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Desert Research Institute seeks funding to map archaeological impacts at Lake Mead as waters recede
Summary
A Desert Research Institute archaeologist asked the commission to fund drone surveys, on‑the‑ground archaeological mapping and tribal consultation to document damage and identify lawful recreational opportunities in receding Lake Mead lands near Overton.
The Desert Research Institute asked the Nevada Commission on Off‑Highway Vehicles on May 9 for grant funding to document archaeological sites exposed as Lake Mead recedes and to map an extensive network of unauthorized roads the park says are damaging cultural resources.
“Plaquette or also known as Pueblo Grande De Nevada is a fascinating and extensive complex of archeological sites,” archaeologist J.D. Lancaster told the commission. Lancaster said drought‑driven water loss has exposed tens of thousands of acres of former lakebed and that unapproved vehicle tracks now cross fragile sites. He said prior mapping identified roughly 87 miles of undocumented roads in the area and recommended drone thermal surveys over about 4,500 acres and approximately 80 miles of on‑the‑ground archaeological surveys.
Lancaster said the work would also identify potential locations for lawful new trails so recreational access could be concentrated where appropriate and enforcement targeted where damage is occurring. He said the project lacked some matching‑fund detail at time of application because tribal consultation and other partnerships were still being finalized; he reported a recent $49,000 award to support tribal consultation and the intent to convene a tribal representative committee.
Stephanie Dawn of the National Park Service, who was present for the commission discussion, told commissioners the National Recreation Area is in a period of active planning. “Mike Gautier is a newer superintendent for the park, and particularly at that time, when that was happening. And he is, interested in connecting with and learning more about the OHV, and with the OHV community,” she said. Park staff and the applicant said mapping and data would help target enforcement to documented hot spots and inform future management and potential lawful recreational opportunities.
Commissioners raised jurisdictional questions because the Lake Mead National Recreation Area currently restricts OHV use on many Nevada‑side lands; some commissioners said enforcement should be the priority if motorized damage is occurring. Lancaster and NPS staff responded that data were needed both for enforcement and for planning new, lawful trails to reduce illegal cross‑country use.
No funding vote was taken at the meeting; the DRI presentation was part of the grant application hearing sequence and will be considered according to the commission's grant review schedule.
