News Release from National Park Service
BOULDER CITY, Nev. – Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) is extending the public comment period for the park’s Sustainable Low Water Access Plan/Environmental Assessment (EA) through Jan. 22, 2023. The comment period, which began Nov. 14, was initially scheduled to end on Dec. 23. The extension brings the total public comment period to 70 days.
“We’ve heard from the public that it would be beneficial to extend the public commenting period for this important plan so that is why we’re giving the community more time,” said Acting Superintendent Mike Gauthier. “While the National Park Service (NPS) is working to complete the planning effort in an accelerated timeframe, the extension beyond the holiday season supports our efforts to collect substantive and thoughtful feedback.”
The purpose of the Sustainable Low Water Access Plan/EA is to develop a strategic direction for the future of motorized boat launching and related commercial services at five key access locations: Hemenway Harbor, Callville Bay Marina, Echo Bay, Temple Bar Marina, and South Cove. The Sustainable Low Water Access Plan/EA is critical to protect key resources, values, and visitor experiences and provide safe and responsible access to the lake. Previous planning did not anticipate the unprecedented rapid water level decline, and as such, a new plan is needed to continue providing safe and sustainable access to Lake Mead.
The NPS also reminds the public that there will be an additional opportunity to provide comments and feedback when the draft plan/EA is scheduled for release in Spring 2023.
For detailed information about the management alternatives being considered, please read the project newsletter (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/LAKE-Low-Water-Access-Newsletter).
Comments regarding the planning concepts should be made online on the park’s planning website (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/LAKE-Low-Water-Access).
Lake Mead NRA is the fifth most-visited park in the National Park System, with about 7.6 million visitors. Throughout the 1.5 million acre park, visitors also hike, bike, camp, hunt, and use nonmotorized watercraft. About 20% of visitors use ramps or marinas at Lake Mead to partake in motorized recreational boating.