Unauthorized Digging on Battle Mountain Reservation

In March, elders of the Battle Mountain Band of Western Shoshone Indians stumbled upon a bulldozer digging a trench on their daily walk on the Battle Mountain reservation. Surprised by the unauthorized activity, they sought answers upon their return home.

With no negotiations or agreements regarding the purchase of a right-of-way—legal authorization to use the property for a specific purpose and duration—Band member Joseph Holley took it upon himself to investigate. As chairman of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians, a consortium of four Bands, including the one in Battle Mountain, Holley drove to the work site to speak to the bulldozer operator.

According to Holley, the encounter turned hostile, with the contractor using offensive language and demanding Holley leave the area. Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, tensions remained high.

The Battle Mountain Band and local AT&T representatives met following the incident, where Holley recounted the altercation, expressing his disappointment in the bulldozer operator’s conduct. AT&T’s Nevada area manager, Torrey Denoo, apologized on behalf of the company, saying they expect respectful and courteous behavior from individuals representing AT&T.

Holley, however, asserted that the contractor would not be permitted on Band land again.

Cliff Cooper, AT&T’s local right-of-way manager, also apologized for the lack of proper research leading to the trespass and unsanctioned digging. The work was to provide fiber optic service to the Consolidated Edison solar plant nearby.

During the meeting, the Band’s attorney, Rollie Wilson, raised concerns about compliance with federal laws requiring the evaluation of the tract for protection of cultural resources before commencing work. The issue remained unresolved.

Addressing concerns about future activities on tribal property, Holley stated that any further bulldozing without authorization would constitute trespass, a criminal offense. Until the Band and AT&T can reach an agreement, work has paused.

When questioned by media outlet Barn Raiser, an AT&T spokesperson condemned the bulldozer driver’s behavior as unacceptable and reiterated the corporation’s commitment to compliance with regulations governing rights-of-way and property easements. AT&T is actively engaging with the Battle Mountain Band’s leadership to resolve the situation amicably.