All I wanted for Christmas is my two wet feet, my two wet feet. Waited long enough? The Korean War lasted about three years, with nothing accomplished but the death and wounding of personnel and lots of money spent. The Vietnam War (some say not a real war) lasted about 20 years with the same results. The Middle East “war” was started about 1990 inevitably with the same solution and results. Why the comparison to Lake Nighthorse? Political actions with extremely complex issues should not be a time comparison for a free country’s attempts to simply open a lake albeit long overdue.
The Animas-La Plata Project was authorized by Congress in 1968. The Ute settlement was in 2000. Construction began in 2003. The lake was full in 2011. In a way, it was a remarkable progression of complicated decisions. Now, when local bureaucracy takes over we can’t handle it. Surely the city can move more quickly on facility management by comparing the plan with the numerous similar activities in the area. Put out for bid maybe? Hunting in the Bodo area is allowed and it is close to County Road 210 and resulting traffic. Currently boats cannot approach the south shore. Hiking is also prohibited there. Why not let the Utes continue hunting on their original land?
If there are other obstacles, perhaps the “committees” could share them with the financing and voting public for suggestive ideas and get this project restarted with a meaningful conclusion.
Robert Wilde
Durango
