Cyark and the arborglyph collaborative will partner with the BLM to document and preserve the uniquearborglyphs found on quaking aspen trees (populus tremuloides) in lincoln county, nevada, near…

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management awarded a $143,300 Cooperative Agreement under the Eastern Nevada Conservation, Recreation and Development Federal Grant Program (CFDA 15.017) to CyArk, a non-profit organization specializing in digital preservation of cultural heritage sites. Under this award, CyArk will partner with the Bureau of Land Management to document and preserve the unique Basque arborglyphs - intricate carvings etched into quaking aspen trees - in Lincoln County, Nevada near Mt. Wilson within the Parsnip Peak Wilderness. The project will utilize advanced 3D documentation technologies such as LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry to create high-resolution digital models. CyArk will also conduct interviews and produce three interactive documentary "tapestry experiences" to make these cultural resources more accessible and foster a deeper understanding of the historical contributions of Basque immigrants in the American West. The award has an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2027.

Cyark and the arborglyph collaborative will partner with the BLM to document and preserve the uniquearborglyphs found on quaking aspen trees (populus tremuloides) in lincoln county, nevada, near MT.wilson within the parsnip peak wilderness. Arborglyphs, the intricate and expressive carvings etched intotree bark by basque sheepherders and other local communities, represent a culturally significant yetunder-researched and fragile aspect of the region s heritage. These carvings, often depicting figures, symbols, and inscriptions, provide a tangible link to the past, reflecting the experiences and stories ofearly settlers. This project will directly benefit historians, archaeologists, the basque community, localresidents, and the broader public interested in cultural heritage. By making these resources accessible andengaging via three interactive documentary tapestry experiences, created on cyarks tapestry tourplatform, the project aims to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the historical contributions ofbasque immigrants in shaping the cultural landscape of the american west. The project will unfold in four phases, combining advanced 3D documentation technology withtraditional research methods. In phase 1, we will conduct preparatory research and identify potentialarborglyph sites and interviewees for the narrative component of the tapestry experiences. Phase 2INVOLVES two field expeditions for surveying and documenting the arborglyphs using lidar andphotogrammetry, as well as conducting interviews for the tapestry experiences. Phase 3 focuses onprocessing the collected data and producing the three tapestry experiences, which will combine thecollected high-resolution 3D models, video interviews, and additional multimedia content to exploreplace-based heritage. The experiences will be developed in english but will contain basque wordsthroughout to raise awareness of the language and culture. The final phase, phase 4, will center on thelaunch and promotion of this virtual experience through in-person and online events, coupled withongoing monitoring of the impact and reach of the interactive documentary experiences.expected deliverables include a comprehensive digital record of the arborglyphs published ONOPENHERITAGE3D.ORG, three educational and immersive virtual tours, and a series of workshops andoutreach activities. These efforts will not only preserve the fragile arborglyphs, which are at risk due toenvironmental degradation and the passage of time but also enhance public understanding andappreciation of this unique aspect of cultural heritage. The collaboration between cyark and the arborglyph collaborative is pivotal to the projects success.while cyark brings expertise in 3D documentation and digital storytelling, the arborglyph collaborativecontributes specialized knowledge about these specific cultural artifacts and their historical context.together, these organizations will ensure that the project not only documents these important culturalsymbols but also contextualizes them within the broader narrative of basque immigration and settlementin the american west.