Moapa Valley Progress
Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials are completing a new initiative which will put plans in place should water levels at the Lake decrease below the elevation of 1,050 feet.
The current water elevation at Lake Mead is 1,092 feet. But Bureau of Reclamation projections over the next 24 months suggest levels could decline to 1,068 feet.
Of course, declining water levels are nothing new to Lake Mead in recent years. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area has been operating under a Low Water Amendment to its General Management Plan since 2005.
But the current plan addresses management only down to a lake elevation of 1,050 feet. The new planning process would guide operations at the Park down to a lake level elevation of 950 feet.
“Currently there are no projections that indicate the lake will reach 950 feet,” said Park Spokesperson Christie Vanover. “But park officials are preparing the planning document to identify steps necessary for continued operation at each of the lake’s access sites at various elevations. The location and size of lake access facilities will be consistent with the zoning and density goals and the objectives of the Lake Management Plan.”
The National Park Service is encouraging public participation through the planning process. Members of the public are invited to comment during the plan’s 30-day public scoping period.
Comments and recommendations will be accepted through June 13, 2014. The comments may be submitted by U.S. Mail to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Compliance Office, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005 or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/.
