Resource Inventory Worksheet Resource Name/Description: Map Reference #: Photo#: Indicate the Intrinsic Quality (or Qualities) to which this resource contributes: * Archeological * Cultural * Historic * Natural * Recreational * Scenic 1. Why is this scene important? 2. How do the resources shown in this photo help to tell the byway's story? 3. How is this resource linked to the other resources along the byway corridor? 4. How is this resource linked to the roadway? 5. Has this resource been recognized by any regional or national program or organization? 6. Who owns this resource? Is the owner involved in the corridor strategy process? Resource Inventory Worksheet Sample Resource Name/Description: The Pyramid-view from Pyramid Lake Road Map Reference #: 8 Photo #: 2 Indicate the Intrinsic Quality (or Qualities) to which this resource contributes: Archeological X Cultural X Historic X Natural X Recreational X Scenic 1. Why is this scene important? This is the Pyramid from which Pyramid Lake draws its name. The pyramid is located on the eastern shore of the lake about mid-way from north to south. The Pyramid encompasses a number of intrinsic qualities: scenic, cultural, recreational, historic, and natural. The Pyramid is the focal point for a visit to the lake due to its name, its symbolic importance to the Paiutes, its clear record of water level decrease, its history as the point first encountered by European settlers and its proximity to Anaho Island's ecology. 2. How do the resources shown in this photo help to tell the byway's story? First, this rock formation is a good starting point for telling the geological history of the area. The basin and range is relatively new geologically and the rock formations tell that story. Second, the rock's location in the lake and its shape both have importance in telling the story of the Paiute's history at the lake and their relationship to the lake. The Pyramid and the other rock formations have culturally significant meaning for the Paiutes. Third, the clear water lines on the Pyramid show the degree to which the water use in the Reno area has drained the lake significantly below its historic levels. This is a point from which to discuss issues of people's needs for water versus the impact on natural systems. The Paiutes have a philosophy that the natural systems should be cared for first. Historic water use by European settlers has followed an opposite philosophy. Fourth, the Pyramid's location in the lake serves to shape an understanding of the types of recreational uses that are allowed and those that are not allowed. Finally, the Pyramid is an important scenic element at the lake. It is a focal point for anyone looking at Pyramid Lake. 3. How is this resource linked to other resources along the byway corridor? The Pyramid is one of many distinctive tufa formations along the byway corridor and the lakeshore. Others include The Stone Mother (an important feature related to the tribe's story of the origin of the lake), Popcorn Rock and Indian Head Rock (accessible to visitors traveling along State Route 446), and The Needles Rocks. The Pyramid is close to Anaho Island, another much larger tufa formation that is a designated National Wildlife Refuge. 4. How is this resource linked to the roadway? The Pyramid is a prominent feature visible from many locations along the byway, including almost the entire length of Sate Route 446 and much of State Route 445. A particularly dramatic vista appears as the traveler, approaching from Reno/Sparks along State Route 445, reaches the last crest of Mullen Pass; the lake is spread out below, with the Pyramid and Anaho Island directly in front on the opposite shore and the Lake Range in the background. Physical access to the Pyramid from the byway is via Pyramid Lake Road (IR 5), off State Route 447 north of Marble Bluff. This is an unpaved road suitable only for four-wheel drive vehicles. Because of concerns about environmental impacts and visitor safety, the Tribe does not encourage direct access and is considering restricting access to this road. 5. Has this resource been recognized by any regional or national program or organization? Pyramid Lake and the Pyramid were both recognized by the Nevada State Scenic Byways Program as having significant scenic qualities. Nearby Anaho Island is a National Wildlife Refuge. 6. Who owns this resource? Is the owner involved in the corridor strategy process? The Paiute Tribe owns the Lake and the Pyramid. We are sponsoring this byway designation.