NIXON (USA): Visitors to the eastern shore of Pyramid Lake 35 miles northeast of Reno, Nevada, can scan an area framed by a desert mountain backdrop and not see a hint of mankind. The American Indians overseeing the lake say such serenity along 125 miles of lake coastline 4,000 feet above sea level is the result of the tribe’s traditional respect for nature.

Others suggest the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, which suffers 44 per cent unemployment, should allow at least some development so it can share in the prosperity that regions such as Lake Tahoe in northern California enjoy. The clash matches economic opportunity cost against tradition, with the sovereign tribe having the final word.

“The historical aspect of the lake has always been to keep it as it is,” Norman Harry, chairman of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribes’ Reservation, said in an interview.

“The lake is sacred to the people and always will be. “Over the last four decades we’ve seen what happened in Lake Tahoe.” That commercialized lake attracts so many visitors that it generates $1.8 billion annually, of which 80 per cent is linked to tourism, according to Duane Wallace, chief executive of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

A tiny handful of outsiders operate businesses near Pyramid Lake, with some saying the tribe should open more to tourism.

“The business sense is very lacking here on the reservation,” said Thomas Bobella, a German-born businessman. He leases 4 acres with a modest marina, gas station and recreational vehicle park in Sutcliffe, the only inhabited area on the lake’s western side.

“They are economically shooting themselves seemingly without any justification for it,” said Bobella, who criticizes the tribe for their poor boat launching areas.

“One of the very discouraging points to Pyramid Lake ... is the fantastically bad reputation that this lake has and that is primarily due to the governmental administrations and their approach toward tourism.”

Tribal chairman Harry said a dispute over the year-old marina lease motivated such remarks.—Reuters