I was surprised and disappointed that the Herald published an opinion piece suggesting that Lake Nighthorse become a “lake for almost no one” (“Tame Lake Nighthorse,” Opinion, Herald, May 1.)
Opponents of the popular 2011 proposal or equivalent have not completely done their homework. They have criticized the “small size of the lake vs. speeding boats.” Reportedly, the lake will contain an area of at least 1,400 or more acres. The no-wake area would consume about 44 acres. Available lake size for power boats is then about 1,350 acres.
There are numerous lakes with sizes less than the proposed Nighthorse footprint that have been safely allowing power boats for years, some even conducting races and other competitions.
Examining Google for established size requirements suggests lake size, although critical, need not be an overwhelming factor for speed boats, water-skiing or jet skiing. It suggests there should be an area of 15-acre water surface, 2,150 feet in length and at least “waist deep” for a three-boat racing event with adequate safety.
In my opinion, noise would be less than on the streets of Durango, especially on the shore. Further, comments about excessive trash that comes with power boating; it’s not the type of boat causing the problem but the people in those boats and around the shore.
The formal lengthy but complete analysis circulated by the Bureau of Land Management for comments gave a due date of April 25. I encouraged my friends and relatives to hurry to meet that deadline.
Now, the subject article confirms a new date of May 25. Did the option “deciders” not like the trend of responses so wanted to give more time to collect a different response? Will this enviable project proceed to its full capacity expeditiously without published negative influences and unjustified compromises?
Robert Wilde
Durango
