Alternating moments of tension and appreciation punctuated a meeting Wednesday evening as concerned residents questioned a fee increase proposed in the draft recreation management plan for Vallecito Reservoir.
About 50 people showed up to the Vallecito Lake Community Center for an hourlong meeting, at which Pine River Irrigation District staff members listened to comments on the plan.
PRID manages the Vallecito dam and reservoir on behalf of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The 125,500-acre-foot reservoir sits 20 miles northeast of Durango, just south of the Weminuche Wilderness.
Although the lake’s primary use is to prevent flooding and store water on behalf of farmers and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, PRID also fosters a thriving recreation economy.
There are three guided fishing outfits operating on the reservoir, a nordic club that operates there in the winter as well as a marina and yacht club, which offers an array of outdoor activities. The district estimates there were 33,870 user days to the lake last year.
The contentious moments at Wednesday’s meeting arose from discussion of a proposed 20% increase to the lake’s recreation fees that would take effect in 2024.
If implemented, a recreational day use permit would increase in cost from $5 to $6; the price of a two-week recreation permit would increase from $25 to $30; and an annual recreation permit would cost $60 rather than $50.
The fee increases would also affect motorized boating permits, although special and commercial use permit fees would remain the same.
“Where does the buoy money go?” shouted one attendee from the crowd.
“Where is my money going and what are you doing for my community?” asked Abigail Satori from the microphone.
Although PRID staff members were relatively tight-lipped when it came to responding to public comments, Superintendent Ken Beck directed the curious recreationalists to the “Frequently Asked Questions” page of PRID’s website. The page outlines the district’s use of recreation revenue.
Several members of the public called for PRID to further develop the lake’s resources, which some say are lacking.
“I visited Lake Nighthose and I visited Navajo this summer, and we are falling majorly behind as far as recreation – we’re not competitive at all,” Amy Burchfield told PRID. “… As for raising fees, maybe we need to raise the bar as well for what we offer.”
In comparison, Lake Nighthorse charges a $10 daily entrance fee, but has the Wibit Aqua Park as well as more businesses offering an array of recreation activities.
Beck reiterated that PRID staff members are committed to transparency, highlighting the entity’s revamped website several times.
“I know it may seem like we weren’t answering questions today, but the purpose of the meeting is to take comments so that we can improve this communication document,” said PRID’s attorney Amy Huff, referencing the recreation plan.
PRID will continue to accept input on the document through Sept. 15. Comments may be emailed to Beck at beckranch74@gmail.com.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
