After reading the Letter to the Editor from Jerry Olivier (Dec. 12) where he labels nonmotorized lake users as elitist, I felt compelled to respond. If you have ever visited Lake Nighthorse on a wake-free day you would notice that the vast majority of users are older people. We provide a large portion of the revenue collected by the city for the peaceful use of this beautiful area.
According to the pie graph of statistics compiled by the City of Durango, 64% of users are nonmotorized compared with 6% motorized. From a fiscal standpoint this is a no-brainer in terms of cash flow. Imagine if just one more day of wake-free use were added, I think we can all do the math. Money aside, it is more about the aesthetics of the lake on those quiet days.
Are you aware that it is an amazing wildlife preserve with nesting eagles, cormorants and an abundance of other species? Paddle boarders, swimmers, kayakers, canoers and fishermen all utilize this lake on wake-free days. Not because we have anything against motorized boats, but because we love the tranquility of nature. We are only asking for a fair piece of this pie (graph). If they added one more wake-free day you would still have four motorized days including the weekends.
Elitist, no way. Fairness is more the way I see it.
Marjorie BrintonDurango
