I attended the first public meetings to discuss the recreational role Lake Nighthorse would serve in the La Plata County region. But the presenters made it clear that discussion of power boat exclusion was off the table. They received money from private concerns reportedly to build a dock. Acceptance of the money was contingent on a promise that powerboats would be allowed on the lake.
I don’t recall any public hearings prior to that decision. Some participants suggested limiting engine size to eliminate wakes and noise. I believe powerboat enthusiasts pointed out that modern engines could cruise at 10 mph without leaving wakes. The presenters justified their decision with a statement that public facilities should serve all of the public, and that was the end of the discussion.
Let’s be clear. That statement distorted the debate. “Serving all of the public” means that all of the public are welcome to use the lake for its intended purpose. It does not mean that the public can do whatever they wish. You cannot, for example, take snowmobiles in certain areas. You cannot camp anywhere you wish in La Plata Canyon; you must do it in designated areas.
Judging from recent letters, not all of the public agrees with having powered boats on the lake and many people at those first meetings didn’t either. Our area lacks a smaller, quiet lake for swimming and fishing, kayaking, rowing, or day sailing in a small boat. Lake Nighthorse fits the bill perfectly. Moreover, chances of infesting the lake with destructive mollusks from larger boats diminish.
I appreciate the view of large boat users, but they already have two beautiful lakes available in the area, whereas others with different interests do not.
Public input should have been sought before accepting funding for the dock. A second poor judgement will not correct the first one. I believe the money should be returned to the private interests so we can start again to discuss Lake Nighthorse usage. Use the concrete dock for some other purpose.
Glenn Rodey
Hesperus
