Construction on some facilities at Lake Nighthorse could start this summer, after the Ute tribes expressed support for recreation.
The letters of support will allow the Bureau of Reclamation to complete an environmental assessment, which is required for any construction to take place, said the Cathy Metz, Durango’s parks and recreation director.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe have both submitted letters supporting recreation at Lake Nighthorse, she said Monday at a Natural Land Preservation Advisory Board meeting.
The Navajo Nation and La Plata Archuletta Water District both verbally promised letters of support, and she expects them this month.
These letters signal consensus among all parties about the plan for recreation at the lake.
Both the Ute Mountain Utes and the Southern Utes hold significant water rights within the Lake Nighthorse, and had previously expressed concerns about how recreation on the lake might impact cultural resources in the area.
Limiting the area where recreation could take place to the east side of the lake and to a 25-foot strip of shoreline around the lake really helped tip the balance in negotiations, Metz said.
Once the letters are received and the environment assessment complete the Bureau of Reclamation will likely start construction on an entry station, where boats could be inspected for Zebra mussels before they put-in.
A boat ramp, parking lot and a vault toilet have already been constructed.
Eventually, the city is planning to annex areas where recreation takes place so it could enforce city laws in those areas, she said.
Although the city is making progress it will not be ready to open the lake for recreation this summer.
“I think this year is primarily a construction year,” she said.
In addition to the entry point, boat docks, an overflow parking lot, a swim beach, and picnic areas are all planned for Lake Nighthorse.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
