Washoe Indians once claimed Lake Tahoe (da?aw ?a>ga?a or camp on the shore) as the very heart of their territory. Beginning in 1860, they lost access to important traditional areas to Comstock logging and lumber operations and accompanying environmental degradation. The Washoe Tribe was denied any claim to the lake, and Washoe tribal members became guests in their own territory.

By 1900, a mixed conifer forest reestablished the appearance of a pristine landscape, and Lake Tahoe became a destination for Euro American tourists and wealthy summer residents. The Washoe witnessed even further exploitation of their lands and landscape.

Beginning in the 1980s, the US Forest Service worked with the Washoe tribal government to allow Washoe Indians access to culturally important areas. The tribe then successfully bid for the Forest Service’s commercial contract to operate the Meeks Bay Resort. This tribal enterprise allows for off-season use by tribal members, including the Tribe’s school, as well as a revitalization of the resort’s facilities.

Water leaving Lake Tahoe flows down the Truckee River and empties into Pyramid Lake, home to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the Kuyuitikadi or Cui-ui fish eaters. John C. Frémont is credited with “discovering” and naming the lake in 1844. Nourishment from cutthroat trout provided by the Kuyuitikadi undoubtedly helped strengthen Frémont’s men for the difficult Sierra crossing.

Beginning in 1905, one-half of the Truckee River’s flow was diverted into the Carson River, establishing Lahontan Valley as Nevada’s premiere farmland. Pyramid Lake fell 80 feet, and its sister lake, Winnemucca Lake, desiccated. The fabled Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout became extinct by the 1940s. The cui-ui survived, but in greatly reduced numbers.

Beginning in 1953, efforts by government agencies, including the Pyramid Lake (Tribal) Fisheries, revitalized native cui-ui populations and introduced non-native cutthroat strains. On-going negotiations between tribal governments, the Tahoe-Carson Irrigation District, municipalities, federal agencies, and conservationists are attempting to establish equitable water allocations for all stakeholders.
 

Agai Pah (literally “Trout Lake”) is also known as Walker Lake. From 25,000 to about 4,500 years ago, the climate around Agai pah shifted from cold to drier and warmer. Slow sedimentation rates during this time indicate a shallow lake.

Somewhere between 5,500 and 4,500 years ago, Agai Pah filled rapidly (i.e. flood) and became a deep, freshwater ecosystem; the legend of the Water Serpent was born. Ancient spring trout runs up the Agai Hoop (Walker River) brought the Numa (the People) from throughout the region to fish at the mouth of Agai Hoop.

Starting from the early 1900s to the present day, Agai Pah has dropped about 130 feet due to increasing upstream water diversions. The Walker River Paiute Tribe Cultural Committee, the Walker Lake Working Group and others have realized the oncoming crisis ahead and are working toward solutions. The city of Hawthorne predicts a 40 percent loss of its economy. The Numa (having already survived many depredations), now see a dying cultural legend.

Melvin J. Brown
Walker River Paiute Tribe