Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge

This 247-acre island refuge in Pyramid Lake serves as a protected sanctuary for colonial nesting birds, particularly hosting one of the largest American white pelican breeding colonies in the western United States.

President Woodrow Wilson established this wildlife refuge through executive order in 1913, making it one of the earliest federal bird protection areas created specifically to safeguard colonial nesting species.

The refuge operates within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation through a cooperative agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, reflecting collaborative indigenous and federal conservation efforts.

Public access to the island is strictly prohibited, and boating is restricted within 500 feet of the shoreline to prevent disturbance to nesting birds during critical breeding seasons from spring through summer.

Between 8,000 and 10,000 American white pelicans migrate annually from Southern California and Baja California to breed exclusively on this isolated island, making it a critical reproduction site for the species.

Location: Washoe County

Operator: US Fish and Wildlife Service

GPS coordinates: 39.95374,-119.51241

Latest update: July 25, 2025 19:17