When refuges work with local communities to achieve a common goal, the whole is sometimes greater than sum of its parts. The fall 2024 opening of the Black Canyon Trail at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a case in point.
The new 1.75-mile packed-earth-and-gravel trail near U.S. Route 93 outside Alamo, Nevada, showcases the cultural and archaeological wonders of the refuge, part of the ancestral homeland of the southern Paiute tribes, also known as Nuwuvi.
Trail users enter a world previously closed to the public. At scenic lookouts, scopes offer closeup views of ancient rock writings long hidden from sight. Interpretive panels along the desert path highlight both Nuwuvi and refuge perspectives on nature and history.
The signs offer insight into Nuwu values—how, for instance, you don’t passively view rock writing; you receive, you bring yourself to the conversation. The signs also explain why the Fish and Wildlife Service site is important to migratory waterfowl and what the refuge is doing to conserve birds such as redheads, mallards, ruddy ducks, and gadwalls.
Mutual Pride
Darren Daboda, a Tribal historic preservation officer for the Moapa Band of Paiutes, was involved in planning from the beginning. “Not only do I have a sense of pride … on working with this project but a sense of ownership (co-management) with USFWS,” writes Daboda.
Refuge manager Rob Vinson also voiced his praise. “I think this project, as far as getting all stakeholders involved, is one of those projects the Fish and Wildlife Service should be proud of,” he said. “We showcase how Tribal groups and the Fish and Wildlife Service were able to work in unison to protect, conserve and enhance natural resources.”
The effort to create and interpret the canyon loop trail in a safe and culturally respectful manner began more than a decade ago. Stakeholders met to share priorities and concerns. From these, they developed three design concepts. They presented these at public hearings and asked the community to choose its preferred option. The Covid pandemic complicated the timeline, as did a change in contractors.
Building trust with Tribes was key. The Desert Refuge Complex (to which Pahranagat belongs) got the process going. “The Desert Complex has been fostering the relationship with this part of our community for a long time,” says Jennifer Heroux, visitor services manager for the complex. “We do a lot of consultations with them, where we’re actually working together, not just going to them at the end with a rubber stamp.
“This project was curated with them and by them. It’s a wonderful culmination of the work we’ve been doing together,” Heroux continued. “I was honored to be part of it, to work with the Tribes on getting their representation out on the refuge.”
Two Voices, One Goal
From the beginning of the project, each of the seven Nuwuvi bands, or tribes, had at least one representative involved.
Area rock writings are sacred to Nuwuvi — powerful symbols alive with the spirit of their ancestors. Tribal representatives decided which rock writings the trail would highlight. By mutual agreement, signage along the trail speaks in two voices—that of the Tribes and that of the Fish and Wildlife Service – each delineated by color coding. The project received funding through the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act.
To protect sensitive archaeological features, strict rules are posted. Visitors must stay on the trail at all times. No bikes are allowed. Dogs must be on leash.
On October 5, 2024 — grand opening day — all the efforts came together.
“It was an amazing grand opening,” says Vinson. “Several [Nuwu] bands came out and blessed the trail. It was very moving.... We saw a Mojave green rattlesnake on the trail. Some saw that as a good omen. We hadn’t seen one on refuge in six years.” A red-tailed hawk soared over place during the opening—another good sign. Darren Daboda was among Tribal interpreters who guided visitors along the trail.
“It was a pleasure to work with local USFWS employees on this important project for the Moapa Band of Paiutes and Southern Paiutes to have some of our stories and interpretative signs displayed to educate and carry on our traditions,” he said.
Vinson expresses pride as well. “It’s not just we got a thing done…. Some people have passed --elders who transmitted a lot of the cultural knowledge are not here anymore. …. Tribal members can go and see their representation on the signage…and feel that pride and that connection.”
