$8.6 million to fund Lake Mead efforts at Government Wash, Overton Arm
LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Lake Mead is a popular place to get lost for awhile. Over the years, that has taken a toll on the environment as people have made their own roads to secluded spots, sometimes setting up permanent encampments.
On Thursday, the National Park Service (NPS) announced it's getting $8.66 million to address the problem in two areas of the park: Government Wash and the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. Officials estimate there are more than 1,650 miles of illegal roads in the park — double the problem found in a previous survey that found 824 miles of roads.
Access to Government Wash was blocked to vehicles on Aug. 1 in what park officials described as "a first step to address a range of challenges presented by increased unregulated visitor use in the Government Wash area." The funding announced today for Lake Mead National Recreation Area is an important part of resolving the situation.
A five-year project will be funded by "Conservation Initiative" funds from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA), according to an NPS news release. Previously, officials have said they are committed to finding a solution that includes "designated roads, camping infrastructure, and resources the park needs to protect the area's natural beauty while preserving cultural artifacts."
"This will be a heavily partnership and community-oriented project," Lake Mead Superintendent Mike Gauthier said. "We look forward to working closely with the public, tribes, and conservation-focused partners to help protect cultural and natural resources in these key park locations. Together we will take the next steps for the park's future, working to elevate the beauty and recreation that makes Lake Mead special."
Government Wash is where a sunken speedboat sticking straight out of the lakebed became a symbol of the water shortage. Lake Mead is currently at about 1,061 feet, not quite high enough to hide the bow of the speedboat.
An aerial photo of the Government Wash area released in July shows the extent of the problem with roads. But it's a problem in other areas of the park, too. Roads made by people trying to avoid park entrance fees have created larger problems that can pose a safety hazard. Ambulances and first responders can't get to people in need — a problem that has grown as more and more people use the roads.
"Public feedback will be used to develop area-specific management plans that mitigate challenges and impacts from illegal roads while re-envisioning the future of recreation in both locations," according to the NPS news release.
