate and heal. Other stretches are severely degraded and will require bioengineering and some structural restoration.

Vegetation The riparian community on the Lower Truckee River has changed drastically since the late 1930s. The former lush riparian zone decreased from 1000 to 2000 feet in width to less than 150 feet wide by 1998. The river is now entrenched and disconnected from its floodplain, which has lowered the water table and affected recruitment and regeneration of the riparian zone. The lower Truckee River riparian community was surveyed by the PLPT Environmental Staff to assess riparian condition and function (Proper Functioning Condition). This information will be used to prioritize areas for restoration and enhancement, as well as serve as a base for future monitoring. Four major vegetative communities currently populate the river corridor. The wetlands adjacent to the river and in old oxbows support aquatic vegetation such as bullrush, sedges, duckweed and grasses. The cottonwood-willow-riparian forest occupies the narrow, active channel and floodplain of the river. The dominant species are Fremont cottonwood, black willow, and coyote willow. The riparian scrub community, further from the bank, consists of black willow, coyote willow, big sagebrush, silverleaf buffalo berry, and rubber rabbitbrush. The

51 sagebrush steppe upland community consists dominantly of Lahontan big sagebrush, shadscale, black greasewood and perennial bunch grasses and forbs. Table 7 is a list of common species of the lower Truckee River riparian complex. There is a general lack of wetlands and transitional riparian areas, marked by low diversity and stratification of riparian species. In 1994, USEPA Clean Lakes and US Fish & Wildlife funds were used by the Tribe to fence the upland grazing areas from the river corridor. This prevents the cattle from localizing along the water course and grazing the tips of newly established cottonwoods and riparian vegetation during critical growing periods. Several exotic and noxious weeds have invaded the river corridor, including salt cedar or tamarisk (Tamarix sp.), Russian olive (Eleagnus augustifolia), tall whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). A dense stand of salt cedar has populated the river delta at Pyramid Lake and the lowest reaches of the river. Tall whitetop is rapidly spreading downstream from the upper watershed, and has established dense monoculture stands in fallow agricultural areas and abandoned flood plains.

52 Species Description & habitat Salt Cedar Invasive; roots can reach 30 feet (Tamarix chinensis) in depth, facultative phreatophyte Species represented in the riparian complex Sandbar willow Native; facultative, rhizomatous, Great Basin wildrye Native; adapted to saline/alkaline (Salix exigua) intolerant of shade, occurs in (Leymus cinereus) lowlands and floodplains; does alluvial or fluvial areas. not tolerate continuous grazing Important for wildlife habitat

Creeping meadow Non-native; rhizomatous, Water sedge Native; early successional, foxtail facultative, moderate salt/alkali (Carex aquatilis) obligate, rhizomatous (Alopecurus pratensis) tolerance Sweet Clover Non-native; intolerant of shade Creeping wildrye Native; rhizomatous, (Melilotus sp.) and acidic soil (Leymus triticoides) saline/alkaline tolerant, seedlings do not compete well but mature Western Chokecherry Native; intolerant of poor plants are long-lived (Prunus virginiana) drainage and prolonged flooding; grows in very acid to moderately Inland saltgrass Native; establish by sprigging; alkaline soils (Distichlis spicata) irrigation required for establishment; salt tolerant Table 7. Lower Truckee River Riparian Species List; Smooth brome Non-native; moderate salt and compiled from inventories and data from the PLPT (Bromus inermis) wetness tolerance Environmental Department.

Stream bank Native; has low wetness wheatgrass tolerance and moderate salt/alkali (Elymus trachycaulus) tolerance

Thickspike wheatgrass Native; moderate salt and (Elymus lanceolatus) wetness tolerance

Western wheatgrass Native; prefers fine-textured (PascopyrumSmithii) soils; rhizomatous

Booth Willow Native; prefers moist sandy or (Salix boothii) gravelly soils, shade intolerant, rhizomatous

Buffaloberry Native; grows in moist to (Shepherdia argentea) seasonally wet, well drained soils

Cattail Non-native; obligate (Typha sp.)

Elderberry Native; prefers moist, well- (Sambucus cerulea) drained full sun areas, for excellent wildlife

Fremont cottonwood Native; extremely important for (Populus fremontii) wildlife habitat, particularly raptors

Baltic Rush Native; facultative, early (Juncus balticus) successional species, rhizomatous

Purple Loosestrife Invasive; prefers sunny areas and (Lythrum salicaria) grow best in moist or saturated soils, has high flood tolerance

Russian Olive Invasive; tolerant of high (Elaeagnus salinity/alkalinity, periodic angustifolia) flooding, and drought

53

Proper Functioning Condition

An assessment of the Lower Truckee River’s condition was performed by the PLPT Environmental Department in 2002. The inventory process followed the interagency protocol for determining Proper Functioning Condition developed by the US Department of the Interior. A riparian-wetland area is considered to be properly functioning when adequate vegetation, landform, or large woody debris are present to: 1. dissipate stream energy associated with high water flow 2. filter sediment, capture bedload, and aid floodplain development 3. improve flood water retention and ground water condition 4. develop root masses that stabilize and protect streambanks from erosion 5. develop diverse ponding and channel characteristics to provide habitat, water depth, duration, and temperature for fish production, waterfowl breeding, and other uses 6. support greater biodiversity

Using the above-mentioned definition and standard PFC inventory forms, stratified sampling of fifteen river stretches was completed. Data were gathered on local hydrology, vegetation, erosion, and deposition. An evaluation of specific parameters for each of these resources was used to determine functional rating: Proper Functioning, Functional – At Risk, Nonfunctional, or Unknown. The Tribal Wetland Specialist used the PFC data and field experience to identify potential river restoration sites, where current conditions contribute to potential success of planned practices. A visual summary of the data is shown in Figure 21. The PLPT Environmental Department houses the vegetative transect data and PFC worksheets.

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Figure 21. Proper Functioning Condition Classes of the Lower Truckee River

55

Water The degradation and loss of stable channel morphology and riparian vegetation along the lower Truckee River has also affected water temperature and water quality. Inadequate channel depth and lack of shaded banks has resulted in higher water temperatures and decreased levels of dissolved oxygen, necessary for fish survival. The Lower Truckee River was designated by the Nevada Division of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency as an Impaired Water Body in 2002, due to total phosphorus, turbidity, and temperature problems. Mercury has also been noted in the stream bed, transported from Steamboat Creek. The PLPT Environmental Department operates a Water Pollution Control Program, under a USEPA Performance Partnership Grant. Under this program, the Environmental Department conducts water quality and bioassessment monitoring on surface waters within the Reservation. The Tribe has established PLPT Water Quality Standards, as part of the 2004 Water Quality Control Plan. The standards have been submitted to USEPA for final approval. The river is managed and sampled for water quality at five sites along four major stretches: 1)Pierson Dam to the Wadsworth Bridge; 2) Wadsworth Bridge to Dead Ox Wash; 3) Dead Ox Wash to the Nixon Bridge; and 4) Nixon Bridge to Marble Bluff. Four additional nonpoint pollution source sites near the river are also sampled. Data collection occurs monthly, and includes water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, total phosphorus, and dissolved reactive phosphorus. During base flows in late August to early September, the Environmental Department also conducts annual bioassessments at Lower Nixon, Little Nixon, Canyon, Dead Ox Wash, S_S Ranch, and Pierson monitoring sites. This involves collecting aquatic insects, conducting riparian/bank/vegetation river substrate assessments, and collecting water for nutrient analysis. The bioassessment are used for trend analysis of river health and sustainability for fish and aquatic life. The Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF) maintains two continuous monitoring stations within the Reservation, at Wadsworth and at Marble Bluff. Hourly readings of temperature, pH, specific conductance and dissolved oxygen are available online at http://www.tmwrf.com/facility_data/river_monitoring/. The TROA-MOA Conservation and Management Plan provides data and guidelines to set and manage in-stream flows for river restoration and T&E habitat improvement. Detailed sections describe the geomorphology, riparian area, fisheries, and a long-term water management plan. Flows regimes proposed in the Conservation and Management Plan for the Lower Truckee River include the timing and flow management for fish, cottonwood recruitment, water quality, channel morphology, and a minimum flow for biological survival.

Wetlands Associated with the riparian corridor are wetlands in sloughs, old oxbows, and near springs. The Tribe completed a wetland I inventory of these and other wetlands within the reservation (Figure 22). The inventory is supplemented with an assessment of biological indicators of wetland health. Some of the wetlands and small sections of the river bank have been restored or enhanced with bank sloping, weed control, and reestablishment of native species.

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Figure 22. Wetlands near the Lower Truckee River Corridor Source: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Dept.

57

Summary of Resource Concerns • Water quality (sediment, nutrients, nitrates, TDS, mercury) • Nonpoint sources of contaminants: o Paiute Pit, o S_S Ranch tile drains o Numana wetland outflow o Herman Ditch (proposed for closure) • Increased discharge of Reno-Sparks sewage facilities due to rapid population expansion, which is increasing nutrient loading and associated algal blooms • High water temperature • Lack of flow to dilute pollutants during drought conditions • Diversion of water to Fallon area, including PLPT designated waters in excess of irrigation needs • Increased upstream water use in Reno-Sparks area due to rapid urban expansion • Lack of water during growing season • Diminishing biodiversity of macroinvertebrates • Loss of natural hydraulic flow regimes, essential to maintain aquatic, riparian and associated wetland functions • Loss of natural flooding cycles, necessary for cottonwood reproduction • Entrenchment of river channel and disconnection from flood plain • Obstructions to fish passage: dams and diversion • Downcut banks • Inequilibrium of river morphology • Tree destruction by beaver • Presence of noxious purple loosestrife and water milfoil upstream • Poorly vegetated reach between Numana Dam and Dead Ox Canyon • Flooding • Invasive, non-native, fish and amphibian species causing problems with competition, predation, and hybridization • Lack of habitat diversity within river and along riparian zone • Obstructions to fish passage • Diversion structures lack adequate fish screens

58 Recommended Conservation Practices • Detailed inventory of stream habitat and channel morphology • Detailed vegetation survey and assessment for 100-year flood plain • Beaver population control • Critical Area Planting • Early Successional Habitat Development and Management • Fish Passage • Pest management of invasive and noxious plant species • Pest management of damaging insects and invasive animal species • Recreation Area Improvement • Recreation Trail and Walkway • Restoration and management of Declining Habitats • Riparian Herbaceous Cover • Shallow Water management for Wildlife • Stream Crossing • Streambank and Shoreline Protection • Tree/Shrub Establishment • Use exclusion of critical areas • Wetland enhancement • Wetland restoration • Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management

Resource Opportunities • Water rights acquisition • Flow management o to decrease water temperature o to promote natural riparian species recruitment and recovery o to provide periodic overbank flows to improve and maintain riparian and riverine biological functions • Water Banking (mitigation) • Flood control • Establish Riparian Buffer (Green belt) on 100-year flood plain o Provide legal protection of riparian corridor • Habitat enhancement for Northern Leopard Frog and other amphibian species o Reintroduction of sensitive species to original sites

59 • Wetland reestablishment and development on flood plains (on east side of river and at Big Bend) • Reestablishment of riparian areas – to decrease water temperature and nutrient loading (N) • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Off-channel rearing of juvenile LCT • Removal or replacement of fish barriers (dams and diversion) • Temporary exclusion of cattle from riparian area through fencing and management • Ecotourism development at Numana Wetlands – birding • Channel construction to reconnect river to flood plain (north of Wadsworth) • Channel reconstruction in areas of excessive erosion • Channel terracing, obstruction removal, and restoration of meanders • Ground water monitoring • Monitoring of channel migration rates and meander formation • Monitoring of sediment transport • Sediment budget analysis • Closure of Herman Ditch

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Annual Water Management Plan – part of Conservation and Management Plan under TROA-MOA, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Bird Count Data and Inventory, Great Basin Bird Observatory. www.gbbo.org . • Characterization of Total and Methyl Mercury in Steamboat Creek, Nevada, and Implications for the Truckee River. Thomas, B., 2003. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Conservation and Management Plan for the Lower Truckee River, PLPT Water Resources Department, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Evaluation of Groundwater and Solute Transport in the Fernley-Wadsworth Area. Desert Research Institute, Publication No. 41173. Pohll, G. et al, Nov. 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • National Wetland Inventory Map for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, PLPT Environmental Dept., 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Assessment of Proper Functioning Condition of Riparian Areas, 14 reaches of the Truckee River, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Integrated Weed Management Plan, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Wetlands Inventory, PLPT Environmental Dept. . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Fishery Conservation Plan, Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program, 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries]

60 • Rapid BioAsessment Monitoring – annual assessment of riparian health, river sediment loading, rocks, aquatic insects, erosion, point/non-point pollution sources. PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Recovery Plan for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1995. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Seasonal Mercury Study, Darrell Slotton, UC Davis (USEPA). [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Temperature Monitoring Study – Five reaches of the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • TMWRF Continuous River Monitoring Data: http://www.tmwrf.com/facility_data/river_monitoring/ • TROA-MOA – Truckee River Operating Agreement – Memorandum of Agreement. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Truckee River Water Quality Sampling . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • WARMF Model – Corolla Engineers; sub-watershed water quality analysis • Water Rights Acquisition Plan – to purchase water rights to maintain in-stream flows and water quality, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Water quality and flow measurement data for USGS gauging stations at Wadsworth and Nixon - http://www.rcresearch.com • Water Quality Control Plan, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, June 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Wetland BioAssessment Data – PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USFW Section 7 Consultation, Biological Opinion for Water Conservation Plan (Flow Regime). [PLPT Water Resources Dept.]

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Wildlife and Riparian Wildlife Habitat

The Lower Truckee River is an important corridor and habitat for numerous species of wildlife. The channel is a spawning habitat for the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and the endangered cui-ui. The river banks and associated wetlands are habitat for amphibians, including the rare Northern Leopard Frog and Western Toad. Big game species use the corridor for food and shelter, including the black bear, mountain lion, black-tailed mule deer, and coyotes. Numerous small mammals and reptiles are common in the riparian zone. However, the degradation and loss of riparian and wetland habitat have negatively affected both the number of species and the population of those species. Riparian enhancement would benefit several threatened, endangered, or sensitive species which occur, or formerly occurred, along the Lower Truckee River. These include the white-faced ibis, bald eagle, yellow-billed cuckoo, willow flycatcher, southwestern river otter, northern leopard frog and western toad. One insect species, the Carson Wandering Skipper, is also on the endangered species list.

Birds Avian inventories have occurred at the Numana Wetlands since 1868, and birds are currently banded and counted by the Great Basin Bird Observatory. In 1868, 107 bird species were identified, 21 of which were considered obligate riparian and wetland species. By the 1970s, the abundance of 18 of the riparian/wetland species, including the yellow-billed cuckoo and the willow flycatcher, was significantly reduced or absent, due to loss of habitat. Over 50 avian species currently utilize the Cottonwood riparian and wetland zones, while the riparian scrub community supports over 90 bird species.

62 Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Loon Gavia immer Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Clark's Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasiansus Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Chukar Alectoris chukar Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis California Quail Callipepla californica Pied Billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Virginia Rail Rallus limicola American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Sora Porzana carolina Double crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus American Coot Fulica americana Black crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Snowy Egret Egretta thula Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Great Egret Casmerodius albus Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Killdeer Charadrius vociferus White Faced Ibis Plegadis chihi Marbled Godwit Limosa fidoa Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus Snow Goose Chen caerulescens Greater Yellolegs Tringa melanoleuca Canada Goose Branta canadensis Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Wood Duck Aix sponsa Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Gadwall Anas strepera Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus American Wigeon Anas americana Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodrous scolopaceus Northern Pintail Anas acuta Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis California Gull Larus californicus Canvasback Aythya valisineria Froster's Tern Sterna forsteri Redhead Aythya americana Black Tern Chlidonias niger Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula Rock Dove Columba livia Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Common Barn Owl Tyto alba Common Merganser Mergus merganser Western Screech Owl otus kennicottii Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Great-Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Long-eared Owl Asio otus Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Northern Harrier Circus cyaneu White-throated Swift Aeonautes saxatalis Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Bald Eagle Haliaetus leucocephalus Lewis Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Osprey pandion haliaetus Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Merlin Falco columbarius Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis

Table 8. List of Bird Species of Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

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Amphibians Several amphibian species inhabit the Lower Truckee River corridor. These include the Western Toad, Pacific Treefrog, Leopard Frog, Bull Frog and Great Basin Spadefoot Toad. One of the conservation projects, funded by the 2002 USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), restored native habitat for the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens). The Northern Leopard Frog was once a common inhabitant along streams and wetlands in northern Nevada. However, a recent survey of this species found the frogs at only four of more than 90 historical sites. The decline is caused in part by habitat loss and the introduction of invasive species, which alter or eliminate the delicate relationships between the plants and animals of an ecosystem. The non-native Bull Frog is a predator on smaller fish and amphibians, and is a major risk to the survival of the Northern Leopard Frog. The Northern Leopard Frog is on the Nevada Natural Heritage Watch List for further study and observation and is a resource concern for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. The Leopard Frog WHIP project location is the only known breeding location for this species on the entire Truckee River. It is hoped that this Northern Leopard Frog population and site can be managed to provide a source of frogs to recolonize Rana pipiens to suitable locations along the Truckee River system in the future. Another current project under WHIP will restore wetland and upland vegetation in the Numana wetlands, after controlling noxious weeds and stabilizing stream bank erosion. Numana wetlands are utilized by a large number of birds, amphibians, and mammals. It is a popular birding sight and nature trail area below the Numana LCT Fish Hatchery. Once the natural habitat has been restored, it is a suitable site for repopulation of the Northern Leopard Frog.

Fish In addition to the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout, other native fish in the Lower Truckee River include the Tahoe sucker (Catustomas tohoensis0, mountain sucker (Catustomas platyrhynchus), Lahontan redside (Richardsonius egregious), speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus), mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), and the Lahontan tui chub (Gila bicolor). At least twelve non-native fish species are also found in the Lower Truckee River. Carp and mosquitofish are the most abundant of the introduced species. Others include brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, green sunfish, Sacramento perch, black crappie, channel catfish, brown bullhead, goldfish, and golden shiners. A number of these species are omnivorous and are likely to feed on the eggs, fry or juvenile cui-ui and LCT. The non-native trout have the potential to compete with LCT, displace, or hybridize with the native Lahontan cutthroat trout.

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Reptiles The diverse vegetation and population of small rodents is conducive to habitat for a number of reptile species. Common snakes of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation are listed in Table 9.

Common Name Scientific Name Great Basin collared lizard Crotaphytus bicintores Long-nosed leopard lizard Gambelia wislizenii Common zebra tailed lizard Callisaurus draconoides Desert horned lizard Phyrnosomoa platyrhinos Sagebrush lizard Sceloporus graciosus Desert spiny lizard Sceloporus magister Common fence lizard Sceloporus occidentalis Side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana Western whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris Western Yellow bellied racer Cluber constrictor Nightsnake Hypsiglena torquata California kingsnake Lampropeltis getula californiae Striped whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus Western gopher snake Pituophis catenifer Great Basin gopher snake Pituphis melanoleucus deserticola Long-nosed snake Rhinocheilus lecontei Patch-nosed snake Salvadora hexalpis Ground snake Sonora semiannulata Terrestrial garter snake Thamnophis elegans common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis Northwestern Pond Turtle Clemmys marmorata Table 9. Common Reptile Species

Summary of Resource Concerns • Water quantity (upstream water use; diversion of river flow; insufficient water rights to maintain stream health) • Water quality (toxic contaminants, upstream pollution, sedimentation, TDS) o Nutrient Loading o Water temperature • Degradation of riparian areas o Lack of species diversity o Lack of diversity in species age class distribution o Lack of seedling/sapling recruitment for riparian maintenance and recovery

65 • Degraded habitat for fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals • Lack of shade in some stretches • Channel depth and shape disequilibrium • Disconnection of river channel to former flood plain (incision) • Flooding • Fish passage barriers – dams and diversions • Lack of adequate fish screens • Presence of non-native animal species (fish, bullfrog) • Need for riparian vegetation assessment and management plan • Continued trespass of cattle into restoring riparian areas • Damage from beavers • Loss of wetlands and wetland habitat

Recommended Conservation Practices • Early successional habitat development and management • Critical area planting • Fish passage • Pest management for noxious weeds • Restoration and management of declining habitats • Riparian forest buffer • Riparian herbaceous cover • Stream habitat improvement and management • Streambank and shoreline protection • Shallow water management for wildlife • Tree/shrub establishment • Use exclusion • Wetland enhancement • Wetland restoration • Wetland creation • Wetland wildlife habitat management

Resource Opportunities • Improved Irrigation Operations and Maintenance operations • Installation of fish screens • Replace earthen ditches with pipelines

66 • Install flow measurement devices at turnout gates • Enhancement of native plants for traditional use • Managed access for wood-cutting • Enhancement of wildlife habitat corridor • Recreational development at Big Bend and along river – bike path, hiking trails, etc • Prescribed grazing for short-term use of riparian resources, once recovered • Wetland creation and restoration • Bullfrog population control • Critical area planting in stages, small areas at a time • Recreation trails and walkways • Bio-control of purple loosestrife • Management of storage water for the Lower Truckee River to meet desired flow regime • Monthly adjustments to hydraulic flow regime to support T & E species and enhance aquatic and riparian habitats • Continued monitoring and evaluation • Acquisition of additional water rights to maintain instream flow

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Annual Water Management Plan – part of Conservation and Management Plan under TROA-MOA, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Bird Count Data and Inventory, Great Basin Bird Observatory. www.gbbo.org . • Characterization of Total and Methyl Mercury in Steamboat Creek, Nevada, and Implications for the Truckee River. Thomas, B., 2003. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Conservation and Management Plan for the Lower Truckee River, PLPT Water Resources Department, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Evaluation of Groundwater and Solute Transport in the Fernley-Wadsworth Area. Desert Research Institute, Publication No. 41173. Pohll, G. et al, Nov. 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • National Wetland Inventory Map for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, PLPT Environmental Dept., 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Assessment of Proper Functioning Condition of Riparian Areas, 14 reaches of the Truckee River, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Integrated Weed Management Plan, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Wetlands Inventory, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Fishery Conservation Plan, Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program, 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Rapid BioAsessment Monitoring. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

67 • Recovery Plan for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1995. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Seasonal Mercury Study, Darrell Slotton, UC Davis (USEPA). [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Temperature Monitoring Study – Five reaches of the Truckee River, Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • TMWRF Continuous River Monitoring Data: http://www.tmwrf.com/facility_data/river_monitoring/ [Website] • TROA-MOA – Truckee River Operating Agreement – Memorandum of Agreement. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Truckee River Water Quality Sampling . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • WARMF Model – Corolla Engineers; sub-watershed water quality analysis • Water Rights Acquisition Plan – to purchase water rights to maintain in-stream flows and water quality, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Water quality and flow measurement data for USGS gauging stations at Wadsworth and Nixon - http://www.rcresearch.com [Website] • Water Quality Control Plan, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, June 2004. . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Wetland BioAssessment Data – PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USFW Section 7 Consultation, Biological Opinion for Water Conservation Plan (Flow Regime). [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Flows for Floodplain Forests: A Successful Riparian Restoration. Rood, et al, 2003 [UNR Library] • PLPT Water Quality Standards, Final Draft. PLPT Environmental Department, 2000. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Water Quality Sampling and Assessment Study. PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Northern Leopard Frog Conservation Plan, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Amphibian Survey – PLPT Environmental Department and The Nature Conservancy, unpublished data, 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Water Sampling Data at http://www.plpt.nsn.us/environmental/index.html • LCT Recovery Plan, USFWS. • Preliminary Habitat Suitability Index Models for Riparian Vegetation along the Truckee River, California and Nevada. USDI Bureau of Land Management, 1984.

68 Irrigated Land The tribal land assignments for irrigated agriculture are located on stream terraces along the Truckee River corridor, near the towns of Wadsworth and Nixon. Currently approximately 935 acres of irrigated land are in production of forage crops and are operated by individual assignment holders (Figure 23). Recent land acquisitions by the Tribe in the Wadsworth region have contributed an additional 530 acres of potentially irrigable land. Another 395 acres of land, along existing irrigation ditches, have been identified as suitable for clearing and leveling, if sufficient water rights are available for irrigation.

Figure 23. Irrigated Cropland of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

69 The flood of 1997 brought devastation to much of this productive land, as the river channel widened and migrated to new locations. Flood waters overflowed the channel, cutting stream banks into fields and pastures, and depositing seed and plant stock from upstream sources of tall whitetop, a noxious and extremely invasive weed. Some of the irrigation diversion structures and conveyance canals were damaged during this event. With the removal of existing vegetation and associated soil disturbance, invasive plants were able to spread rapidly through the stream corridor. Dense monocultures of tall whitetop invaded agricultural land and also replaced large extents of the existing riparian communities along the lower Truckee River. Bank erosion and sedimentation has increased, due to the decreased capability of tall whitetop’s root system to bind and protect the soil. Other noxious and invasive plants have also moved into the river corridor, including tamarisk, Russian olive, and purple loosestrife. The irrigation system for agricultural lands is in need of repair and upgrade. At least four assessments of the water conveyance system have been completed since 1980. The 1980 Irrigation and Drainage Study for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation was limited in scope to only the Wadsworth irrigation area. The report included information on soils and land classification, existing drainage problems, an evaluation of the irrigation conveyance system and on-farm irrigation practices, cropping patterns, and irrigation water requirements. Recommendations in the report addressed the need for subsurface drainage, improvements to the water conveyance system, and on-farm irrigation development and improvements. The cost per acre of these proposals would currently be about $1200.00 to $2000.00 per acre to implement. The 1989 Cooper Report assessed both the Wadsworth and Nixon Irrigation units. This report includes an inventory and map of the existing facilities as well as a summary of land classification, water rights, and historic river flows. The assessment emphasized the need for improvements to diversion dams, pump stations, and delivery structures. These structures would be upgraded with the installation of fish screens, sturdier structures, and rip-rap. Recommendations include the reconstruction and lining of the canal system and the addition of concrete flow control and monitoring structures. It also stressed the need for operation and maintenance procedures for the irrigation units. In 1999, a rapid assessment of the irrigation system was completed by the Irrigation Training and Research Center of the University of California, Davis. Specific recommendations for structural and physical improvements in the Wadsworth region include fish screen repair, regrading of some fields, installation of new sluice gates, conversion to pipelines in some areas, installation of a replogle flume at the main canal, and modification of all check structures to include a sluice gate and long-crested weir. Specific locations and practices are described in detail in the report. The report emphasized the need for irrigation management, operations and maintenance and provided detailed suggestions of improvements. The report suggested that all the needed improvements to the irrigation system would not be economically justifiable by modern standards of cost/benefits analysis. However, irrigated agriculture has an important role in history and cultural values of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Many of the irrigated soils are classified as Prime or Unique Farm Lands (figure 24).

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Figure 24. Prime and Unique Farmlands, (if drained and irrigated)

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Even with improvements to the irrigation system, additional resource problems plague the local farmers. The water supply from the Truckee River is very limited, and is often nonexistent during late summer of drought years. Water use for agricultural purposes in dry years competes with essential water flows necessary to maintain biological functions of the Truckee River and associated riparian systems. Agricultural land assignments are small in size, and provide minimal income to the farmers. Many of them hold other jobs to provide adequate income for their families. Farm program loans are difficult to obtain, because the assignment holders do not actually own the tribal land. Modern farming equipment is scarce, and is often rented to complete necessary land work. The constant battle with invasive and noxious weeds from upstream sources is a drain on both time and finances. A number of farm conservation plans have been developed with individual land assignment holders and the Tribe, and implemented under the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The principle conservation practices address water quantity and quality concerns through improved irrigation systems, noxious weed control, stream bank stabilization and livestock fencing.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Loss of irrigated fields through abandonment and bank erosion • Inefficient irrigation water delivery system • Lack of operations and maintenance (O & M) of irrigation system components • Inadequate water supply throughout growing season • Sedimentation and nonpoint source pollution (Herman Ditch) • Damage to T&E species o Impeded fish passage at diversion structures o Inadequate fish screens • Bank erosion and headcutting contributing to sedimentation

Recommended Conservation Practices • Fencing • Fish screens on inlet structures • Irrigation Land Leveling • Irrigation Water Management • Irrigation Water Conveyance, ditch and canal lining • Irrigation water conveyance, pipeline • Pasture and Hay Planting • Pest management

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Resource Opportunities • Irrigation Water Management Training (educational outreach) • Water measuring devices for diversions and for field application • Alternative crop production • Diversification of crops – seed production, culturally significant plants, medicinal plants, native plants for revegetation • Conversion of hayland to irrigated pasture • Agricultural marketing development

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents:

• Phase I – Irrigation and Drainage Study for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Wadsworth, Nevada. CH2M Hill, 1980. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Rehabilitation and Betterment of the Pyramid Lake Irrigation Project, Nevada. (Cooper Report). BIA, 1989. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Site Visit Report and Recommendations for the Irrigation System. Irrigation Training and Research Center, Dr. Charles Burt, 1999. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • GIS Analysis of Pesticide Risk for Lower Truckee River – NRCS, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • EQIP Conservation Plans, 1999 – 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept. and NRCS]

73 Pyramid Lake Region

Pyramid Lake is a terminus lake of the Truckee River watershed system and lies entirely within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. The only source of permanent water for the Lake is the Truckee River, whose inflow is crucial to balance the large annual evaporative losses from the Lake. Pyramid Lake covers 111,000 acres of the tribal land (173 square miles), and is 27 miles long and 10 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of 340 feet and a volume of nearly 22 million acre- feet of water. It is a remnant of the much larger ancient Lake Lahontan that existed 9,000 to 40,000 years ago. Pyramid Lake is a closed basin with no drainage outlet, and is highly alkaline and slightly saline due to high evaporation rates. The alkaline environment has created interesting rock formations in the form of tufa spires and domes. Pyramid Lake is home for the endangered and endemic cui-ui (Chasmistes cujus), a large lake sucker, and the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT, Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi). Historically, the Paiutes harvested thousands of cui-ui as they concentrated near the mouth of the Truckee River during spring spawning season. The Paiute word for their tribal band is “Kuyidokado “, or Cui-ui Eaters. The local population of Lahontan cutthroat trout formerly attained a size greater than any other trout species in western North America. The official world record trout was caught here, weighing 41 pounds. The abundant fishery began to decline in the early 1900s. Derby Dam, the first Bureau of Reclamation project, was constructed on the lower Truckee River in 1905 to divert water for irrigation. This diversion reduced flows to the lake by approximately 50%. The dam created an obstacle to spawning migrations, while the lowered lake level led to changes in channel morphology and degraded riparian habitat. The Pyramid Lake strain of Lahontan cutthroat trout was extirpated by 1938, and the cui-ui population was drastically reduced. In 1944, the Lahontan cutthroat trout were declared extinct in Pyramid Lake. Hatchery raised strains of LCT from Heenan, Walker, and Summit Lakes were later used to restock Pyramid Lake. The cui-ui population declined rapidly between 1940 and 1975, when spawning migrations up the Truckee River were prevented by low lake levels and increased sedimentation at the river delta. The USFWS listed the cui-ui as an endangered species in 1967. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe passed a resolution to cease harvest of the cui-ui by non-Indians in 1969 and by PLPT tribal members in 1979. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has made strong efforts to restore the land and waters of their ancient homeland. They have worked cooperatively with state and federal agencies to restock and repopulate Lahontan cutthroat trout and cui-ui. Stampede Dam was constructed in the upper watershed to store and allocate water for the T&E species at Pyramid Lake. Marble Bluff Dam and Fish Facility were built by the US Bureau of Reclamation to provide passage around the river delta and control erosion of upstream spawning habitat. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries was organized in 1974 to manage the fishery of Pyramid Lake and the lower Truckee River within the Reservation. The Tribe operates four facilities, built between 1974 and 1982: Lake Operations, Dunn Hatchery, Koch Hatchery, and Numana Hatchery.

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Figure 25. Historic Water Elevations of Pyramid Lake

Figure 26. Recent Surface Elevations of Pyramid Lake

75 Fisheries

The Pyramid Lake Fishery Program manages the fish culture and stocking programs, lake and river fish habitat, portions of the Truckee River riparian habitat, and deals with upstream ecological issues. It is also responsible for the monitoring of sport fishing, hatchery performance, assessing fish populations, and monitoring water quality. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has coordinated their fishery activities with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. USFWS currently manages the release of waters from Stampede Reservoir, the operation of Marble Bluff Fish Facility, and the operation of the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery, which receives eggs from Pyramid Lake. The Lake Operation in Sutcliffe is the management headquarters for the Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program. It also houses the Resources Department, Adeline Davis Laboratory, responsible for fish monitoring programs and water quality testing, and the Fisheries Maintenance Department. The Dunn Hatchery and Koch Hatchery are located in west Sutcliffe. The Dunn hatchery facility is used to raise Lahontan cutthroat trout, while the Koch Hatchery raises juvenile cui-ui for stocking the Lake. The Numana hatchery, located along the Truckee River between Nixon and Wadsworth, is a Lahontan cutthroat trout breeding facility. The cui-ui hatchery program has been in operation since 1972 and has provided millions of larvae and thousand of juvenile fish for restocking into Pyramid Lake. In 1991, the three tribal LCT hatcheries produced over 700,000 fish. Since 1992, the Fisheries Program has developed Ten Year Conservation Plans with the USFWS to meet the requirements of Public Law 101-618 Title II (Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act). The conservation plan addresses three primary goals: 1. Improve the fish habitat of Pyramid Lake 2. Enhance the fish population of Pyramid lake 3. Enhance the fish habitat of the lower Truckee River

Pyramid Lake Fish Habitat The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program has accomplished many tasks toward improving the fish habitat of Pyramid Lake. In addition to the T & E species, the lake is habitat for tui chubs, Tahoe suckers, and several benthic invertebrates that are important food sources for both the cui-ui and the Lahontan cutthroat trout. In 1994, a nutrient input model was developed by the Fisheries Program to predict lake productivity. The model was upgraded in 2002 and was used to develop water quality standards that will protect fish by maintaining an oxygenated hypolimnion in the lake. The Fisheries Resource Department conducts monthly water quality monitoring. A deep station is sampled monthly and a shallow basin site is sampled every three months. A profile of the lake from “surface to bottom” is taken with a hydrolab, which collects data on temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, TDS, and depth. Water samples are analyzed at the Laboratory for nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, TKN, Silica, Total phosphorus, and dissolved reactive phosphorus. Secchi light meter readings and zooplankton samples are also collected. Data results are published in an annual report.

76 The Fisheries Program has also made some improvements to the fish habitat in the Truckee River. At Numana Hatchery, an artificial wetland was installed to reduce the nutrient loading from the hatchery to the river in 1995. The Department is currently working on plans for a LCT spawning channel at the Paiute Pit pond with NRCS under the USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. A nonpoint source pollution and abatement plan for the Reservation was completed in 1994, and is currently being implemented by Fisheries under an USEPA 319 Grant.

Pyramid Lake Fish Population The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program manages numerous operations to enhance the populations of both the cui-ui and Lahontan cutthroat trout. The goal of the cui-ui hatchery is to “assure that a year class of fish would survive a cataclysmic event to the natural population and provide year class strength”. Adult cui-ui are collected annually for hatchery spawning. Eggs are gathered, fertilized and incubated at the Koch Hatchery. The fry are raised in a pond culture system to produce and release 33-4 inch cui-ui by October. Twenty percent of these fish are micro-tagged to monitor success of the stocking program. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program coordinate closely with the USFWS on data collection needs, monitor and inventory activities, and evaluation tasks. Cui-ui netting is performed quarterly at specified stations, followed by measurement and release. The micro-tagged fish are taken to the laboratory, where chip data on stocking year and age are correlated with fish measurements and condition. The Lahontan cutthroat trout are managed to “maximize hatchery production and improve survival of stocked fish by increasing the average size of fish released “. Functions and activities of the PLPT tribal facilities are closely coordinated with the USFWS’s operation of the Lahontan National Fish Hatchery, through a five year production plan. Annual distribution plans for the hatcheries include release schedules, acclimation, barging, stocking sites, and minimum size criteria. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program utilizes a selective breeding program to continue development of a fast-growing, long-lived strain of LCT with high survival rate. Approximately 10 percent of the LCT are micro-tagged, and are recovered during fishing season, October through April, at a creel monitoring station. Micro-tags provide information on year of release, population dynamics, selective breeding activities, and correlated environmental conditions that have affected fish growth and health. All caught fish are counted and measured during the creel census, and this data is used to quantify fishing pressure and harvest catch rates. The current stocking program nets LCT during the spring spawning run, using size as a criterion for egg gathering. All tagged fish are measured, and 20 percent of these are sacrificed to retrieve the micro-tag data. A fall LCT run is also being developed to establish self-sustaining populations at suitable stream and river locations. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries apply best management practices in loading densities, feeding schedules, grading, and water quality standards to ensure healthy fish production. Complete records of production, environmental conditions, and equipment operations are part of the continuous monitoring of water quality and fish health.

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Truckee River Fish Habitat The cui-ui and the Lahontan cutthroat trout are both obligate river spawners, and rely on the Truckee River habitat for reproduction. Historically, the cui-ui utilized the lower reaches of the Truckee River for spawning, while the LCT migrated upstream throughout the entire Truckee River watershed. The long-term success of the cui-ui and LCT fisheries at Pyramid Lake are dependent on natural reproduction and sustainability of these species in the Truckee River system. Suitable habitat for LCT currently exists in discontinuous patches throughout the watershed. These isolated segments are often separated by mortality or reproductive sinks. Furthermore, spawning migration is impeded by numerous dams and diversions along the river. Riparian restoration and protection is a major goal of the Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program. Plans to restore vegetation and wildlife habitat are currently being developed in coordination with the PLPT Natural Resources Department. Work is being accomplished in the removal or redesign of fish passage obstructions that affect spawning migrations. The Environmental Department has responsibilities for overall riparian management, including the responsibilities of protecting the River corridor from beaver damage, livestock grazing impacts and agricultural clearing.

Water Quality and Quantity Point and non-point sources of pollution are issues that the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) confronts every day. Tertiary treated effluent from the Reno/ Sparks sewage treatment plant, urban storm runoff, agricultural return flows, septic tanks, and mining activities (present and historic) all directly or indirectly impact surface waters on the Lower Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Water pollution compounded by upstream diversions and subsequent low flows has affected the recovery efforts of the Lahontan cutthroat trout and cui-ui). The Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program works closely with the Water Resources Department and Environmental Department on water quality and quantity issues. The Tribe has established water quality standards (that are currently under USEPA review) and long term bioassessment and water quality monitoring to help assure that waters are protected from further degradation. The Pyramid Lake water quality monitoring program began in 1981, conducted within the Resource Department of the Pyramid Lake Fisheries (PLF). The program expanded in 1998 to include streams and sites along the lower Truckee River conducted by the PLPT Environmental Department. Water samples are collected to be analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus, total phosphorus, nitrates, nitrites, and total ammonia using protocols outlined in the "Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater." A new water quality laboratory was completed in the spring of 2002, the Adeline Davis Laboratory, located next to the PLF administration building in Sutcliffe, Nevada. The recent discovery of elevated mercury levels in the fish of Pyramid Lake are a critical concern to the Fisheries Program. Although the methyl mercury levels in the Lahontan cutthroat trout are comparable to the nationwide USEPA average, the problem poses a significant risk to the extensive sport fishery and tribal economy. The Pyramid Lake Fisheries is currently studying the nature and extent of mercury contamination at the Lake and the potential risk of fish consumption.

Wildlife Pyramid Lake is habitat for numerous aquatic and avian animal species. The endangered cui- ui is a lake sucker that is found only in Pyramid Lake. Its genus, Chamistes, dates back to 16

78 million years ago, and only two species still exist world-wide. The cui-ui has a long life span (40 years)that has enabled it to survive recurring droughts and cataclysmic events with a small but viable population. The threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout is also endemic to the area. Pyramid Lake was a famous sport fishing destination because of the size and abundance of the original strain. However, the original strain of LCT at Pyramid Lake was extirpated by 1940 because of their inability to access the Truckee River spawning grounds. The Lake has been restocked with very similar strains from Heenan, Walker, and Summit Lakes. Other fish species include tui chubs, Tahoe suckers, and Sacramento perch. Numerous benthic invertebrates also populate the Lake. Pyramid Lake is winter habitat and migration stop-over for a large number of diverse waterfowl. Over 30 species have been identified, some of which are not observed elsewhere in the Basin. Large numbers of Clark’s Grebes, Western Grebes, Eared Grebes, and numerous duck species are commonly seen. Pyramid Lake has been designated as a Nevada Important Birding Area by the Lahontan Audubon Society. The Audubon Society has listed several of the Pyramid Lake birds as Species of Concern (Table 10). The most crucial resource concern for long-term sustainability of the waterfowl habitat is the inadequate water supply from the Truckee River in periods of drought.

Common Name Occur Status Breeding Non-br Passage Winter California Gull native yes yes no yes Eared Grebe native yes yes yes no Western Grebe native yes no yes no Clark's Grebe native yes no yes no American White Pelican native yes yes yes no Double-crested Cormorant native yes yes yes no Great Blue Heron native yes yes no yes Ruddy Duck native yes yes yes yes Redhead native yes no yes yes Bufflehead native no yes yes yes American Coot native yes yes yes yes Common Merganser native yes yes yes yes Sage Sparrow native yes yes no yes Common Loon native no yes yes yes

Table 10. Bird Species of Concern at Pyramid Lake Source: Nevada Audubon Society website: www.nevadaaudubon.org/Iba/Pyramid Lake IBA.html

Anaho Island Anaho Island is located in the southern portion of Pyramid Lake. The Paiute name for the island is “Paisakatudu”, which interprets as “the dry island sitting out there by itself”. The island has historically fluctuated in size, depending on lake levels, from 220 to 745 acres.

79 Anaho Island is the nesting grounds for one of the largest breeding colonies of American White Pelicans in the western United States. Anaho Island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1913 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Stillwater Refuge under an agreement with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. It is closed to public use to prevent disturbance to the breeding colonies of American White Pelicans, double-crested cormorant, California gulls, Caspian terns, and great blue herons. On an average year, over 8,000 to 10,000 pelicans have returned to Anaho Island from their winter habitat in Southern California and Baja, Mexico. The pelicans rely on the spring spawning runs of the endangered cui-ui at Pyramid Lake. Therefore, the management and recovery efforts for cui-ui are also essential to the long-term sustainability of the Anaho Island pelican rookery. The management goals of the refuge are to: • Protect and perpetuate nesting bird colonies and other migratory birds • Prevent the formation of a land bridge to the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake to protect the island from predators • Monitor the breeding population of each species and to track the number of nesting pairs, nestlings, and fledglings each year • Promote research opportunities that benefit the nesting colonies

Recreation Pyramid Lake is widely acclaimed as North America’s most beautiful desert lake. Its rugged beauty and undeveloped open space appeals to both Tribal members and nontribal visitors. The lake is a destination for sports fisherman because of its fame as a trophy trout fishery. Fishing season for trout runs from October 1 through June 30 each year. Other fish species, with the exception of cui-ui, may be fished year-round. The Lake is also a popular destination for picnickers, birding enthusiasts, day users, boaters, and campers. Use of the lake by nontribal members requires a permit and adherence to Tribal regulations. There are many opportunities to create and improve recreational areas and activities around the lake. Ecotourism could be enhanced in many ways: with interpretive signs, hiking trails, bird lists, and other local guide publications. At this time, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe does not have a department that is responsible for comprehensive recreational planning and implementation.

Cultural Importance Pyramid Lake and its abundant fish supply have been important resources for human inhabitants for over 4,000 years. The Pyramid Lake Paiute culture (Kuyidokado or Cui-ui Eaters) has lived successfully in this area for over 600 years, utilizing the abundant fish as their primary food supply and an economic resource. During the spring spawning run, other Paiute bands would join the Kuyidokado in net fishing at the river delta and participating in the accompanying annual tribal celebrations. Cui-ui were gathered by the thousands each year and dried for future use. The Lake, the cui-ui, and the people are the three central components that define the identity of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

80 Cui-ui from the Dunn Hatchery were provided to PLPT tribal members on a limited basis each spring, in an attempt to continue traditional use of the fish. As a result of recent elevated mercury levels in the fish, this distribution has ceased until adequate studies have been completed. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Pyramid Lake was a world famous sport fishery that supported a large commercial enterprise. In 1883, 75,000 pounds of fish were caught and sold by the Paiute people. Fish sales provided more cash than any other product on the Reservation through 1885. The world record Lahontan cutthroat trout was caught at Pyramid Lake, weighing 41 pounds, in 1925. Numerous celebrities, such as Clark Gable and Herbert Hoover, vacationed at Pyramid Lake to enjoy the sports fishing and natural scenic beauty. Today, over 40,000 anglers visit the lake from October through March of each year. Paiute legends and stories about the lake prevail to this day. The Pyramid Lake Paiute creation story centers around the Stone Mother rock formation on the east side of the lake. Many historic and cultural resources are located near the Lake, and are sacred sites to the Paiute people. Some of the most accessible sites have been closed off to visitors, including the Needles Rocks, certain caves, and some tufa formations bordering the lake. Historically, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has strived to keep the lakeshores open for all users, avoiding private or commercial developments around its perimeter. The open space and scenic views provide important cultural and spiritual values for the Pyramid Lake Paiute people.

Other Environmental Concerns

Department of Defense Activities Several Department of Defense (DoD) activities have been identified as potential environmental impacts to the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. These include munitions left by the Pyramid Lake Torpedo and Bombing Range, at least one military aircraft crash into the lake; low level fly- overs by jet aircraft stationed at the Naval Air Station in Fallon; and air quality degradation and potential heavy metals soil contamination from munitions and fuel burning at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, California. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Site Assessment Report is an evaluation of the history and potential environmental impacts resulting from U.S. Navy and other DoD activities at Pyramid Lake. The Environmental Assessment reviews the impacts from DoD activities in relation to Federal regulations meant to protect the resources and long-term health of the Reservation. The Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and the Clean Air Act have the mechanisms in place to protect Indian lands and the environment. The PLPT will use this assessment to evaluate impacts from DoD activities on the Reservation. The impacts will be compiled on a priority list based on site severity. The assessment will enable the Tribe to begin the appropriate steps to mitigate and reclaim any impacted sites. The report will also allow the PLPT to determine public safety and access of the impacted areas, and the impacts to tribal resources. Agencies such as the Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program (NALEMP) were created in recognition of DoD’s trust responsibility to Tribes. Through NALEMP, DoD consults, communicates, and coordinates with tribal governments to address impacts from past DoD activities to tribal lands. NALEMP is a potential avenue to assess and remediate the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS).

81 Torpedo and Bombing Range Munitions Clean Up The Pyramid Lake Torpedo and Bombing Range (PLT&BR) was located in the west central portion of the Reservation and on the privately owned Pyramid Lake Ranch. In 1944, the United States Navy leased 76.5 acres from the tribe to use as shore facilities to support water target, dive bombing and strafing practice. Due to this past use, the site has been listed as a FUDS. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Site Assessment Report concludes that remnants of DoD torpedo and bombing range activities include a landing strip, a fuel bladder, and building debris. No unexploded ordinance related to torpedo and bombing practice was identified. DoD and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe determined that potential environmental impacts do exist as a result of DoD activities at Target 14 on the western shore of Pyramid Lake. These impacts included onshore activities such as fueling facilities and dock facilities. A cooperative agreement was signed between the Tribe and the Department of Defense in May 2002 to address the FUDS, and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The Tribe worked with the USACE to develop a Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP) that incorporates all DoD historical information and environmental data gathered. The shore facilities for the bombing range were located in Sutcliffe, one-quarter mile north of the current Fisheries Administration building. Shore facilities included a landing strip, two small bunkers located on the property of Jackie Phoenix, and debris where the buildings were once located. The landing strip is re-vegetated by sagebrush and other native species. The bunkers and debris were removed. The Tribe determined that a lake-bottom survey would be the best course of action to locate suspected ordnance in the lake as well as a jet that crashed in 1988 near Wizard’s Cove. There had been reports of “bomb” sightings in Pyramid Lake since the 1960, when the levels of Pyramid Lake were at a historical low. On January 13, 1988 a Navy A-3 jet aircraft originating from NAS Alameda crashed into Pyramid Lake. The US Navy estimated that approximately 2000 gallons of fuel and hydraulic fluids were on board at the time of the crash. The Navy did recover the jet from the lake along with three bodies. Contractors David Evans and Associates (DEA) completed bathymetric mapping and a cultural debris survey of Pyramid Lake in November 2003. The survey coverage included collecting multi-beam data along parallel lines covering 410 square kilometers; conductivity, temperature, and depth soundings; side-scan sonar and magnetometer survey of targeted areas covering 38 square miles; and sediment sampling, analysis, and characterization of Pyramid Lake. Results of the surveys identified 254 contacts, of which 36 were prioritized as high or very high priority for possible ordnance. It was important for the Tribe and the DoD to know whether the suspected items were actually ordnance. To determine this, DEA surveyed the 36 high priority targets with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in April 2004. The ROV was equipped with a color video camera and heading and depth sensors. The ROV survey located what clearly appeared to be military ordnance. The images were sent to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team at NAS Fallon for identification. The EOD team identified 46 high velocity aircraft rockets, 34 ammunition crates, and nine 55-gallon drums. A distinct disposal zone was located along what appears to be a straight vessel track. Due to time limitations, the boundaries of the disposal zone were delineated, but it is unlikely that every piece of ordnance was identified.

82 A second cooperative agreement was signed in July 2004 to fund the recovery of ordnance. The ordnance zone is located in water depths of 45 to 225 feet. After the initial communication with NAS Fallon, the EOD personnel felt they could safely recover the ordnance at water depths of 45 to 100 feet. Phase I of Operation Sutcliffe Rocket Lift began on August 9, 2005 and ended August 20, 2005. This operation utilized contracts with DEA, Pyramid Lake Fisheries, EM Assist, Inshore Divers, and sixteen U.S. Navy divers from Fallon. Diving was limited to a 100 feet depth because the surface of Pyramid Lake is at an altitude of 3810 feet. Repeated deep dives coupled with high elevation increased potential risk to the divers. A portable recompression chamber was brought in to support the ordnance recovery operation. A total of 202 rockets and over 500 pounds of small arms ammunition, contained in twelve crates, were recovered during Phase I. The 55-gallon drums had all been breached. DWEA continued the debris survey in the 100 to 250 feet water depths to determine the extent of remaining ordnance. DWEA mapped an additional 154 rockets and 145 crates. At the end of Phase I, experts felt that the Navy could recover the rest of the ordnance out to 225 feet with the proper diving equipment. Because deep water diving with mixed gases had never before been done at high elevations, Department of Navy headquarters pursued development of diving tables for the necessary depths. The dive tables were tested and used during Phase II of the operation. Phase II of Operation Sutcliffe Rocket Lift started April 22 and continued through June 3, 2005. This operation utilized contracts with DEA, Pyramid Lake Fisheries, EM Assist, and the Navy. The Navy used the MK16 Mod1 closed-circuit breathing apparatus that provides and reuses both oxygen and helium while filtering out any carbon dioxide. A full decompression chamber was deployed for the mission, in the event of a diving incident. Total recovery for Phase II was 243 rockets and 182 crates, weighting 27,000 pounds. USACE will close out this Formerly Used Defense Site during the winter of 2005. No further action is required. If any other ordnance is located in the future, the FUDS can be reopened.

Sierra Army Depot The Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) is located in the town of Herlong, California just 12 miles west of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. The SIAD receives, stores, maintains, and treats munitions from military and non-military sources. Operations at SIAD have resulted in the generation of various types of contaminants across the installation and surrounding areas. Emissions of concern include hydrogen cyanide, methane, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, barium, copper, and lead. The main concern for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is that fallout from the emissions from will affect human health and the environmental resources of the Tribe. (See the Range Resources, Nonagricultural Resource Concerns section of this manuscript for more information.)

Fallon Naval Air Station The Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon is located 40 miles southeast of Wadsworth, Nevada. NAS Fallon is a facility that can support, train, and house an entire carrier wing for initial and refresher training. Military training routes cross the north end of the Reservation and have potential environmental impacts, particularly when deviations from the routes occur.

83 Guanomi Mine One non-DoD impact is identified as acidic mine water drainage from the abandoned Guanomi Mine on the southwestern shore of Pyramid Lake. This mine was active in from the 1920s to 1958, producing small amounts of molybdenum, gold and copper. Iron sulfates associated with the ore and tailings have acidified the soils and water near the mine, with pH measurements as low as 2.1. Runoff from the mine enters a down-slope wetland area and small stream that drains directly into Pyramid Lake, the habitat for two T&E fish species. This resource concern is covered in more detail in the Big Mouth Region manuscript section.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Water quality - Upstream point source and nonpoint source of water pollution o Sediment, mercury, nutrients, TDS • Water quantity, resulting in o Dramatic drop in lake level o Isolation from Truckee River channel elevation; unnatural base level o Lack of fish passage to spawning grounds; impediment at marble Bluff Dam o Sedimentation at mouth of river • Protection of habitat for T & E species • Loss of important food chain species, such as Tui Chubs, Tahoe Suckers, and minnows • Loss of spawning waters in perennial streams entering the lake (Hardscrabble) • Lack of recreational and tourism developments • Presence of Cultural Resources • Potential environmental hazard from historical DoD activities

Recommended Conservation Practices • Develop and implement sampling plan to identify nature and extent of dissolved and particulate contaminants • Reduction of upstream contaminant loading, especially contaminants that bioaccumulate or bioconcentrate • Heavy Use Area Protection • Herbaceous Wind Barriers • Pest Management • Recreation Area Improvement • Recreation Trail and Walkway • Streambank and Shoreline Protection • Tree/Shrub Establishment

84 Resource Opportunities • Recreational and Tourism Development Plan o Scenic Byway overlooks o Birding opportunities – tourism o Ecotourism • Improvement of fish ladder at Marble Bluff, with lower gradient, meandering channels • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Identify and secure additional water for the Lake’s sustainability • Thorough analyses of existing Fisheries Program data to improve stocking strategies and protocols • Implementation of hatchery techniques that more closely mimic natural conditions

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Bathymetric Mapping and Cultural Debris Survey, Davis Evans and Associates, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Environmental Assessment of Department of Defense Impacts to Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept] • Mitigation of Environmental Impacts to Indian Lands Caused by Department of Defense Activities. PLPT Environmental Department. [PLPT Environmental Dept] • Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP). USACE. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Breeding Biology of the American White Pelican (Pelecanus Erythrorhyncus) at Pyramid Lake Nevada. Anderson, J., 1992. [UNR library] • Environmental Contaminants Program On-Refuge Investigations Sub-Activity NV- Contaminant Exposure of White Pelicans Nesting at Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge Project ID: IN30 USDI USFWS Area 1. USFWS. [UNR library] • History and Present Status of the Biota of Anaho Island Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Woodbury, W. 1966. [UNR library] • Late Quaternary History Deltaic Sedimentation and Mudlump Formation at Pyramid Lake , Nevada. Born S. Center for Water Resources Research, Desert Research Institute, 1972. [UNR library] • Life History and Status of the Endangered Cui-ui of Pyramid Lake Nevada. Scoppettone, G., USFWS, 1986. [UNR library] • Limnology and Nutrient Cycling in Pyramid Lake Nevada 1989 – 1991. Division of Environmental Studies, Institute of Ecology, Davis CA., 1992. [UNR library] • Managing the Resources of Pyramid Lake Nevada Amidst Competing Interests. Wagner, Paul, et al. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation v 51, n 2, p. 108, Mar- April 1996. [UNR library]

85 • Mercury Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program for Pyramid Lake and the Lower Truckee River, Nevada 2003 Annual Report. Slotton, Darell. July 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program Final Draft. EMAssist, July 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Nevada Audubon Society website: www.nevadaaudubon.org/Iba/Pyramid • Nonpoint Source Pollution and Abatement Plan. Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program, 1994. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Preliminary Evaluation of Mercury Bioaccumulation in Pyramid Lake and the Lower Truckee River Nevada Final Report covering the period March 2001 – May 2002. Slotton, Darrell. March 25 2002. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Pyramid Lake Fishery Conservation Plan, Draft 2. Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program, August 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Pyramid Lake Foodweb Study, Dave Munger. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Tribe Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Plan. Lebo N., et al, Ecological Research Associates Davis CA. 1994. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Site Assessment Report. Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security), October 2 2000. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake ROV Exploratory Services. David Evans and Associates, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Water Papers 1969-1979. Bureau of Governmental Research University of Nevada Reno, 1979. [UNR library] • Pyramid Lake Fishery Conservation Plan. Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program, 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] • Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP). USACE • Stillwater Wildlife Refuge Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. USFWS, 2002. [USFWS or NRCS] • Two-Cycle Engine Report – Dr. Miller, UNR. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Water Rights Acquisition Plan – to purchase water rights to maintain in-stream flows and water quality, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] • Water Quality Control Plan. Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, June 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

Range and Wildlife Areas

Overview Approximately 303,360 acres of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation are designated as grazing land for livestock and wildlife use. It includes all Reservation lands outside of the Lake Region,

86 the residential communities, the Truckee River Corridor, and the proposed Lake Range Proposed Wildlife Habitat Region. The range resources are used solely by PLPT tribal members, dominantly members of the Pyramid Lake Cattlemen’s Association. Use and management of these lands have varied through recent history, from early hunting and gathering sites, to mining activities, and through various periods of livestock use and management. The open range also provides habitat and shelter for numerous animal species, and should be managed to benefit continued use by wildlife.

Range Resources At least three range inventories have been provided for the Tribe, including an unpublished 1960’s BIA Soils and Range Inventory, a 1985 USDA-SCS Pyramid Lake Range Inventory, and the 2000-2004 USDA-NRCS Pyramid Lake Range Inventory Report. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) completed the most recent resource inventory of PLIR tribal grazing lands within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Field inventory occurred from the summer of 2000 through the fall of 2001. Additional data was gathered in 2002 to supplement and enhance data quality. The inventory includes data collection and mapping of ecological sites, range condition (similarity index ratings), forage utilization patterns, existing fences, water developments, and perennial water sources. It also identifies areas needing range improvements and suitable sites for brush management, tree thinning, and reseeding practices. This range inventory replaces an older inventory (1985) and range management plan and provides the foundation to develop an updated detailed grazing management plan on established tribal grazing units. With input from the local cattlemen, four major grazing management areas were identified, based upon current use patterns and working partnerships. The areas were further subdivided into grazing management units to allow opportunities to enhance range resources through structural improvements and management practices. Range management plans are being developed by cattle owners in each of the four areas, in consultation with the Tribe, NRCS and BIA. These management unit boundaries are shown in Figure 25. The estimated grazing capacity for the 303,360 acres within the Inventory Area, making no allowance for annual species such as cheatgrass, is 7712 animal unit months, or 643 animal-units year-around. In 1998, cattlemen counted 1675 head during round-up operations. An animal unit month is defined as the amount of forage necessary to feed one cow and calf for 30 days, or 800 pound of forage. When cheatgrass is included in the forage allocation, the total number of animal- unit-months increases to 10,665 or 889 animal units year-round. Additional stocking adjustments for distance to water sources were not included in this assessment. A summary of the forage availability by Range Unit, under proper use and management is shown in Table 3. Table 4 shows the available forage allocation by grazing management unit. A representation of current forage production classes is portrayed in Figure 27.

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Figure 27. Range Unit Boundaries for Grazing Management

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Spot Perennial + Perennial + Range Unit Season of Perennial Cheatgrass Symbol Spot Symbol Cheatgrass + Range Unit ID Use Acres AUMs AUMs AUMs AUMs Spot Symbols Winter Range 1-5 Winter 37876 2116 595 2 2119 2713

East Lake 6A, 6B Summer 29285 462 295 0 462 757

Nugent 7 Summer 42906 702 426 76 778 1204

San Emidio 9A, 9B Summer 23034 413 368 23 437 805 Fox 10A, 10B Summer 55776 875 587 65 940 1527 Smoke Creek 11A, 11B Summer 62952 1082 305 0 1082 1387 West Lake 12A-12D Summer 35667 1772 365 2 1774 2139 North Lake 13 Summer 15348 121 13 0.0 121 134

Totals: 302844 7544 2953 168 7712 10665 Table 11. Forage Capacity, in AUMs, by Range Unit (AUM = Animal-Unit Month, approximately 800 lbs of forage)

Perennial + Perennial + Perennial + Cheatgrass Range Season of Perennial BRTE Spot Cheatgrass Spot Symbol + Spot Range Unit Unit ID Use Acres AUMs AUMs Symbols AUMs AUMs Symbols

Big Mouth 1 Winter 12449.9 586 275 2.1 860 588 862 Dead Ox 2 Winter 5336.9 188 106 0.0 294 188 294 Dodge Flat 3 Winter 6230.9 354 89 0.0 443 354 443 Black Mountain 4 Winter 7415.3 598 8 0.0 606 598 606 East Truckee 5A Winter 4068.0 220 78 0.0 297 220 297 East Truckee 5B Winter 2375.1 171 40 0.0 211 171 211 East Lake 6A Summer 21575.1 350 232 0.0 582 350 582 East Lake 6B Summer 7709.7 112 63 0.0 176 112 176 Nugent 7 Summer 42905.5 702 426 75.6 1128 778 1204 San Emidio 9A Summer 9936.9 249 155 8.0 404 257 412 San Emidio 9B Summer 13097.6 165 213 15.2 378 180 393 Fox 10A Summer 47071.5 738 516 65.5 1254 803 1319 Fox 10B Summer 8702.7 137 71 0.0 208 137 208 Smoke Creek 11A Summer 30434.3 646 228 0.0 874 646 874 Smoke Creek 11B Summer 32518.0 436 77 0.0 513 436 513 West Lake 12A Summer 10704.3 628 145 0.7 773 628 773 West Lake 12B Summer 5959.3 317 61 0.2 378 317 378 West Lake 12C Summer 14235.0 524 99 1.0 623 525 624 West Lake 12D Summer 4768.0 303 60 0.0 364 303 364 North Lake 13 Summer 15347.8 121 13 0.0 134 121 134 Table 12. Forage Capacity, in AUMs, by Grazing Management Unit

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Current Resource Conditions In recent years, the rangeland has been stressed by prolonged drought conditions, fire damage, and heavy use by feral horses and livestock. In 2003, drought effects were estimated at a 60 to 90 percent loss of forage resources. At the time of the latest range inventory, less than 5% of the grazing land was in good or excellent condition (Figure 26). The remaining land was in poor to fair condition, or provided no forage value as playas or beaches or because of extremely steep slopes. At the time of the most recent range inventory, forage utilization in most areas was in excess of levels compatible with long-term resource sustainability. Field observations of forage utilization by feral horses within the inventory area indicated that distance to water did not limit their forage use. Continued heavy and severe grazing use of perennial forage species by both cattle and feral horses would eventually result in loss of these plants within the Reservation. Reproduction of desirable forage plants is not possible at these high levels of use and the existing perennial forage plants are generally of poor vigor. As perennial herbaceous vegetation was lost, woody plants, cheatgrass and other invasive species became dominant. Various wildfires have burned a significant portion of the Reservation and, depending on the age of the burn, cheatgrass, annual forbs, and fire tolerant shrubs (snakeweed, rabbitbrush, etc.) are the dominant present vegetation in these areas. (An exception to this is the Warrior Burn area, which has been reseeded to Siberian wheatgrass and forage kochia by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.) The majority of the sagebrush and salt shrub communities are lacking key perennial understory grasses. A few of the higher elevation rangeland plant communities are slowly being overtaken by Utah juniper and the potential of these plant communities to produce perennial forage is being reduced. Heavy and severe forage utilization levels result in an increased potential for soil erosion and sediment production that adversely impacts water quality. Riparian and wetland plant communities have been heavily grazed in the past, and most of these sites are in need of protection and restoration. Heavy and severe forage utilization by cattle and feral horses can also impact other wildlife populations within the inventory area. Many of the forb species utilized by horses are also preferred forage plants for mule deer. Maintenance of healthy watersheds and aesthetic values, as well as the preservation of species (biological) diversity, require that grazing animal impacts do not exceed the limitations of their grazing resource. Specific resource problems and opportunities are identified and described for each of the grazing units in the subsequent manuscript Plan Regions sections.

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Figure 28. Range Condition of PLIR Grazing Lands

91

Figure 29. Livestock Forage Capacity Classes in AUMs

92

Range Management and Improvements Many opportunities for range land enhancement are possible and areas with the highest potential for successful treatment and restoration have been identified in the Range Inventory Report. Conservation practices to restore range communities and increase forage production include proper grazing use, brush management, juniper thinning, weed control, and range reseeding. Additional opportunities exist to improve livestock management, including animal husbandry practices and agricultural marketing. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is currently making strong efforts to reduce the number of cattle and feral horses to prescribed stocking rates, and to develop a grazing management plan for each range area. Proper grazing use, at a stocking level prescribed to improve range conditions, is the most economical and effective step towards range improvement. Before proper grazing use can be implemented, the infrastructure for herd management must be in place. Infrastructure facilities include water development, fencing, and corrals for gathering and working cattle. The goal is to promote even livestock distribution over the entire range, so that preferred areas near water and on level slopes will not be over-used by cattle.

Facilitating Practices – Water and Fences Stock watering structures should be installed before or during fence construction. There are several opportunities for well locations and spring developments throughout much of the Reservation. Figure 28 shows the existing watering facilities for livestock, and the locations of potential water developments. Some of the existing water features need maintenance or repair, and these are shown as nonfunctional on the map. Riparian and wetland areas near springs should be protected from over-use with fencing and piping of water to troughs away from the source. Currently, most Range Unit boundaries are fenced or in the process of being fenced. In the mountainous locations, steeply sloped terrain acts as a natural barrier to cattle movement, and fencing is not necessary in these stretches. Additional cross fences are planned in some grazing units to facilitate grazing rotation systems and more controlled forage utilization. Figure 29 shows the current status of existing fences, as well as those needed to enhance range management.

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Figure 30. Grazing Land Watering Facilities

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Figure 31. Grazing Land Fences

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Accelerating Practices –Range Planting and Brush Management

Range planting and brush management practices are commonly used to accelerate changes in the plant community to meet management objectives. At this time, only limited opportunities exist for improving plant communities on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Reseeding efforts and brush management are limited by areas of poor soil suitability, steep slopes, low precipitation, and a lack of native grass sources for seed production. Areas with soils and landscapes that are best suited to brush management practices are depicted in Figure 30. Approximately 27,600 acres of range land could be reseeded to higher forage value plants, with a potential yield increase of 200 to 300 percent. In areas that lack a native seed source for grasses, these manipulated areas may also require reseeding. Currently, nearly 33,000 acres could be treated with mechanical or chemical brush management techniques to allow regeneration of perennial grass and forb understory. In 2002, University of Nevada, Reno installed two trial plots for brush management techniques near tribal headquarters in Nixon, Nevada. The study is described in more detail in the Winter Range section of this manuscript. The results from these control methods will be available in the near future to help choose best the management practices to improve forage production in suitable areas. Investments in seeding or brush management will require a period of grazing deferment to be successful. Facilities must be provided to control grazing animal access to any areas receiving these treatments. Prior to initiating vegetation manipulation practices, it is advisable to arrange an on-site evaluation of the soils to be treated. NRCS can provide soil specialists to make this type of investigation.

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Figure 32. Suitable Areas for Brush Management

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Grazing Management System Livestock management is the most economical method to ensure the health and stability of the grazing land resource. Grazing management plans should be developed for each Grazing Unit, allowing for systematic movement of cattle from one pasture to another, and allowing each pasture recurring periods of grazing and deferment. The NRCS is providing technical assistance to design a suitable rotation schedule and grazing management plan to meet tribal objectives.

Key Range Areas – Monitoring Key grazing areas have been designated in each pasture and Range Unit to monitor and evaluate grazing use. These key grazing areas are relatively small plots chosen to represent the management unit because of its location, use, or grazing value. If the key grazing areas of a management unit are properly grazed, the unit as a whole will not be excessively used. These monitoring sites should be viewed near the end of the grazing season to make necessary management adjustments to future stocking rate or duration of use. Figure 31 shows the location of Key Grazing Areas for the Pyramid Lake grazing lands. Initial monitoring data are available in the NRCS Range Inventory Report.

Detailed Planning and Plan Implementation NRCS is also providing technical assistance to design detailed conservation plans to address multiple resource concerns on grazing lands. Planning and implementation of conservation practices under these plans have been funded through the 1992, 1997, and 2002 USDA Farm Bill programs: Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Additional projects are being funded through other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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Figure 33. Key Grazing Monitoring Sites

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Important Range Resources - Springs, Streams and Wetlands

There are numerous isolated riparian areas and wetlands within the range management area boundaries. A number of perennial streams cross the rangelands and drain into Pyramid Lake, including Hard Scrabble Creek, Coal Canyon, and Big Canyon. These important resources should be protected and managed for wildlife habitat and to enhance water quantity and quality. The water sources were also important sites for the early native peoples, and both cultural resources and historic sites are often associated with them. Any change in land use that disturbs the soil should be evaluated and planned to protect these cultural resources. Deteriorating range lands were identified as a major contributing factor to water quality problems in both the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. Because grazing units are located adjacent to the river corridor or surrounding Pyramid Lake, surface soil erosion and nutrient loading were identified as causes of nonpoint source pollution. Lack of vegetative cover in areas of poor range condition are susceptible to soil particle displacement and transport into neighboring waters. Cattle and feral horses tend to congregate in unprotected riparian and wetland areas, damaging soils and vegetation through severe compaction and heavy grazing of native species. Invasive and noxious weeds have been transported into these sensitive areas by grazing animals, displacing native vegetation and increasing soil erosion. Increased sedimentation and transport of sediments and nutrients into adjacent water bodies and streams are a continued resource concern. As part of the range management plans, protection and restoration of riparian and wetland communities is a high priority. Riparian areas are being fenced off to prevent over-grazing. Spring developments and pipelines are being used to divert water to drinking troughs way from the sensitive ecosystems. A prescribed grazing management plan is under development to balance forage production with animal numbers and season of use. Consideration is being given to wildlife use of the range land, with planned forage allocation, wildlife habitat development, and water development for wildlife as well as cattle. There are numerous opportunities for additional riparian and wetland enhancement. Many of the riparian and wetlands plants have cultural and historic value as food, medicine, and fiber for traditional sources of building and craft materials. Once these areas are excluded from overuse by livestock and feral horses, restoration efforts could include reestablishing these species for local use and management. Examples of the important native species are included in Table 6 in the Social and Cultural section of this manuscript.

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Figure 34. Important Streams and Water Bodies

101 Wildlife

The isolation and variability of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation provides suitable habitat for many wildlife species. Pronghorn and mule deer inhabit the rangelands, as well as many smaller species, such as black-tail jackrabbits and Great Basin pocket mice. A herd of Desert bighorn sheep utilize the northwest portion of the Reservation. Mountain lions inhabit the steep, inaccessible terrain of the Lake Range and other mountainous areas. The habitat types range from riverine wetlands to sagebrush desert to mountainous terrain, which attract numerous waterfowl, birds of prey, and songbirds. Many hawk and owl species reside on the reservation year round. The Reservation is home to an assortment of bats, several of which, are labeled as “Species of Concern” because their populations are susceptible to changes in the environment. The larger game species may migrate from higher to lower elevations or from within the borders of the Reservation to off site locations. Except for migratory bird species, all other wildlife species do not make major long distance migrations The Bald eagle, Lahontan cutthroat trout and the Carson Wandering Skipper are the only threatened species on the Reservation. The cui-ui is listed as the only endangered species. There are, however, many “species of concern” located on the Reservation most notably the American white pelican, leopard frog, and several species of bats. Sage grouse are known to utilize an area west of the lake, with an active lek site just outside the reservation boundaries. More detailed information is located in the West Lake Region manuscript section. Table 13 provides a listing of animal species and those indicated as species of concern on the Reservation. Populations of large mammals have declined in recent years, due to deteriorated condition of the range ecosystems and season-long hunting practices. Tribal members throughout the Reservation hunt wildlife species including mule deer, pronghorn antelope and chuckar partridge. There is evidence of amphibian decline and deformities on the Reservation. Although amphibian malformations have been reported in 44 states since 1996, the relatively high frequency of malformations within the populations far exceeds what is considered “natural”. The causes of deformities include contaminants, parasites and ultraviolet radiation. One or more of these factors can cause amphibians to be more susceptible to other factors.

102 Table 13. Animal Species of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Source: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department Common Name Scientific Name T=Threatened E=Endangered C=Species of Concern

MAMMALS Order Lagomorpha Mountain Cottontail Sylvilagus nuttallii Pygmy Rabbit (C) Sylvilagus idahoensis Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepis californicus Pika Ochotona princeps Order Insectivora Broad-footed Mole Scapanus latimanus Vagrant Shrew Sorex vagrans Water Shrew Sorex palustris Merriam’s Shrew Sorex merriami Order Chiroptera Pallid Bat Antrozous pallidus Big Brown Bat Eptesicus cinereus Spotted Bat (C) Euderma maculata Silver-haired Bat Lasioncysteris noctivagans Hoary Bat Lasiurus cinereus Fringed Myotis (C) Myotis thysanodes Long-eared Myotis (C) Myotis evotis

Long-legged Myotis (C) Myotis volans California Myotis Myotis californicus Small footed Myotis (C) Myotis subulatus Yuma Myotis (C) Myotis yumanensis Little Brown Bat Myotis lucifugus Pale Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (C) Plecotus townsendii pallescens Pacific Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (C) Plecotus townsendii townsendii Order Rodentia California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beccheyi Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel Spermophilus lateralis Townsend’s Ground Squirrel Citeclus townsendii Belding Ground Squirrel Citeclus beldingi Antelope Ground Squirrel Ammospermophilus lecurus

103 Least Chipmunk Tamias minimus

Porcupine Erethizon dorsaum Beaver Castor canadensis Yellow-bellied Marmot Marmota flaviventris Townsend Pocket Gopher Thomomys townsendii Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys talpoides Mountain Pocket Gopher Thomomys monticola Great Basin Pocket Mouse Perognathus parvus Little Pocket Mouse Perognathus longimembris Long-tailed Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus formosus Ord’s Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys ordii Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat Dipodomys microps Western Harvest Mouse Reinthrodontomys megalotis Northern Grasshopper Mouse Onychomys leucogaster Desert Woodrat Neotoma lepida Bushy-tailed Woodrat Neotoma cinerea Canyon Mouse Peromyscus crinitus Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Sagebrush Vole Lemmiscus curtatus Long-tailed Vole Microtus longicaudus Montane Meadow Mouse Microtus montanus Muskrat Ondatra zibethica House Mouse Mus musculus Western Jumping Mouse Zapus princeps Order Carnivora Bobcat Felis rufus Mountain Lion Felis concolor Coyote Canus latrans Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Black Bear Ursus americanus Racoon Bassariscus astutus Striped Skunk Spilogale putorius Spotted Skunk Spilogale putorius Badger Taxidae taxus Mink Mustela vison Long-tailed Weasel Mustela freneta Order Artiodactyla

104 Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Prong-horned Antelope Antilocapra Americana Bighorn Sheep Ovis Canadensis Order Perissodactyla Feral Horse Equus caballus Feral Ass Equus asinus REPTILES Great Basin Collared Lizard Crotophytus bicintores Long-nosed Leopard Lizard Gambelia wislizenii Great Basin Fence Lizard Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus Sagebrush Lizard Sceloporus graciosus Desert Spiny Lizard Sceloporus magister Northern Side Blotched Lizard Uta stansburiana Northern Desert Horned Lizard Phrynosoma plaryrhinos Western Skink Eumeces skiltonianus Great Basin Whiptail Cnemidophorus tigris Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus Western Yellow-bellied Racer Coluber constrictor Great Basin Gopher Snake Pituophis melanoleucus Western Long-nosed Snake Rhinocheilus lecontei Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata Common King snake Lampropeltis getula Great Basin Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis lutosus Western Pond Turtle (C) Clemmys marmorata AMPHIBIANS Western Toad Bufo boreas Pacific Treefrog Hyla regilla Leopard Frog (C) Rana pipiens Bull Frog Rana catesbeiana Great Basin Spadefoot Toad Scaphiopus intermontanus BIRDS Order Gaviformes Common Loon Gavia immer

105 Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica Order Podicipediformes Clark’s Grebe Aechmophorus clarkii Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis Eared Grebe Podiceps caspicus Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus Pied-bill Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Order Pelicaniformes American White Pelican (C) Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Order Ciconiiformes Great Egret Ardea alba Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Snowy Egret Egretta thula Least Bittern (C) Ixobrychus exilis hesperis White-faced Ibis (C) Plegadis chihi Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Order Anseriformes Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Brant Goose Branta bernicla Canada Goose Branta canadensis Snow Goose Chen caerulescens Ross Goose Chan rossii Wood Duck Aix sponsa Northern Pintail Anas acuta American Widgeon Anas americana Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata Green-winged Teal Anas crecca Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Gadwall Anas strepera Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Redhead Aythya americana

106 Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Canvasback Aythya valisineria Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Common Golden Eye Bucephala clangula Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cuccullatus Common Merganser Mergus merganser Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Order Falconiformes Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii Goshawk Accipiter genilis Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Swainson’s Hawk Bureo swainsoni Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Bald Eagle (T) Haliaetus leucocephalus Northern Harrier Circus cyaneu Osprey Pandion haliatus Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Peregrin Falcon Falco pereginus Merlin Falco columbarius Order Galliformes Chucker Alectoris graeca California Quail Callipepla californicus Order Gruiformes Virginia Rail Rallus limicola Sora Rail Porzana carolina American Coot Fulica americana Order Chardriiformes American Avocet Recurvirostra americana Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

107 Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Killdeer Charadrius vociferous Common Snipe Capella gallinago Long-billed curlew Numenius americanus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleucus Sanderling Calidris alba Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Dunlin Calidris alpina Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicaria Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Herring Gull Larus argentatus California Gull Larus californicua Mew Gull Larus canus Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus Heerman’s Gull Larus heermanni Bonaparte’s Gull Larus philadelphia Thayer’s Gull Larus thayeri Sabine’s Gull Xema Sabina Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Common Tern Sterna hirundo Forester’s Tern Sterna forsteri Black Tern (C) Chilidonias niger Ancient Murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus

108 Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Order Columbiformes Rock Dove Columba livia Morning Dove Zenaidura macroura Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Order Strigiformes Barn Owl Tyto alba Screech Owl Otis kennicottii Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Western Burrowing Owl (C) Athene cunicularia hypugea Long-eared Owl Asio otus Order Caprimulgiformes Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Common Poorwill Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Order Apodiformes White-throated Swift Aeronautes saxatalis Black Swift Cypseloides niger Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri Costa’s Hummingbird Calypte costae Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Order Coraciiformes Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Order Piciformes Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Lewis Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Order Passeriformes Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi Western Wood Pewee Contopus sordidulus Western Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis Dusky Flycatcher Empidonax oberholseri Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Gray Flycatcher Empidonax wrightii Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans

109 Say’s Phoebe Sayornis saya Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus Solitary Vireo Vireo plumbeous Western Scrub-Jay Aphelocoma californica Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Clark’s Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana Black-billed Magpie Pica Pica American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Common Ravin Corvus corax Horned Lark Eremophilia alpestris Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Western Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina Bank Swallow Riparia riparia Mountain Chickadee Parus gambeli Plain Titmouse Parus inornatus Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Brown Creeper Certhia americana Canyon Wren Caltherpes mexicana Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus Bewick’s Wren Thryomanes bewick Wren Troglodytes aedon Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius Townsend’s Solitaire Myadestes townsendi Mountain Bluebird Silia currucoides Western Bluebird Silia mexicana American Robin Turdis migratorius Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

110 Sage Thrasher Oreiscoptes montanus European Starling Sturnus vulgaris American Pipit Anthus rubescens Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens Townsend’s Warbler Dendroica townsendi Ovenbird Seiurus aurocappillus MacGillivray’s Warbler Oporornis tolmiei Common Yellowthroat Geothylpis trichas Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens Wilson’s Warbler Wilsonia pusilla Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea Lazuli Bunting Passerina amoena Abert’s Towhee Pipilo aberti Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorusus Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculates Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina Brewer’s Sparrow Spizella breweri Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Lincoln’s Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta

111 Yellow-headed Blackbird Zanthocephalus zanthocephalus Brewer’s Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Order Passeriformes Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus atar Bullock’s Oriole Icterus bullocki Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Cassin’s Finch Carpodacus cassinii House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus House Sparrow Passer domesticus FISH Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (T) Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Kokane Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka Brown Trout Salmo trutta Mountain Whitefish Prosopium williamsoni Tui-chub Gila bicolor obesus Lahontan Redside Shiner Richardsonius egregious Speckled Dace Rhinichthys osculus Fathead Minnow Pimephales promalas Carp Cyprinus carpio Cui-ui (E) Chasmistes cujus Tahoe Sucker Catostomus tahoensis Lahontan Mountain Sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus lahontan Sacramento Perch Archoplites interruptus Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus INVERTEBRATES Carson Wandering Skipper (E) Pseudocopaeodes eunus obscurus

Summary of Resource Concerns • Degraded upland wildlife habitat • Large number of feral horses • Loss or damage to important wetlands and riparian areas

112 • Declining populations of many species of wildlife

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Early Successional Habitat Development and Management • Fence, wildlife compatible • Pest Management • Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats • Stream Habitat Improvement and Management • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management

Resource Opportunities • Feral horse management plan • Wildlife inventory and management plan • Water harvesting catchments

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Nevada and Eastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan, Nevada Division of Wildlife, 2005. [ http://www.ndow.org/wild/sg/plan/index.shtm] • Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Range Inventory, 2000-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept and NRCS] • Sage Grouse Tribal Conservation Plan, PLPT Environmental Dept, 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Nevada Audubon Society website: www.nevadaaudubon.org/Iba/Pyramid

Nonagricultural Resource Concerns

Mines

Numerous abandoned and active mines are located within the main Pyramid Lake watershed. A few of these are located on the Reservation, while the majority of mining areas occur just outside the boundary. The Packard Mine, Sano Mine, Lakeview Mine, Guanomi Mine, and Sand Pass gravel pit are located within the Reservation boundaries. The Packard Mine and Sano Mine are located in the

113 northern portion of the Reservation. These mines were underground operations that produced small quantities of lead, silver, zinc, and gold. The Lakeview Mine is on the east side of the lake. It produced gold, silver, and copper. The mines are currently abandoned and present a safety hazard to humans and animals. Open adits, dumps, and local acid mine drainage are concerns that need rectification. The Guanomi Mine, in the southwest portion of the Reservation, was excavated for copper molybdenum, gold and silver during the 1900s to 1920. In the Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory conducted by the Bureau of Land Management in September of 1994, the Guanomi site was listed as the most potentially hazardous on the Reservation. Olinghouse mine, located just outside the reservation boundary near Wadsworth, is an open pit mining operation that recovered gold and silver by cyanide heap leaching. During mine reclamation activities, a pond holding cyanide processing solution was breached, spilling contaminated waters downslope with potential impacts on PLPT tribal resources. Currently, a small underground mining operation is removing gold from the former Olinghouse Pit. The Perry Canyon mines are located outside of the Reservation boundaries, but drainage from these mines flows through Mullen Pass and discharges into Pyramid Lake. Contaminated waters from the Perry Canyon mines, located west of the Pyramid Lake Store in Sutcliffe, contain 320 times the acceptable level of arsenic. This mining area overlies the recharge area for the main drinking water aquifer for the Sutcliffe area. The Sand Pass gravel pit is a large, deep open pit that provided building material for the Central Pacific railroad. It is a pollution source of sediment and dust, due to its lack of vegetative cover and susceptibility to both wind and water erosion. Paiute Pit Gravel Operations is still active in the Wadsworth area along Hill Ranch Road.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Toxic discharge from mine sites • Lack of vegetative cover • Soil erosion from wind and water • Degraded soil condition

Recommended Conservation Practices • Land Reclamation of Toxic Discharge Control • Land Reconstruction of Abandoned Mined Lands • Land Reconstruction of Currently Mined Lands • Mine Shaft and Adit Closing • Critical Area Planting

114 Resource Opportunities • Implementation of concurrent reclamation plans for mines still operating on the Reservation • Surface water flow control measures at contaminated sites • Capping and revegetation of disturbed mine sites • Installation of water monitoring well

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Perry Canyon Site Investigation Report, USACE Contract No. DACW45-03-D-001 MWH (Montgomery Watson Harza), September 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Evaluating the Impact of Perry Canyon Acid Mine Drainage, Washoe County, Nevada and Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation. Brian Rasmussen Scott Tyler UNR Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences December 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Environmental Impact Statement, Olinghouse Mine Project. Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office, September 1997. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Field Inventory of Mineral Resources, Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Nevada. Report BIA No. 38 –II 1982. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • “Screening-level Ecological Risk Assessment for Heap Leach Pad Drainage Pond Water Discharge Olinghouse Mine”. SRK, 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • PLPT Comments on SRK Report titled “Screening-level Ecological Risk Assessment for Heap Leach Pad Drainage Pond Water Discharge Olinghouse Mine”. Correspondence 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Nonpoint Source Report. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory. Bureau of Land Management, September 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

115

Figure 35. Location of Mines within and Surrounding the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation

Sierra Army Depot

116 The Sierra Army Depot (SIAD) is located in the town of Herlong, California just 12 miles west of Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation (PLIR). SIAD receives, stores, maintains, and treats munitions from military and non-military sources. Operations at SIAD have resulted in the generation of various types of contaminants across the installation and surrounding areas. Emissions of concern include hydrogen cyanide, methane, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, barium, copper, and lead. The main concern for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is that fallout from the emissions from will affect human health and the environmental resources of the Tribe. SIAD operations commenced in the mid-1950s, with a mission to destroy obsolete hazardous waste munitions and rocket motors by open-burning or open detonation (OB/OD). The OB/OD method of destruction created plumes of smoke that generally traveled east or southeast 10-40 miles, over the northern portion of Pyramid Lake Indian reservation. The smoke plume contained heavy metals and many organic and inorganic compounds, many of which are known to be carcinogens. In 1998, SIAD sought to increase permitted levels of emissions from 36,000 tons per year to 56,000 tons per year. As a result, the Tribe commented on the draft document, attended public meetings and hearings, and eventually filed a lawsuit against the U.S Army. Many of the errors and omissions in the two permits held by SIAD, the Hazardous Waste Permit, and the Title V Operating Permit, were corrected. In 2001, SIAD sought to obtain an exemption to Rule 4.8 from Lassen County, California to operate under its Title V Permit. The rule does not allow open burning if alternative technologies exist. SIAD was denied an exemption because alternative technologies existed to open burning of munitions. Army Headquarters halted OB/OD operations in September 2001. Since that time SIAD has redefined its mission away from ordinance operations. The Tribe remains actively involved in Restoration Advisory Activities, which include addressing contaminated sites around the base.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Toxic emissions with potential for fallout on the Reservation

Recommended Conservation Practices • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Environmental Assessment of Department of Defense Impacts to Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept] • Mitigation of Environmental Impacts to Indian Lands Caused by Department of Defense Activities. PLPT Environmental Department. [PLPT Environmental Dept] • Nevada Trace Metals Project: Soil Sampling Data. 1992. [PLPT Environmental Dept. and NRCS]

117 Lake Range Proposed Wildlife Region The Lake Range is an isolated and rugged mountain range on the northeast side of Pyramid Lake, covering about 15,900 acres. Elevations in this region range from lake level (approximately 3810 feet in 2005) to 8182 feet at Tohakum Peak. Vegetation is characterized by Lahontan Sagebrush plant communities with Salt Desert Shrub communities at the lowest elevations. Limited resource information has been gathered for the higher elevations of this region, due to its inaccessibility and cultural sensitivity. It was not included as part of the NRCS 2000-2004 Range Inventory.

Figure 36. Lake Range Proposed Wildlife Region Location

118 Background

The Lake Range was recently designated a PLPT Proposed Wildlife Region in the PLPT 50 Year Land Use Plan. Minimal grazing by cattle occurs in this area. However, there are large herds of feral horses in this region and also on Bureau of Land Management lands adjacent to the Reservation. The Tribe has completed three gathers of feral horses since 2001. In 2001, 589 feral horses were gathered, in 2002 another 574 horses were gathered, and in 2005 366 horses were captured on tribal lands. In addition, the Bureau of Land management gathered 352 horses in 2001 and another 362 horses in 2005 on public lands in the Fox Range and Lake Range. Since there was no fence at the northern boundary between the reservation and BLM land at that time, additional horses continued to enter the reservation from BLM lands after the initial gathers. Several springs and streams are scattered throughout the range, but have not been assessed for wildlife drinking water developments. The Lake Range of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation has excellent potential for Bighorn Sheep and sage grouse habitat. The Tribe is interested in developing partnerships to restore and improve the native vegetation and to develop watering facilities for both species. The isolation and minimal use of the area add to the value of the Lake Range for bighorn sheep and sage grouse habitat. A large population of mountain lions and bobcats inhabit the area. The reintroduction of any native species must include a planned component for predator control to ensure success of the population. The Tribe has consulted with the Nevada Department of Wildlife about the possibility of planting California Bighorn Sheep into the area. Plan components would include habitat assessment and vegetation survey; wild horse management, predator survey and control, and habitat improvement. Bighorns are primarily grazers, consuming grasses, sedges, and forbs, but will take some browse when preferred food is scarce (especially in winter). Brush management and range plantings of native grasses are needed to improve forage in some areas. Spring developments and guzzlers could be installed to ensure adequate, season-long water sources for wildlife use. The Tribe is actively participating in the Governor’s Sage Grouse Conservation Team and is leading the way for tribal involvement and action to prevent T&E species listing. There are two sage grouse leks in the Pah Rah range bordering the western reservation boundary. Additional sage grouse have recently been spotted on the eastern side of the reservation. The Lake Range will be managed to minimize known risks identified by the Governor’s Team. These risks include altered and fragmented habitat quantity and quality, wildfires and invasive plant species, livestock grazing, overuse by feral horses, conversion of habitat to other uses, and predation. Plan components will include increasing diversity of sagebrush species, controlling woody species and weed invasion, restoring native plant communities through brush management and native seeding, and enhancement of the native understory seed bank through continued grazing deferment and wild horse management.

119

Summary of Resource Concerns • Feral horses damaging rangelands, especially wetlands and riparian areas • Invasive weeds replacing native plant communities • High population of predators ( mountain lions) • Low population of big game species • Lack of water development • Need for range resource inventory • Need for habitat assessment • Abandoned Lakeview Mine has open adits and surface contamination that impact water quality locally

Recommended Conservation Practices • Pest Management • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management • Wildlife Watering Facility • Land Reclamation of Toxic Discharge Control • Land Reconstruction of Abandoned Mined Lands • Land Reconstruction of Currently Mined Lands • Mine Shaft and Adit Closing • Critical Area Planting

Resource Opportunities • Wildlife habitat improvement and development • Wildlife management plan • Feral Horse management plan • Potential for Sage Grouse Habitat Improvement • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Predator control • Reintroduction of big game species

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Nevada and Eastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan, Nevada Division of Wildlife, 2005. [ http://www.ndow.org/wild/sg/plan/index.shtm] • Sage Grouse Tribal Conservation Plan, PLPT Environmental Dept, 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

120 Winter Range Area The Winter Range area is located north of Wadsworth and south of Nixon, consisting of approximately 37,875 acres of dominantly Lahontan Sagebrush and Salt Desert Shrub plant communities. The main highway (Nevada State Route 447) and the Truckee River run south to north through this planning unit, providing natural divisions between grazing units. The winter range is divided into five grazing management units, with planned cross-fencing for sub-units east of the river.

Figure 37. Winter Range Grazing Units

121 Background In mid-November of each year, cattle are gathered from the summer range north of Nixon, and returned to individual agricultural land assignments for winter grazing and supplemental feeding. The Winter Range grazing units are for general use of cattle owners, but have traditionally been used by cattlemen without winter pasture resources on their land assignment. Until the late 1990s, the winter range lacked fencing and suitable grazing management practices. The area is bisected by the Truckee River corridor, and cattle were often concentrated in the riparian zone along the river. The Truckee River corridor had suffered damage and degradation from historical channel straightening and recent devastating floods. Natural geomorphic processes toward restabilization of the river channel and flood plains were hindered partly by the continual grazing of vegetation. Establishment of riparian species, especially young, palatable cottonwood seedlings, was difficult. In 1999, the Tribe received an USEPA grant to fence off the river to protect the riparian habitat and to improve water quality. Additional fencing to divide the range into manageable grazing units was installed in the late 1990s. Five grazing management units were created: Big Mouth, Dead Ox, and Dodge Flat on the west side of the river; and Black Mountain and East Truckee on the eastern side (Figure 35). Water developments were planned to provide stock water in each of the fenced units, and cross fences are being installed to provide opportunities for cattle rotation on the eastern side. A rest/rotation grazing management system can be accomplished on the western side by alternating patterns and season of use between the three range areas. The NRCS range inventory was completed for the Winter Range Areas in 2001. Range condition, grazing utilization patterns, ecological site descriptions, existing and needed range improvements, water sources, forage capacity, stocking rate recommendations, and noxious weed identification and locations were provided as part of the inventory. Table 14 is a summary of the NRCS recommended stocking rate for the Winter Range grazing management units. NRCS Stocking recommended rate with Range Season stocking rate annual Range Unit Unit ID of Use ACRES (AUMs) cheatgrass Big Mouth 1 Winter 12449.9 588 862 Dead Ox 2 Winter 5336.9 188 294 Dodge Flat 3 Winter 6230.9 354 443 Black Mountain 4 Winter 7415.3 598 606 East Truckee 5A Winter 4068.0 220 297 East Truckee 5B Winter 2375.1 171 211 Total: Area Summary 37876 2119 2713

Table 14. Summary of Winter Range Acreage and Recommended Stocking Rate 2004 Source: 2000-2004 USDA-NRCS Pyramid Lake Range Inventory Report.

122 A conservation plan was completed under the USDA-NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program, addressing some of the high priority resource concerns and treatment needs. Noxious weeds were located in several scattered locations, near water or in depressional areas in the upland range land. Chemical treatment and integrated pest management are planned for these small sites. One hundred and twenty-eight acres in the Big Mouth grazing area are planned to be reseeded, to replace earlier unsuccessful or deteriorated plantings of perennial range grasses. A cross-fence for grazing rotation is planned for the Black Mountain unit, as is a pumping facility for an existing stock water well. Near the Salt Marsh on the east side of the Truckee River, also in the Black Mountain unit, the main spring will be fenced and water piped to a trough outside the exclosure for cattle and wildlife use. This spring has been surveyed by the Nature Conservancy and the University of Nevada for amphibians, and is known to provide habitat for the Northern Leopard Frog, a declining species on the Nevada Heritage Watch List. The current conservation plan (Figure 36) is not comprehensive for the five areas, and many additional conservation practices should be considered. Recommended conservation practices and resource opportunities are listed in the appropriate section for each Planning Region. Detailed descriptions of the practices are found in Appendix I. The native vegetation of the Winter Range Regions consists dominantly of Lahontan Sage brush communities and Salt Desert Shrub communities. In general, the winter grazing units support an unnaturally dense canopy cover of woody vegetation. The woody plants compete with desirable understory grasses and herbs for soil moisture and nutrients. A brush-thinning program could greatly enhance the amount of forage available to livestock on the winter range, by reducing the woody plant overstory and increasing the amount of perennial grass cover. This would result in a more natural balance between herbaceous and woody plants that would also reduce the potential for soil erosion by wind.

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123

Figure 38. Winter Range Planned Improvements, 2000

124

Brush management and range planting have not previously been applied for the control of Bailey greasewood, Lahontan sagebrush, and a number of associated woody plants in the Winter Range Area. This is partly due to lack of information on the applicability and/or effectiveness of these practices. In 2002, the University of Nevada, Reno and NRCS installed two trial plots for brush management techniques near tribal headquarters in Nixon, Nevada. A Salt Desert Shrub vegetation site was selected for study just north of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Headquarters at Nixon, in the northwest quarter of Section 13 Township 23N and Range 23E. A Lahontan sagebrush dominant plant community was also selected for treatment, on Nixon Flat, in the northeast quarter of Section 13 Township 22N and Range 23E (Figure 37). Sites were treated with chemical herbicides and by mechanical means as part of the Pest Management and/or Brush Management practices. Approximately 12 acres received herbicide- only treatments. An additional 4 acres received mechanical-only or mechanical treatment followed by herbicide applications. Various types of herbicides were applied, and the timing of herbicide application for each shrub species, as well as the rate of herbicide application, are being evaluated for effectiveness in killing the target plants. Mechanical treatments of brush involve both mowing (chopping) and disking. Each separate treatment, and combination of treatments (mowing/disking followed with herbicide), will also be evaluated in terms of the response of understory herbaceous plants following treatment. Adapted plant materials will be seeded to improve forage condition of the sites that were treated using Pest Management and/or Brush Management practices This demonstration project is intended to provide knowledge to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe on how to control these woody weeds in a safe and cost-effective way. The results from these control methods will be available in the near future to help choose best the management practices to improve forage production in suitable areas. Once the demonstration project is completed, informational materials will be developed to disseminate the knowledge necessary to most effectively reduce the dominance of woody vegetation on these winter range areas. Additionally, field tours of the study sites will be arranged for that will provide on-site explanations of the various treatments and treatment responses. There are several locations in the Winter Range where soils and terrain are suitable for brush management and range reseeding (Figure 38). It is estimated that these practices could increase forage production by 200 to 300 percent.

125

Figure 39. Location of Brush Management Study Sites

126

Figure 40. Winter Range Areas Suitable for Brush Management Practices

127 Due to extreme drought conditions, the Winter Range was not open for grazing in 2002 and 2003. Key areas were monitored to assess plant condition, showing very little plant growth during that period. In 2004, the Big Mouth grazing unit showed sufficient recovery to allow limited grazing for a small herd. At the same time, an area west of the Lake was closed to grazing, and the displaced cattlemen moved their herds temporarily onto this unit. It is expected that the entire winter range will be reopened by the winter of 2005.

Nonagricultural Resource Concerns Other resource concerns are present on the Winter Range units, because of the proximity to the residential areas of Wadsworth and Nixon, agricultural land assignments along the river corridor, the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake ecosystems, and major highways. In addition, problems with abandoned mines and off-reservation mining operations have created environmental problems in those areas. Trespassing of cattle has been an ongoing concern that was partially rectified by the fencing of the major highways and the Winter Range grazing management units. Still, occasional lack of management or incidents of unclosed gates allow livestock entry onto neighboring land assignments, important riparian areas, or onto highways. Wandering cows have been the cause of numerous car accidents on State Route 447, some of which have been fatal to the driver and passengers. The growing population and residential areas of Wadsworth and Sutcliffe may affect portions of the winter grazing lands in the near future. Tribal priorities such as housing, residential and commercial infrastructure, and economic development have the potential to displace cattle grazing in some locations. Guanomi Mine is an abandoned molybdenum mine located in the northeastern portion of the Big Mouth grazing unit. Runoff from the mine enters a down-slope wetland area and small stream that drain directly into Pyramid Lake. Iron sulfides associated with the ore and tailings have acidified the soils and water near the mine. The acidic water mobilizes metals in the soil and transports the contaminants to the lake. The Olinghouse Mine is located near the southern portion of the reservation, west of Dodge Flat in the Pah Rah Range. Gold and silver ore were recently mined in an open pit. The gold and silver were extracted using cyanide heap leach technology. In 2001, the heap leach pad drainage pond was breached during reclamation activities, and cyanide-laden waters moved downslope. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was concerned about water table contamination in the Dodge Flat area or in the Truckee River system below, and subsequent investigations soon followed. A risk assessment report concluded that there were no impacts to the environment. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe felt that without substantial ground water sampling and modeling, there was not sufficient information to support the conclusion of no environmental effects. Reclamation of the site was completed except for the pit area, where a small underground gold operation is currently operating.

128

Summary of Resource Concerns • Invasive and noxious weeds • Acid mine drainage and dangerous access to abandoned Guanomi mine area • Impacts from mining operations adjacent to reservation (Butcher Boy, Olinghouse, and other historical abandoned sites) • Need for wellhead protection • Erosion and safety issues at the Paiute Pit gravel operation • Soil blowing hazard in barren areas next to highway

Recommended Conservation Practices • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management • Conservation Cover • Critical Area Planting • Fence • Herbaceous Wind Barriers • Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mine Land • Land Reclamation, Currently Mined Land • Land Reclamation, Toxic Discharge Control • Mine Shaft and Adit Closing\Monitoring Wells • Pest Management • Reclamation of acid mine drainage into Pyramid Lake from Guanomi Mine • Sediment Basin • Water treatment • Revegetation • Windbreak/Shelterbreak Establishment

Resource Opportunities • Water-spreading of treated municipal effluent • Mine reclamation • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value

129

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept or NRCS.] • Amphibian Survey, TNC and UNR, Reno, 2000 to 2001, unpublished. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [NRCS]

130 Big Mouth

The Big Mouth Region is located southwest of the town of Nixon. It is approximately 12,450 acres in size, and is bordered by Nevada Highway 447 on the east and Nevada Highway 446 to the north. The Reservation boundary in this region lies along the steep eastern slopes of the Pah Rah Range. The vegetation is characterized by Sagebrush-bunchgrass and Juniper woodland plant communities. Most of the western portion of this area is too rocky and steep to be utilized by livestock.

Figure 41. Big Mouth Region

In 2002, a lightning-caused wildlife burned 270 acres in the southern portion of the Big Mouth Region, while a previous fire in the western section burned over 2650 acres. These fire damaged areas are currently in poor to fair condition, but are not suitable for most range reseeding practices because of steep, rocky slopes and inaccessibility. The Big Mouth Region was closed to grazing from 2002 to 2003 because of deteriorated range condition from drought, fire, and continual winter utilization by cattle. However, this area

131 recovered to a suitable level with two seasons of rest. It was opened for temporary use by cattle that were removed from the East Lake Region to allow recovery of that area. In 1988, the USDA Soil Conservation Service Plants Materials Center and the Pyramid Lake Cattlemen’s Association seeded a test plot in the Big Mouth Region to a variety of adapted grass species. The most successful species after three years of growth were Hycrest Crested wheatgrass, Ephraim crested wheatgrass, Sodar streambank wheatgrass, and Secar bluebunch wheatgrass. Approximately 75 acres west of Nevada Highway 447 underwent a trial mechanical brush beating in the 1990s, but was not a successful brush management practice by itself. The 2001 Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS) should soon provide useful information for best management techniques for brush control on the winter range. The Winter Range 2002 EQIP Conservation Plan targeted two prior unsuccessful range seedings areas, totaling about 125 acres, to reseeding as shown in Figure 40. Tall whitetop, a noxious weed, was found in three locations at the time of the survey, and is also planned for treatment. Another resource concern, not included in the plan, is a poorly functioning solar well near the center of the Region.

Figure 42. Big Mouth Practices and Concerns

132

Nonagricultural Resource Concerns

Guanomi Mine and other Historic Mines Guanomi Mine is an abandoned molybdenum mine located in the northeastern portion of the Big Mouth grazing unit. This mine was active from the 1920s to 1958 with very little production of molybdenum, gold and copper. In the Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, conducted by the Bureau of Land Management in September of 1994, this site was the most potentially hazardous on the Reservation. Iron sulfides associated with the ore and tailings have acidified the soils and water near the mine. Measurements of water pH have ranged from 2.1 to 0.0. Runoff from the mine enters a down-slope wetland area and small stream that drains directly into Pyramid Lake, the habitat for two T&E fish species. The Guanomi Mine site is also a physical and safety hazard for humans and cattle. The site consists of four caved works, which includes two mine shafts and two adits; six wetland ponds with acidic water; one historic cabin and one cellar in poor shape; one open shaft with water at the bottom with a pH of 2.1 (on wet years); two waste piles with heavy concentrations of sulfides; and a small landfill. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Environmental Department began reclamation of the Guanomi Mine site in 2004. The tailings dumps were removed and placed in the abandoned railroad bed, then capped with soil material. The mine adits, shafts, and underground workings were caved in and filled to eliminate physical safety hazards on site. Restoration of the wetlands was initiated with the establishment of salt tolerant wetland plant species. Runoff from the site is now diverted into the wetlands, which will provide passive treatment of the acid mine drainage by precipitation of the metals. Water from upslope runoff is planned to be diverted around the mining area. Limestone will be placed over the entire site to neutralize the acidic water draining from the site. Soil material will be placed over the limestone, and will be planted with native upland plants. The area will be fenced to exclude cattle until the plant communities are established. Water quality will continue to be monitored after passive wetland treatment. If treatment is inadequate, bioreclamation treatments may be a future option. The State Department of Minerals completed an inventory of historic mine features in this area in 2002. Many sites were found in Big Mouth Canyon, just off the Reservation. These mining sites were added to the Nevada State inventory of Historic Mines and published.

Community Growth The community of Nixon is rapidly growing and additional land will be needed for residential areas and tribal infrastructure. Community water is piped from a new storage tank along the highway to the Nixon area. A new water source was identified for the Nixon community at Coal Canyon but has not yet been developed for inclusion into the community system. Future housing developments will probably be located near this water line and the main highways, to minimize costs of associated utilities and transportation needs. This may affect the current range land use and boundaries in some areas. Currently, Coal Canyon is an unprotected riparian area that contributes to groundwater recharge for Nixon’s new water source. Water quality assessments from shallow well samples show high levels of nutrients. Riparian area management would protect the water source and improve habitat for multiple wildlife species.

133

Figure 43. Guanomi Mine Site

134

Summary of Resource Concerns • Large areas of poor to fair range condition, caused by continual winter use, drought, and wildfires • Poorly functioning solar well • Invasion of noxious weeds • Acid mine drainage from abandoned and historic mine sites • Elevated nutrient levels in Coal Canyon

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Critical Area Planting • Fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection of livestock watering sites • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Rotation of season of use o Proper stocking rate o Range Planting, in suitable areas o Use exclusion to provide periods or recovery and regeneration • Reclamation of acid mine drainage into Pyramid Lake from Guanomi Mine o Land Reclamation of Toxic Discharge Control o Land Reconstruction of Abandoned Mined Lands o Mine Shaft and Adit Closing • Riparian area protection • Upland wildlife habitat management • Use exclusion, in newly seeded or planted areas • Riparian are management in Coal Canyon

Resource Opportunities • Brush management of suitable areas, following recommendations of UNR/NRCS Study • Reseeding of severely deteriorated areas with suitable soils and terrain • Use of solar tracking device to optimize well function • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value

135 • Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats • Stream Habitat Improvement and management • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Revegetation of prior unsuccessful seedings • Leasing or purchase of adjacent lands to graze cattle while restoring deteriorated tribal rangeland • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

136

Dead Ox The Dead Ox Region encompasses approximately 5337 acres west of Nevada Highway 447, north of Dodge Flat. The vegetation in the area is predominantly Salt Desert Shrub plant communities with Lahontan sagebrush plant communities on the higher landscapes. Much of the region was severely over-utilized during the 1999 to 2000 grazing seasons, and was closed to grazing from 2001 through 2004.

Figure 44. Dead Ox Region

137 This Region has adequate watering and fencing structures for current grazing use and range management. However, it has been closed to grazing the past three winters because of deteriorated range conditions from drought, fires, and unmanaged grazing. Wildfires damaged over 300 acres in the northwest section in 2000. An additional 40 acres were burned in a previous, smaller fire. In the southernmost area of the Dead Ox Region, a trial weed treatment area, implemented by the University of Nevada – Reno, remained barren for many years. It is subject to severe wind erosion and is a safety hazard to motorists on Highway 447. A recent assessment by NRCS indicates that the land is beginning to recuperate and could be reseeded successfully in non- drought years. Approximately144 acres need to be treated with range seeding.

Nonagricultural Resource Concerns Dead Ox Wash is a steeply incised, intermittent stream that drains into the Truckee River. There is active erosion along the steep banks, which contributes a significant sediment load to the river. Invasive salt cedar trees have also moved into Dead Ox Canyon, and need to be controlled before further infestation occurs.

138

Figure 45. Dead Ox Conservation Practices and Resource Concerns

139

Summary of Resource Concerns • Poor to fair range condition • Barren area near highway needs reseeding • Active erosion and sedimentation transport from Dead Ox Wash • Invasion of noxious weeds in isolated locations

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Critical Area Planting • Fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection of livestock watering sites • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Rotation of season of use o Proper stocking rate o Temporary exclusion from Truckee River corridor o Use exclusion to provide periods or recovery and regeneration • Riparian area protection • Streambank and Shoreline Protection of Dead Ox Wash • Upland wildlife habitat management • Use exclusion, in newly seeded or planted areas

Resource Opportunities • Brush management of suitable areas, following recommendations of UNR/NRCS Study • Reseeding of severely deteriorated areas with suitable soils and terrain • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Leasing or purchase of adjacent lands to graze cattle while restoring deteriorated tribal rangeland • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management

140

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

141 Dodge Flat

Dodge Flat is located on the east side of Nevada highway 447 and west of the Truckee River, just north of Wadsworth. It is approximately 6230 acres in size, and is dominated by Salt Desert Shrub plant communities. The area was dominantly in fair condition at the time of the latest range inventory. Much of the area was severely over-utilized during the 1999 to 2000 grazing seasons, and was closed to grazing from 2001 through 2004.

Figure 46. Dodge Flat Region

142 There is adequate fencing and watering facilities for livestock grazing, with the exception of a nonfunctional well and trough near Gardella Canyon. The well is lacking a power supply for the pump at this time (Figure 45). Several instances of cattle trespass into the excluded Truckee River Corridor have occurred in past years despite the fencing barrier.

Figure 47. Conservation Practices and Resource Concerns at Dodge Flat

143

Nonagricultural Resource Concerns The Olinghouse Mine is located near the southern portion of the reservation, west of Dodge Flat in the Pah Rah Range. Gold and silver were mined here periodically prior to 2000 and the minerals were recently mined in an open pit by Altas Gold. Precious metals were recovered by a gravity circuit coupled with a cyanide leach heap.. In 2001, the heap leach pad drainage pond was breached, and cyanide-laden waters moved downslope. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe was concerned about water table contamination in the Dodge Flat Region or in the Truckee River system below, and subsequent investigations and mitigation soon followed. A risk assessment report concluded that there were no impacts to the environment. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe felt that without substantial ground water sampling and modeling, there was not sufficient information to support the conclusion of no environmental effects. The Butcher Boy property is also located in Olinghouse Canyon and has been mined periodically for gold and silver. The site was in operation briefly in 2000, but closed after a few months. A well was left on site that is a potential conduit for contaminants to the ground water. The recent increase in gold prices has spurred renewed interest in the property. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe owns the ground water rights to Dodge Flat. Use of this water could initiate changes in land use of the Dodge Flat Region. Close proximity to the town of Wadsworth and to Interstate Highway I-80 provide opportunities for both residential growth and commercial development.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Fair condition rangeland from drought and prior years of over-utilization • Off-site environmental affects from past and future Olinghouse Canyon mining operations • Installation of power source for nonfunctional well near Gardella Canyon

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Critical Area Planting • Fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection of livestock watering sites • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Rotation of season of use o Proper stocking rate o Range Planting, in suitable areas o Temporary exclusion from Truckee River corridor o Upland use exclusion to provide periods or recovery and regeneration • Riparian area protection • Upland wildlife habitat management

144 Resource Opportunities • Monitoring of mining activities in Olinghouse Canyon • Use of PLPT water rights for agricultural diversification • Use of PLPT rights for residential or commercial expansion • Monitoring well to measure offsite affects from mining • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Leasing or purchase of adjacent lands to graze cattle while restoring deteriorated tribal rangeland • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

145 The Black Mountain The Black Mountain Region is located east of the Truckee River, just north of the agricultural land assignments near Wadsworth. It covers approximately 7415 acres, ranging from steep slopes of the Black Mountain on the eastern boundary to nearly level slopes towards the river channel. It is currently used by a small group of operators with land assignments along that portion of the river. The native vegetation is typified by the Salt Desert Shrub community, with Lahontan sagebrush communities at the higher elevation.

Figure 48. Black Mountain Region

146 This Region was dominantly in good condition when last inventoried. A small portion of this range classified as excellent condition. This Region was recently fenced off from the river to allow regeneration of the riparian ecosystem. In spite of the fencing barrier, several incidents of livestock trespass into the riparian area have occurred. Without use of the river, the existing livestock watering facilities are inadequate for the size of this area. A spring at Salt Marsh, near the river, can be used by cattle for drinking water if developed properly. This spring is known to provide habitat for the Northern Leopard Frog, a rare species on the Nevada Heritage Watch List. It will need to be fenced, and water should be piped to an offsite drinking trough. There is also an existing well near the center of the area. The well does not have a power source or pumping plant and needs to be piped to a drinking trough. The Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan addresses both these water resource concerns. Funding is available, and the practices only need to be installed. The plan also provides for a cross fence in the southern section of this Region. This will facilitate a grazing rotation plan, and provide each grazing management unit with a periodic cycle of rest to maintain plant health and vigor. Tall whitetop and other noxious and invasive weeds have infested the river terraces near the agricultural land. At the time of the range inventory, tall whitetop was documented at only one location near the Salt Marsh. However, constant vigilance in identifying and treating noxious weeds will be a crucial management practice in this region.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Inadequate watering facilities for livestock • Noxious weed invasion • Need for cross-fencing for prescribed grazing rotation • Cattle trespass into riparian area

Recommended Conservation Practices • Critical Area Planting • Fencing and cross-fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection of livestock watering sites • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Rotation of season of use o Proper stocking rate o Temporary exclusion from Truckee River corridor o Use exclusion to provide periods or recovery and regeneration • Riparian area protection • Upland wildlife habitat management • Use exclusion, in newly seeded or planted areas • Water Well pumping plant

147

Resource Opportunities • Brush management of suitable areas, following recommendations of UNR/NRCS Study • Reseeding of severely deteriorated areas with suitable soils and terrain • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management • Wetland Enhancement at Salt Marsh • Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management for Northern Leopard Frog

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

148

East Truckee

The East Truckee Region is located east of the town of Nixon, stretching from the Mud Slough area to the Black Mountains at the southern end. It encompasses approximately 64,443 acres, and has been divided into two grazing management units. The East Truckee North unit (5B) is 2375 acres in size, while the East Truckee South unit (5A) covers 4068 acres. It is currently used for winter grazing by cattlemen with agricultural land assignments along the adjoining stretch of the Lower Truckee River.

Figure 49. East Truckee Region

149 The vegetation in this area is dominated by Salt Desert Shrub plant communities. At the time of the latest range inventory, the area was in fair to good condition. Fencing was installed with a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2003. Two wells and troughs are planned under this same funding for installation in 2005 (Figure 48). Approximately 2800 acres of this region have suitable soils and site conditions for optional brush management and reseeding practices, if further enhancement is desired.

Figure 50. East Truckee Region Conservation Practices

150 Summary of Resource Concerns • Inadequate watering facilities for cattle until planned well and trough are implemented • Invasive and noxious plant species

Recommended Conservation Practices • Heavy Use Area Protection of livestock watering sites • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Rotation of season of use o Proper stocking rate o Temporary exclusion from Truckee River corridor o Use exclusion to provide periods or recovery and regeneration • Riparian area protection • Upland wildlife habitat management

Resource Opportunities • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

151

Summer Range Management Units

Background

The majority of PLIR range lands are located north of Nixon, on the west, north, and east sides of Pyramid Lake. Each of these areas has been traditionally used for summer cattle grazing by separate family groups that work together to manage their cattle. Until recently, very little infrastructure was in place to facilitate proper grazing use and management. The Pyramid Lake Cattlemen’s Association, together with the PLPT Environmental Department and the NRCS, met to designate official range management regions for each group. Each group worked with the Tribe and NRCS to further subdivide their region into smaller grazing management units, and to plan the fencing, water, and other range management practices needed to practice proper grazing management. NRCS mapped and assessed the summer grazing resources in 2002-2004, providing maps and data on range condition, grazing utilization patterns, ecological site descriptions, existing and needed range improvements, water sources, forage capacity, stocking rate recommendations, and noxious weed identification and locations. The Pyramid Lake Tribal Council initiated and enforced a new grazing permit system in 2002, based on current range conditions and forage capacity. The number of cattle on the summer range was significantly reduced, and wild horse gathers further diminished the grazing pressure on range resource. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe has gathered and removed over 1500 feral horses since 2001. Additional horses have been removed by individual cattlemen from their grazing areas. The cattle operators in the western and northern areas have met to begin developing a conservation plan. The plan addresses existing water structures and fencing that need repair, additional structural conservation practices that are needed, and best management practices to maintain and improve the range resource and the animals it supports. A number of range improvements have been recently implemented, and efforts continue to manage and improve the summer range through additional fencing, water developments, seeding, and enforcement of prescribed stocking rates and season of use. The following sections discuss the major resource concerns, opportunities, and plans in more detail for the management units of each Area and Range Planning Region.

152

Figure 51. Summer Range Planning Areas

153

Figure 52. PLIR Summer Grazing Management Units

154

NRCS recommended Stocking rate Range Season of stocking rate with annual Range Unit Unit ID Use ACRES (AUMs cheatgrass East Lake 6A Summer 21575.1 350 582 East Lake 6B Summer 7709.7 112 176 Nugent 7 Summer 42905.5 778 1204 San Emidio 9A Summer 9936.9 257 412 San Emidio 9B Summer 13097.6 180 393 Fox 10A Summer 47071.5 803 1319 Fox 10B Summer 8702.7 137 208 Smoke Creek 11A Summer 30434.3 646 874 Smoke Creek 11B Summer 32518.0 436 513 West Lake 12A Summer 10704.3 628 773 West Lake 12B Summer 5959.3 317 378 West Lake 12C Summer 14235.0 525 624 West Lake 12D Summer 4768.0 303 364 North Lake 13 Summer 15347.8 121 134 Total: Area Summary 264968 5594 7953

Table 15. Summary of Summer Range Acreage and Recommended Stocking Rate 2004 Source: 2000-2004 USDA-NRCS Pyramid Lake Range Inventory Report.

155 West Lake Region The West Range Region is located east of Pyramid Lake, and adjoins the Winter Range at its southern boundary. This area covers approximately 35,667 acres and is separated into four range management units. The region has traditionally been used by a group of cattle owners, who run their cows in separate areas, but work together in major activities such as round-up and branding. Nevada State Highways 446 and 445 serve as the eastern boundary of this region, separating the rangeland from the Pyramid Lake planning area.

Figure 53. West Lake Planning Region

156 Background The West Lake planning region is approximately 35,667 acres in size and is dominantly used for livestock grazing and wildlife habitat. The terrain is rugged and steep on the western boundary grading to gentle slopes towards the eastern highway and Lake. The vegetation in this area is characterized by Sagebrush-Bunchgrass plant communities with Utah juniper woodlands at high elevations. Wildlife species inhabit the steeper country and utilize the perennial water sources in the area. Greater Sage Grouse are known to utilize the rangeland between their leks in the Pah Rah Range and Pyramid Lake. Mountain lions and bobcats are occasionally sighted in the mountainous areas. Feral horses are also present in this area, but their occurrence is minimal and currently does not significantly contribute to resource or environmental problems. Until recently, very little infrastructure existed in this region to facilitate a grazing management system. However, the local cattle owners have been proactive in their efforts to improve the range and cattle management. The region was subdivided into four grazing management units, as shown in Figure 52.

Figure 54. West Lake Grazing Management Units

157 A conservation plan for the West Lake region was initiated with the help of NRCS in 2003. Portions of the plan are currently being implemented with the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Targeted sites for conservation practice implementation are displayed in Figure 53. Planned practices include new wells, spring developments, riparian exclosures and protection, fencing, and brush thinning.

Figure 55. West Lake Planned Conservation Practices

158 Fencing, funded by NRCS, NDOT, and the USEPA Clean Lake Program was installed in the late 1990s. Fencing was completed along Nevada Highway 446 from Nixon to its junction with 445, and also along Nevada Highway 447 from Sutcliffe north to private land at Whittie’s Ranch. The fencing serves multiple purposes: to prevent livestock from causing accidents on the major roadways; to improve recreational use of the lakeshore by excluding cattle; to protect residential lots from livestock trespass and damage; and to improve cattle management with the necessary infrastructure for a rest/rotation grazing system. Approximately 50,000 feet of fence still needs to be installed to complete the fencing project, including essential cross-fencing to separate and manage the grazing units. An additional two and one half miles of fencing along State Highway 447, from the Reservation boundary to Sutcliffe, is also needed. As fencing was installed, the cattle were no longer able to obtain water from Pyramid Lake. The conservation plan includes the addition of new water wells and spring developments to provide adequate water supplies throughout the West Lake grazing management area. Water sources have been repaired at Block House and the western boundary north of State Highway 447. Additional water developments have been implemented at Anderson Canyon and are planned for Quail Canyon, Jiggerbob, Waterhole and Separator Canyons. Several perennial water sources occur in this management area, as streams, springs, and wetlands. These important ecosystems will be protected from heavy use by livestock or feral horses through fenced exclosures and offsite placement of watering troughs. As part of the practice implementation process, water sources need to be carefully surveyed for cultural resources to ensure their protection under Tribal, NHPA, and NEPA regulations and policy. There are several locations on the West Lake region that have suitable soils and slope for brush management and range reseeding. Approximately 1950 acres of fair condition rangeland could be further improved through revegetative practices (Figure 54). In 2001, a major fire, the Warrior Fire, burned over 6500 acres within the West Lake Region (Figure 55). The burned area underwent reclamation measures funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, involving clearing of burnt brush debris and seeding of drought tolerant forage species. Siberian wheatgrass and forage kochia were planted in late 2001. Cattle were excluded from this area for two years to allow plant growth and establishment. This area was not surveyed during the most recent range inventory, and will need to be mapped and assessed for forage capacity and stocking rate in the near future. Sage grouse are known to utilize portions of this area. The Tribe and the NRCS are actively planning habitat restoration and improvement for this species under the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. Pasture management will be an essential element to the continued sustainability of this seeded area.

159

Figure 56. Areas Suitable for Reseeding

160

Figure 57. Location of Warrior Fire, 2001

161

Offsite Mining Effects Several mines are located within the Pyramid Lake watershed, just west of the West Lake range units. The Pyramid group of mines is located in the Virginia Mountains, southwest of the town of Sutcliffe. Runoff and infiltration of toxic mine drainage is a potential contamination to the town’s drinking water supply. There are existing mining claims in the area and the increase in gold prices has sparked interest in renewed precious metal exploration projects.

Figure 58. Mine Location near Sutcliffe Nevada

162 Sage Grouse Habitat The Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasiansis) is a native upland bird species found throughout western North America. Once abundant in population numbers, the sage grouse species has been rapidly declining for the last 30 years. In Nevada, most of the sage grouse populations have seriously declined or been extirpated. Some of the historical lek sites (areas used as annual breeding grounds) have moved or are no longer used. A lek site adjacent to the western Reservation boundary in the West lake Region is utilized annually by the Pah Rah Mountain sage grouse population. This population migrates and utilizes a large portion of the western Reservation lands between their leks and Pyramid Lake. Historical records and oral knowledge reveal that sage grouse were once found on the northern and eastern lands of the Reservation as well. There is very little current data on the habitat and populations within the Reservation. The Pyramid Lake Environmental Department has been actively participating in the State of Nevada Governor’s Sage Grouse Conservation Team and the local planning working group. The Tribe has committed to protecting, preserving, and conserving established sage grouse populations that utilize the Tribal lands at any period of their lifespan. A resolution committing to developing a Sage Grouse Conservation Plan was passed in early Spring of 2003. Currently, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is the only Nevada tribe to make such a commitment. The Nevada Division of Wildlife has been working closely with the Tribe in developing the Sage Grouse Tribal Conservation Plan (TCP). Initial funding for habitat restoration and enhancement has been provided through the USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). The Sage Grouse habitat will be managed to minimize known risks identified by the Governor’s Team. These risks include altered and fragmented habitat quantity and quality, wildfires and invasive plant species, livestock grazing, overuse by feral horses, conversion of habitat to other uses, and predation. Plan components will include increasing diversity of sagebrush species, controlling woody species and weed invasion, restoring native plant communities through brush management and native seeding, and enhancement of the native understory seedbank through continued grazing deferment and wild horse management.

Summary of Resource Concerns • Deteriorated range condition • Invasive and noxious weeds • Juniper encroachment on range land ecosystems • Fire damage of grazing resources and sage grouse habitat • Feral horses • Decreasing wildlife population • Fencing and water developments in need of repair and maintenance • Lack of adequate water sources within recently fenced grazing units • Sedimentation and nutrient loading of perennial streams from private land • Declining water quality and associated biota in streams and springs

163 • Decrease of Tui Chub population, essential food source for endangered cui-ui and threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection • High NH3, NO2, and NO3, from off-reservation cattle operations in Big Canyon, during high runoff events • Need for resource inventory on Warrior Fire reseeded area to evaluate forage capacity and stocking rate • Nonpoint and point pollution from active and abandoned mines within watershed

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, of suitable areas • Early Successional Habitat Development and Management • Fence and cross-fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection • Pasture management of seeded area (Warrior Fire) o Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Pest Management • Range Planting • Spring developments • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management • Water Wells and pumping plants

Resource Opportunities • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management • Wildlife habitat improvement • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Sage Grouse habitat development and improvement • Riparian and wetland protection and enhancement • Eco-tourism development • Solar tracking devices for solar pumps • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value

164 Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • West Lake Conservation Plan – USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • West Lake Sage Grouse Habitat Plan – USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Sage Grouse Tribal Conservation Plan, PLPT Environmental Department. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

165 North Lake Area

The North Lake Area encompasses approximately 157,110 acres and borders Bureau of Land Management land to the north. The rangeland is subdivided into four grazing management areas, Smoke Creek, Fox, San Emidio, and North Lake. Until recently, separate family groups of cattlemen grazed their herds in each area during the spring, summer and fall and each area was managed independently In 2003, the individual groups agreed to manage their cows as one herd and move them together across the area to facilitate better range management and a rest/rotation system.

Figure 59. Northern Area Planning Areas

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is currently working with NRCS on the development of a detailed conservation plan for the Northern Area. Figure 58 shows the locations of some of the conservation practices and range improvements being considered. Each region is discussed in more detail in the following manuscript sections.

166

Figure 60. Conservation Practices Currently Planned for the North Lake Area

167 Smoke Creek Desert

The Smoke Creek Region encompasses approximately 62,952 acres in the northwestern portion of the Reservation. It is utilized for summer livestock grazing. A small number of private land parcels lie within this region, near the western boundary at Sand Pass. The Smoke Creek Desert playa occupies a large portion of the planning area, and is devoid of vegetation in most parts. A number of perennial springs, as well as artesian wells, are located on the outer edges of the playa. The vegetation surrounding the playa is characterized by salt-tolerant plants, including saltbush species, greasewood, and saltgrass. The range region has been divided into two range management units, designated 11A (Smoke Creek South) and 11B (Smoke Creek North). The northern unit is approximately 32,518 acres is size, while the southern unit encompasses about 30,434 acres. The boundary between these two units is the railroad track. The Union Pacific railroad passes through the reservation from Sand Pass on the western boundary and skirting eastward around the Smoke Creek Desert to the northern boundary north of Sano. The unfenced railroad track is a safety concern for cattlemen and their herds. There have been incidents of accidents and loss of cows to passing trains. Fencing is needed along the track to prevent unsupervised cattle movement onto the tracks. Several springs and artesian wells are suffering severe trampling and forage utilization above recommended grazing levels. Noxious and invasive weeds have been introduced into some of the spring locations by grazing animals. Riparian and wetland protection through fenced exclosures and offsite drinking troughs is recommended for these important areas. Any ground disturbing activities near water sources need to be carefully surveyed to provide protection of cultural resources associated with these sites. The springs and associated wetlands are important habitat for amphibians and waterfowl. The Western Toad (Bufo boreas) is present at numerous locations on the Reservation. Although locally common, this toad is a declining amphibian species in many parts of Nevada and the western United States, even in pristine environments.

168

Figure 61. Smoke Creek Region

169

Figure 62. Smoke Creek Region Conservation Practices

170 Summary of Resource Concerns: • Abandoned gravel mine needs reclamation • Artesian wells need protection • Safety hazard with unfenced railroad • Presence of important Tribal cultural sites • Air quality degradation o Sierra Army Depot emissions and fallout, especially 11 miles north of The Needles. o Dust from wind erosion, gravel pit, and vehicles using dirt roads • Deteriorated range condition • Invasive and noxious weeds • Fire damage of grazing resources • Feral horses • Decreasing wildlife population • Declining water quality and associated biota in streams and springs • Nonpoint and point pollution from active and abandoned mines within watershed

Recommended Conservation Practices: • Brush Management, of suitable areas • Early Successional Habitat Development and Management • Fence and cross-fencing o Fencing off the railroad track and adding safe crossings for cattle • Heavy Use Area Protection around springs and troughs • Pasture management of seeded area (Warrior Fire) • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Pest Management • Range Planting on suitable soils • Spring developments o Fenced exclosures to protect wetlands and water sources o Pipelines and trough to outlying locations for cattle and wildlife use • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management • Water Wells and pumping plants

171 Resource Opportunities: • Use as Winter grazing region • Feral horse management • Improved solar wells with back-up batteries or solar tracking devices • Mine reclamation • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Geothermal development • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management • Wildlife habitat improvement • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Riparian and wetland protection and enhancement • Eco-tourism development

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] The WweastThe

172

Fox The Fox Region is located in the north-central portion of the Reservation, and encompasses approximately 55,776 acres. The rugged Fox Mountains are situated in this region, and much of the land is a natural barrier to cattle movement, being too steep to graze. The vegetation in this area is characterized by Salt Desert Shrub plant communities with Lahontan Sagebrush communities at higher elevations. The region has been divided into two grazing management units, 10A (Fox South) and 10B (Fox North). Most of the boundary between the units is the natural terrain barrier of the steep Fox Mountains on the east and the Terrace Hills on the west. Only a small section of fencing is needed across Emerson Pass to complete the necessary infrastructure for cattle management. Until very recently, the north boundary of the Reservation was not fenced from the bordering BLM land. Large bands of feral horses crossed into the Reservation from the North. The horses utilized the steep mountainous country as well as the gentler slopes, causing considerable damage to vegetation and fragile riparian and wetland ecosystems. Three horse-gathers have occurred within the past 5 years, and over 1200 horses have been rounded up from this region. The Bureau of Land Management installed a fence in 2003, designed for Bighorn Sheep. However, the design was not adequate to keep the feral horses from breaking through onto Reservation land. The continual trespass of feral horses is an ongoing concern for the Tribe, requiring much effort and costs for the cattlemen who use this area. A number of perennial springs and streams occur in the Fox Region. Most of them have been damaged and degraded by horse and cattle use. Watering facilities have recently been developed at Sheep Springs and Mullen Spring. Exclosures have been planned and are currently being installed for the Fox Spring, Boiling Springs, Lower Boiling Springs, Stag Spring, Buckbrush Spring. Additional improvements are needed for an exclosure at Sweetwater Spring, a well at the Needles corral, and a spring development at Summit Spring. Several troughs and storage tanks need to be replaced or installed to provide sufficient drinking facilities for livestock and wildlife. Any ground disturbing activities near water sources need to be carefully surveyed to provide protection of cultural resources associated with these sites. The Union Pacific railroad passes through the reservation from Sand Pass on the western boundary and skirting eastward around the Smoke Creek Desert to the northern boundary north of Sano. A number of cows have been killed by passing trains, and the railroad track remains a safety hazard to livestock. The railroad tracks form a natural boundary between grazing management sub-units for both the Smoke Creek and Fox Regions, and a fence is desirable to act as a barrier to uncontrolled cattle movement. The Fox Mountains are home to a number of wildlife species. Mountain lions, bobcats, pronghorn and Big Horn Sheep are known to utilize the area.

173

Figure 63. Fox Region

174

Figure 64. Fox Region Conservation Practices

175

Summary of Resource Concerns: • Packard Mine needs reclamation and restoration. • Deteriorated range condition • Invasive and noxious weeds • Fire damage of grazing resources • Feral horses • Lack of fencing along railroad tracks • Decreasing wildlife population • Fencing and water developments in need of repair and maintenance • Lack of adequate livestock and wildlife watering facilities • Declining water quality and associated biota in streams and springs • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection • Nonpoint and point pollution from active and abandoned mines within watershed

Recommended Conservation Practices: Prescribed Grazing • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Fencing and Cross-fencing o Fencing off the railroad track and adding safe crossings for cattle • Heavy Use Area Protection • Land Reclamation of Toxic Discharge Control • Land Reconstruction of Abandoned Mined Lands • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Range Planting, in suitable areas • Spring developments • Upland wildlife habitat management • Water wells and pumping plants

176

Resource Opportunities: • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Feral horse management • Improved solar wells with back-up batteries or solar tracking devices • Mine reclamation • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management • Wildlife habitat improvement • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Riparian and wetland protection and enhancement • Eco-tourism development

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

177

San Emidio

The San Emidio region is located in the northeastern corner of the Reservation, and covers approximately 23,034 acres. It is divided into two grazing management units, 9A (San Emidio South) and 9B (San Emidio North). San Emidio South is approximately 7710 acres in size, and San Emidio North covers 13,097 acres. Steep slopes of the Fox Range, to the west, and the Lake Range, to the south, form natural terrain barriers that impede cattle movement. The vegetation in this area is characterized by Salt Desert Shrub plant communities with Lahontan Sagebrush communities at higher elevations. A perennial stream flows through San Emidio Canyon from its headwaters near Moses Rock Spring to its mouth near the Reservation boundary. Additional water sources occur at Stag Springs, Sheep Pass Spring, and Summit Springs. Any ground disturbing activities near water sources need to be carefully surveyed to provide protection of cultural resources associated with these sites. Historical sites are also present in this region, and should be evaluated for historical and cultural significance for future protection. Until very recently, the north boundary of the Reservation was not fenced from the bordering BLM land. Large bands of feral horses crossed into the Reservation from the North. The horses utilized the steep mountainous country as well as the gentler slopes, causing considerable damage to vegetation and fragile riparian and wetland ecosystems. Three horse-gathers have occurred within the past 5 years, and over 1500 horses have been rounded up from this area. The Bureau of Land Management installed a fence in 2003, designed for Bighorn Sheep. However, the design was not adequate to keep the feral horses from breaking through onto Reservation land. The continual trespass of feral horses is an ongoing concern for the Tribe, requiring much effort and costs for the cattlemen who use this area.

178

Figure 65. San Emidio Region

179

Figure 66. Conservation Practices for San Emidio

180

Summary of Resource Concerns: • Black Rock Aggregates Mining Operation – high selenium content in leaching ponds • Deteriorated range condition • Invasive and noxious weeds • Fire damage of grazing resources • Feral horses • Decreasing wildlife population • Fencing and water developments in need of repair and maintenance • Declining water quality and associated biota in streams and springs • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection • Nonpoint and point pollution from active and abandoned mines within watershed

Recommended Conservation Practices: • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Fencing and Cross-fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection • Land Reclamation of Toxic Discharge Control • Land Reconstruction of Abandoned Mined Lands • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Range Planting, in suitable areas • Spring developments • Upland wildlife habitat management • Water wells and pumping plants

Resource Opportunities: • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Feral horse management • Improved solar wells with back-up batteries or solar tracking devices • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management

181 • Rangeland Key Area Monitoring • Use of full-time range manager for improved operations and management • Wildlife habitat improvement • Wildlife Watering Facilities • Riparian and wetland protection and enhancement • Eco-tourism development

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS]

182 North Lake The North Lake Region is located along the northern shore of Pyramid Lake, covering approximately 15,348 acres. The acreage of this region is subject to change because of the fluctuating water levels shore lines of the Lake. A large portion of the region is sandy beach terraces, characterized by sandy and saline soils. These areas are covered mainly by annual weeds such as Russian thistle and cheatgrass. The native perennial vegetation is located further from the Lake, and is characterized by salt desert shrub communities. This region was recently fenced to enable controlled grazing during the early portion of the grazing season while the annual vegetation is green and palatable. The fence also serves to prevent cattle from concentrating along the lake shore once they are moved to another grazing region. A cross-fence was also installed to allow grazing rotation as needed in each sub-unit. The ability to exclude cattle from either sub-unit provides the potential to seed some areas to pasture or high quality range forage. The Needles Rocks is an unusual tufa formation of spires and pinnacles located at the shore of Pyramid Lake. It is a historic and cultural site, and is off-limit to non-tribal members. Geothermal activity in this region provides an accessible hot spring for Tribal use. This area is being studied for potential development of a renewable, alternative power source, or for a shrimp farming facility or thermal greenhouse.

Figure 67. North Lake Region

183 Summary of Resource Concerns • Deteriorated range condition • Noxious and invasive weeds in deteriorated areas • Declining wildlife population • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection • Fluctuating lake level and land base

Recommended Conservation Practices • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Cross-fencing • Heavy Use Area Protection • Pest Management • Range Planting • Upland wildlife habitat management

Resource Opportunities • Ecotourism development • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management • Leasing or purchase of adjacent lands to graze cattle while restoring deteriorated areas • Solar tracking devices for solar pumps • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Geothermal energy development • Geothermal development for shrimp farming facility • Thermal greenhouse.

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

184 East Lake Area The East Lake Area extends from the San Emidio Region to Marble Bluff on the southeast shore of Pyramid Lake. It contains two grazing regions, East Lake and Nugent that are separated by the steep slopes of the Lake Range mountains.

Figure 68. East Range Planning Areas

185 Nugent

The Nugent Region is the eastern-most grazing area on the reservation, located between the Lake Range and Winnemucca Lake. It encompasses approximately 42,906 acres, and has not yet been sub-divided into manageable grazing units. The vegetation is Salt Desert Shrub plant communities with Lahontan Sagebrush communities at higher elevations. The eastern slopes of the Lake Range provide numerous perennial springs and streams to the Nugent Region. These riparian and wetland areas support diverse ecosystems with high forage production potential. However, most of them have been damaged by over-grazing by livestock and feral horses. The upland areas have also deteriorated from over-use coupled with prolonged drought conditions. In 2000, the majority of the range was in fair condition, with some areas in poor shape. It has a recent history of heavy to severe grazing use during the summer season. A large population of feral horses has grazed this area heavily, especially in the higher elevations. In 2003, the Tribe closed the region to grazing, and is working to restore the range to a healthy condition. Riparian and wetland protection, with fencing and cattle exclusion, has begun at Seven Mile Canyon, Dove Spring, Cherry Spring, Potato Patch Springs, and the Meadow. Water developments, to pipe livestock water to trough locations outside of riparian exclosures, are planned. No other specific conservation practices have been planned for this Region to date, but should be implemented before grazing is reestablished for this area.

186

Figure 69. Nugent Region

187

Figure 70. Nugent Riparian Restoration Areas

188

Summary of Resource Concerns • Fair to poor condition rangeland • Lack of infrastructure for proper grazing management • Damaged and deteriorated wetlands and riparian areas • Heavy use and damage by feral horses • Invasive and noxious weeds • Decreasing wildlife population • Declining water quality and associated biota in streams and springs • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Control and management of wild horse population • Fence o Cross-fencing – at least 2 units • Heavy Use Area Protection • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Range Planting, in suitable areas • Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats • Riparian Area Protection • Spring development with offsite watering facilities • Stream Habitat Improvement and Management • Upland wildlife habitat management • Use exclusion, as needed to allow recovery • Water wells and pumping plants • Watering facilities • Wetland Enhancement • Wetland Restoration • Wetland Wildlife Habitat management • Wildlife watering facilities

189 Resource Opportunities • Accelerated restoration of rangeland and wildlife habitat while cattle are being deferred • Installation of cross fencing to allow limited grazing in one management unit while other unit is allowed to recover and respond to treatments • Reassessment of range condition and stocking rate after range recovery • Recreational Development/Tourism • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value • Feral horse management plan

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS]

190 East Lake East Lake is a small grazing region, encompassing 29, 285 acres, between Pyramid Lake and the Lake range. A drift fence and cattle guard were installed in 2003 to separate the region into two grazing management units. The southern unit (6A) has an area of approximately 21,575 acres while the northern unit (6B) encompasses about 7710 acres. The vegetation in this region is characterized by the Salt Desert Shrub plant community.

Figure 71. East Lake Region

191 The East Lake Region is used for wildlife habitat and recreation, in addition to livestock grazing. Fishermen utilize the shoreline during fishing season, and tourists utilize the area for swimming and camping. Two significant cultural landmarks are located along the lake shore: The Pyramid, for which the lake was named, and the Stone Mother, the subject of the Pyramid Lake creation legend. Several cultural sites are associated with the tufa formations and caves in the vicinity. These areas have been damaged in recent years, and have been closed off to visitors. Additional protection is needed to prevent trespass and further damage. Anaho Island is located close to the southern part of this region. The lake shore is heavily used by pelicans during the spring and summer months. This is a popular location for birding activities and viewing the pelican colonies at Anaho Island. The cattlemen that use the East Lake Region operate with a small herd of cows, appropriate for the limited resources. However, the area has incurred much damage from over-use by trespassing cattle and feral horses. The recent drought cycle aggravated the range deterioration, and most of the region is in poor to fair condition. In 2004, the cattle were taken off the East Lake region and moved to a temporary grazing unit at the Big Mouth region. Cattle are currently deferred from summer grazing in this region to allow recovery of the vegetative communities. This time of deferment is an excellent time to install the needed infrastructure and range improvements essential for future grazing management. The southern fence needs to be rebuilt to separate the East Lake from the Nugent Region. This will allow more controlled cattle movement and prevent trespass of livestock and feral horses into the area. It will also provide another grazing management unit for rest/rotation grazing management. Water development is needed in the southern unit and an existing well in the northern unit needs repair. A few areas are suitable for range restoration through brush management and reseeding. The location of these and other planned practices are depicted in Figure 70. The beach at Dago Bay, in the southern portion of this region, is a source of sand for down-wind dune formation and soil blowing. Raw dunes in this area have migrated eastward to Nevada State Highway 447, and are a safety hazard to motorists on windy days. Blowing sand is a major visual obstruction that contributes to traffic accidents along this stretch. Dune stabilization and windbreaks along the highway are needed.

192

Figure 72. East Lake Conservation Practices

193

Summary of Resource Concerns • Deteriorated range condition • Existing water development and fencing structures in need of repair • Noxious and invasive weeds in deteriorated areas • Trespass of livestock into region • Large number of feral horses • Declining wildlife population • Safety hazards from soil blowing along highway • Decreasing wildlife population • Presence of Cultural Resources needing protection

Recommended Conservation Practices • Brush Management, in suitable areas • Control and management of wild horse population • Fence • Heavy Use Area Protection • Pest Management • Prescribed Grazing o Proper stocking rate o Rotation of season of use • Range Planting, in suitable areas • Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats • Spring developments • Upland wildlife habitat management • Use exclusion, as needed to allow recovery • Watering facilities • Wildlife watering facilities

Resource Opportunities • Improvements in cattle breeding and herd management • Ecotourism development • Recreational development – hunting, fishing, camping, hiking • Feral horse management plan • Dune stabilization and revegetation along highway

194 • Leasing or purchase of adjacent lands to graze cattle while restoring deteriorated • Solar tracking devices for solar pumps • Reestablishment of native plants of cultural value

Related Inventories, Studies, and Documents: • Integrated Weed Management Program, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] • USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] • Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [ NRCS] • Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

195 Summary and Suggestions for Follow-Up The Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation is extremely diverse in its natural resources and environmental issues. Its geographic location at the terminus of the Truckee River, subjects it to numerous upstream influences from rapidly growing urban areas. Historical land management decisions, battles over water rights, and continuing competition for water use have profoundly affected many ecosystems on the Reservation. Water diversion from the Truckee River system, nutrient loading, and air pollution sources outside the Reservation boundaries all affect the tribal natural resources. The Tribe is very progressive in its resource management goals and activities. As the largest Indian Reservation in the state of Nevada, both in size and tribal membership, Pyramid Lake can serve as a model for resource management to other Indian Nations. The Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Comprehensive Resource Management Plan provides the framework for making decisions and implementing practices to meet PLPT objectives and resource management goals. Each major resource concern can be addressed by one or several conservation practice alternatives. The appendix provides detailed descriptions of conservation practice standards, as recommended by NRCS. These documents contain information on why and how the practice is applied, and sets forth technical criteria for each practice application. The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan is an overview of the resource problems, concerns, and opportunities in each Planning Region. It is a collection of the most current and applicable knowledge, data, and technical references for resource management on the Reservation. A number of conservation alternatives have been identified in this document that address specific resource concerns, supplemented by detailed Conservation Practice Standards in the Appendix. The next phase in the planning process is to evaluate the alternative treatments and actions, as well as the potential short-term and long-term environmental, economic, social or cultural impacts. The alternatives should meet Tribal resource management goals, solve natural resource problems, and provide opportunities to improve or protect resource conditions. Careful attention must also be given to environmental laws and regulations. It is recommended that the Tribe utilize an interdisciplinary planning team to prioritize areas for improvement or treatment. The team should review the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies to address resource problems, and provide recommendations to the Tribal Council or authorized decision maker. Once a decision has been made, a record of the decisions and a strategy for implementation should be documented. Well documented decisions are the first step in implementing the plan. In most cases, implementation will require additional technical and financial assistance for design and installation of practices. NRCS can provide both technical and financial assistance. Successful implementation also includes operations, maintenance and management of the practices following installation. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented plan is crucial to ensure proper functioning and desired results. This information can be used to modify decisions as needed, using an adaptive management strategy, to ensure that tribal management objectives are being met. The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan can be a powerful tool in making wise resource management decisions, so that the natural resources of the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation will be conserved and improved for the use and enjoyment of future generations.

196 Bibliography

A Short Resource History of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Knack, M. Ethnohistory, Winter 77, Vol. 24, Issue 1, p. 47. [UNR library] Amphibian Survey – PLPT Environmental Department and The Nature Conservancy, unpublished data, 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Annual Water Management Plan – part of Conservation and Management Plan under TROA- MOA, PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Bathymetric Mapping and Cultural Debris Survey, Davis Evans and Associates, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Bird Count Data and Inventory, Great Basin Bird Observatory. www.gbbo.org . [website] Breeding Biology of the American White Pelican (Pelecanus Erythrorhyncus) at Pyramid Lake Nevada. Anderson, J., 1992. [UNR library] Characterization of Total and Methyl Mercury in Steamboat Creek, Nevada, and Implications for the Truckee River. Thomas, B., 2003. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Plan, 2003. [PLPT Emergency Response Department] Conservation and Management Plan for the Lower Truckee River, PLPT Water Resources Department, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Contributions Toward a Flora of Nevada No. 45: Medicinal Uses of Plants by Indian Tribes of Nevada. Archer, A. 1957. [NRCS State Office] Cultural Persistence in Western Nevada: the Pyramid Lake Paiutes. Wihr, W., UC Berkeley, 1988. [UNR library] Draft Tribal Economic Development Plan. [PLPT Economic Developer] Edible and Medicinal Plants, TMCC Course Notes, Nelson, L. 1999. [NRCS State Office] Environmental Assessment of Department of Defense Impacts to Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept] Environmental Contaminants Program On-Refuge Investigations Sub-Activity NV- Contaminant Exposure of White Pelicans Nesting at Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge Project ID: IN30 USDI USFWS Area 1. USFWS. [UNR library] Environmental Geology Problems of Pyramid Lake Basin. Waggoner, R. 1975. [UNR Library] Environmental Impact Statement, Olinghouse Mine Project. Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office, September 1997. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] EQIP Conservation Plans, 1999 – 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept. and NRCS] Evaluating the Impact of Perry Canyon Acid Mine Drainage. Brian Rasmussen and Scott Tyler, UNR Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.]

197 Evaluation of Groundwater and Solute Transport in the Fernley-Wadsworth Area. Desert Research Institute, Publication No. 41173. Pohll, G. et al, Nov. 2001. [Desert Research Institute Library] Field Inventory of Mineral Resources, Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Nevada. Report BIA No. 38 –II 1982. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Flows for Floodplain Forests: A Successful Riparian Restoration. Rood, et al, 2003 [UNR Library] GIS Analysis of Pesticide Risk for Lower Truckee River – NRCS, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Groundwater Conditions in the Fernley-Wadsworth Area, Churchill, Lyon, Storey and Washoe Counties, Nevada. Sinclair, w. et al. Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 1963. [UNR Library] Habitat Evaluation for Winnemucca Lake, Huffman & Associates, 1994. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Plan. PLPT Emergency Response Dept., 2002. [PLPT Emergency Response Department] History and Present Status of the Biota of Anaho Island Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Woodbury, W. 1966. [UNR library] Indians of Coo-yee Pah: the History of the Pyramid Lake Indians. Shaw, N. 1978. [UNR library] Late Quaternary History Deltaic Sedimentation and Mudlump Formation at Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Born S. Center for Water Resources Research, Desert Research Institute, 1972. [UNR library] LCT Recovery Plan, USFWS. Division of Wildlife, 2005. http://www.ndow.org/wild/sg/plan/index.shtm [website] Life History and Status of the Endangered Cui-ui of Pyramid Lake Nevada. Scoppettone, G., USFWS, 1986. [UNR library] Limnology and Nutrient Cycling in Pyramid Lake Nevada 1989 – 1991. Division of Environmental Studies, Institute of Ecology, Davis CA., 1992. [UNR library] Managing the Resources of Pyramid Lake Nevada Amidst Competing Interests. Wagner, Paul, et al. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation v 51, n 2, p. 108, Mar-April 1996. [UNR library] Master Plan for Local Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal System for Wadsworth and Vicinity. Stetson Engineers Inc. 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Mercury Bioaccumulation Monitoring Program for Pyramid Lake and the Lower Truckee River, Nevada 2003 Annual Report. Slotton, Darell. July 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Mitigation of Environmental Impacts to Indian Lands Caused by Department of Defense Activities. PLPT Environmental Department. [PLPT Environmental Dept] National Handbook of Conservation Practices. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [NRCS] National Range and Pasture Handbook. USDA-NRCS, 2003. http://www.glti.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/nrph.html [NRCS]

198 National Wetland Inventory Map for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, PLPT Environmental Dept., 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program Final Draft. EMAssist, July 2003. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Nevada and Eastern California Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Plan, Nevada Division of Wildlife, 2005. [ http://www.ndow.org/wild/sg/plan/index.shtm] Nevada Audubon Society website: www.nevadaaudubon.org/Iba/Pyramid Nevada Trace Metals Project: Soil Sampling Data. 1992. [PLPT Environmental Dept. and NRCS] Nonpoint Source Pollution and Abatement Plan. Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program, 1994. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Nonpoint Source Report. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Northern Leopard Frog Conservation Plan, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Perry Canyon Site Investigation Report, USACE Contract No. DACW45-03-D-001 MWH (Montgomery Watson Harza), September 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Phase I – Irrigation and Drainage Study for the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Wadsworth, Nevada. CH2M Hill, 1980. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] PLPT Assessment of Proper Functioning Condition of Riparian Areas, 14 reaches of the Truckee River, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] PLPT Comments on SRK Report titled “Screening-level Ecological Risk Assessment for Heap Leach Pad Drainage Pond Water Discharge Olinghouse Mine”. Correspondence 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] PLPT Community Needs Assessment, PLPT Planning Department, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] PLPT Integrated Weed Management Plan, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] PLPT Water Quality Standards, Final Draft. PLPT Environmental Department, 2000. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] PLPT Water Sampling Data - http://www.plpt.nsn.us/environmental/index.html PLPT Wetlands Inventory, PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Preliminary Evaluation of Mercury Bioaccumulation in Pyramid Lake and the Lower Truckee River Nevada Final Report covering the period March 2001 – May 2002. Slotton, Darrell. March 25 2002. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Preliminary Geologic Map of the Sutcliffe Quadrangle, Nevada. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Preliminary Habitat Suitability Index Models for Riparian Vegetation along the Truckee River, California and Nevada. USDI Bureau of Land Management, 1984. Project Plan for the Tribal Meteorological Air Monitoring Program. PLPT, Environmental Department 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Fishery Conservation Plan, Draft 2. Pyramid Lake Fisheries Program, August 2004. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries]

199 Pyramid Lake Foodweb Study, Dave Munger. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Range Inventory, 2000-2004. USDA-NRCS, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept and NRCS] Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Tribe Nonpoint Source Assessment and Management Plan. Lebo N., et al, Ecological Research Associates Davis CA. 1994. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation Site Assessment Report. Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security), October 2 2000. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Air Monitoring Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Comments on SRK Report titled “Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment for Heap Pad Drainage Pond Water Discharge, Olinghouse Mine.”, Correspondence 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe EQIP Education Project (Brush Management Study – UNR/NRCS - 2001). [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Integrated Weed Management Program, 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Solid Waste Program . [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Transportation Plan 2004. Ayala & Associates, 2004. [PLPT Tribal Planner] Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Weed Inventory, 2003-2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Reservation Abandoned Mine Land Inventory, Bureau of Land Management, 1994. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake ROV Exploratory Services. David Evans and Associates, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Pyramid Lake Tribal Economic Development Plan. In Progress. [ PLPT Economic Developer] Pyramid Lake Water Papers 1969-1979. Bureau of Governmental Research University of Nevada Reno, 1979. [UNR library]

Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for the PM10 Tribal Air Monitoring System for Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Quality Assurance Plan for Meteorological Monitoring. PLPT, 2005. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Rapid BioAsessment Monitoring. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Recovery Plan for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1995. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Regression Model for Daily Maximum Stream Temperature. Neumann, D., et al. Journal of Environmental Engineering, July 2003, Vol. 129, p 667. [UNR Library] Rehabilitation and Betterment of the Pyramid Lake Irrigation Project, Nevada. (Cooper Report) BIA, 1989. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Sage Grouse Tribal Conservation Plan, PLPT Environmental Department. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

200 Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment for Heap Pad Drainage Pond Water Discharge, Olinghouse Mine. SBK 2001. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Seasonal Mercury Study, Darrell Slotton, UC Davis (USEPA). [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] Short Resource History of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. Ethnohistory, Winter 1977, Vol. 24, Issue 1, p.47. [UNR Library] Site Visit Report and Recommendations for the Irrigation System. Irrigation Training and Research Center, Dr. Charles Burt, 1999. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Soil Survey of Fallon-Fernley Area, parts of Storey County, NV, 1971. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/ [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Soil Survey of Washoe County, NV, Central Part, 1990. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/ [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Soil Survey of Washoe County, NV, South Part, 1995. http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/ [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Stillwater Wildlife Refuge Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. USFWS, 2002. [USFWS or NRCS] Strategic Project Implementation Plan (SPIP). USACE [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Summary of Plant Material Trials at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Correspondence by Floyd Rathbun, USDA-SCS, October 21, 1991. [NRCS] Temperature Monitoring Study – Five Reaches of the Truckee River. Pyramid Lake Paiute Fisheries Program. [Pyramid Lake Fisheries] TMWRF Continuous River Monitoring Data: http://www.tmwrf.com/facility_data/river_monitoring/ [Website] TROA-MOA – Truckee River Operating Agreement – Memorandum of Agreement. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Truckee River Water Quality Sampling. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Two-Cycle Engine Report – Dr. Miller, UNR. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] The Tufas of Pyramid Lake, Nevada. USGS Circular 1267, 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Unified Watershed Assessment, EPA. 1998. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] United States Census Data. http://www.census.gov/main/www/cen2000.html [website] USDA-NRCS PLIR Range Inventory, 2001-2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] Uses of Native Plants by Nevada Indians. Reed, F. 1971. [NRCS State Office] USFW Section 7 Consultation, Biological Opinion for Water Conservation Plan (Flow Regime). [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Water System Master Plan, Wadsworth, Nevada. Stetson Engineers, 2003. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] WARMF Model – Corolla Engineers; sub-watershed water quality analysis Water Quality and Flow Measurement Data for USGS Gauging Stations at Wadsworth and Nixon http://www.rcresearch.com Water Quality Control Plan. Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Environmental Department, June 2004. [PLPT Environmental Dept.]

201 Water Quality Sampling and Assessment Study. PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Water Rights Acquisition Plan. PLPT Water Resources Dept. [PLPT Water Resources Dept.] Wellhead Protection Area Delineation and Drinking Water Source Evaluation. Stetson Engineering, 2002. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] West Lake Conservation Plan – USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] West Lake Sage Grouse Habitat Plan – USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS] Wetland Adaptations of the Great Basin: Papers from the Twenty-first Great Basin Anthropological Conference. Brigham Young University, 1990. [UNR library] Wetland BioAssessment Data – PLPT Environmental Dept. [PLPT Environmental Dept.] Winter Range 2000 EQIP Conservation Plan – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program. [PLPT Environmental Dept. or NRCS]

202 Appendix.

List of Conservation Practice Specifications (Note: Check the NRCS website for the latest version of Conservation Practice Specifications– http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/ ) • Atmospheric Resource Quality Management (370) • Brush Management (314) • Conservation Cover (327) • Constructed Wetland (656) • Critical Area Planting (342) • Dam, Diversion (348) • Early Successional Habitat Development/Management (647) • Fence (382) • Firebreak (394) • Fish Passage (396) • Fish Raceway or Tank (398) • Fishpond Management (399) • Grade Stabilization Structure (410) • Grassed Waterway (412) • Heavy Use Area Protection (561) • Herbaceous Wind Barriers (603) • Irrigation Canal or Lateral (320) • Irrigation Field Ditch (388) • Irrigation Land Leveling (464) • Land Reclamation, Toxic Discharge Control (455) • Land Reconstruction, Abandoned Mined Land (543) • Land Reconstruction, Currently Mined Land (544) • Mine Shaft and Adit Closing (457) • Monitoring Well (353) • Mulching (484) • Nutrient Management (590) • Pasture and Hay Planting (512) • Pest Management (595)

203 • Pipeline (516) • Prescribed Burning (338) • Prescribed Grazing (528) • Pumping Plant (533) • Range Planting (550) • Recreation Area Improvement (562) • Recreation Land Grading and Shaping (566) • Recreation Trail and Walkway (568) • Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats (643) • Riparian Forest Buffer (391) • Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390) • Sediment Basin (350) • Shallow Water Development and Management (646) • Spring Development (574) • Stream Crossing (578) • Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (395) • Streambank and Shoreline Protection (580) • Structure for Water Control (587) • Tree Shrub Establishment (612) • Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (645) • Use Exclusion ( 472) • Water and Sediment Control Basin (638) • Water Harvesting Catchment (636) • Water Well (642) • Watering Facility (614) • Wetland Creation (658) • Wetland Enhancement (659) • Wetland Restoration (657) • Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (644) • Wildlife Watering Facility (648) • Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380)