Rules enforced for Fourth weekend at Pyramid, Tahoe

As the Fourth of July Weekend approaches, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe reminds visitors who are planning to spend the holiday weekend at the lake that all laws and regulations will be in effect.

Pyramid Lake is the property of and is managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Due to the extended holiday weekend the Tribe is expecting a large crowd for the Fourth of July weekend.

All nontribal visitors require day use, camping and other permits to access the lake. Proceeds from permits help support programs that protect public safety and the lake year around.

Fireworks are now available for sale and use in designated areas at Pyramid Lake. Phantom fireworks are available for sale at the I-80 Smokeshop in Wadsworth, 1000 Smokeshop Circle, just off Exit 43) and the Nixon Store, 50 State Route 447 at the corner of SR 446 and SR 447. For more information, call (775) 575-2181.

Fireworks can only be purchased by customers over the age of 18 with proof of a government-issued identification. With the purchase of fireworks, customers will be issued a free fireworks permit that will allow them to shoot fireworks in designated areas on the reservation.

Designated fireworks areas include: Indian Head Beach, Rawhide Beach and Blockhouse Beach. The use of fireworks is prohibited in all other areas on the reservation.

Fireworks are illegal in most of Nevada and the possession and use of fireworks can lead to a fine or jail time.

Access road, Tribal Route No. 5, and the area near the Pyramid on the east side of Pyramid Lake is still closed to the general public until further notice.

Recent vandalism to the area, which is of cultural importance to tribal members, compelled the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Council at their April 15 meeting to make the decision to close the area. Persons caught in this area will be cited for trespass pursuant to the provisions of the Tribe's Law and Order Code, and may face fines. For more information visit www.pyramidlake.us.

Fishermen and visitors to Pyramid Lake should remember that trout fishing season ends Thursday.

Visitors to Pyramid Lake may print their own day use, camping, boating, fishing and other permits online at home. Unlike area stores, online permit sales do not charge a convenience fee and are available for purchase 24-hours a day. To obtain an online permit, go to www.pyramidlake.us.

In an effort to further prevent lines at permit stations on the reservation, the Tribe will set up an additional permit station near the intersection of SR 445 and Sutcliffe. Permits can also be purchased at other authorized permit vendors on the reservation and in the Reno/Sparks area. For a complete listing of authorized permit vendors, go to www.pyramidlake.us.

The El Dorado County DUI Task Force today announced its officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday weekend cracking down on impaired drivers with an aggressive DUI enforcement blitz to include a sobriety/drivers license checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrols.

"If you get caught driving impaired, you will be arrested," said Sgt Shannon Laney, AVOID The 6 El Dorado County.

Laney said that impaired drivers not only take the risk of hurting or killing themselves or someone else, the trauma and financial costs of an alcohol-impaired-driving crash or an arrest can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.