I believe that Durango residents are unclear that the “Proposed Action – 2014 Recreation Plan” in the Bureau of Reclamation Draft Environmental Assessment dated March 2016 is far more limited than the recreation plan developed through a collaborative public involvement process with town residents from March 2009 to April 2011.
This plan is outlined in the EA as “Action Alternative 1 – 2011 Recreation Plan.” You will see that the Proposed Action is far more limited than Action Alternative 1 – a fact that will have long-term serious consequences on the value of Lake Nighthorse as a recreational venue.
I encourage you to explain this fact and suggest you display the images showing the Proposed Action (Figure 3 of EA) and the Action Alternative 1 (2011 Recreation Plan, Figure 5 of EA) to convey this important change in proposed recreation at Nighthorse.
I think it’s shameful that the town would take over recreational responsibility for Nighthorse with a plan that excludes essentially all the town’s recreational desires except motor boating. Residents may provide comment to the Bureau of Reclamation EA until May 25.
Seth Furtney
Durango
