Park Service unveils new plans for lakes

Tuesday, April 23, 2002 | 9:09 a.m.

A new National Park Service plan to manage Lake Mead and Lake Mohave would protect some natural areas, create a new scenic drive and allow for a slight increase in boating activities.

The public has until June 26 to review and comment on the plan and its four alternative proposals to improve long-term park protection for boaters and water skiers.

The plan would protect Gypsum Beds and the Virgin River confluence at Lake Mead as primitive areas, banning any motorized craft. Grand Wash Bay would become "semi-primitive," allowing 65-horsepower engines or less.

Callville Bay, Echo Bay, Overton Beach and Temple Bar on Lake Mead could expand public facilities under the plan. Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave would also expand services. More public launch areas would be established at Stewarts Point on Lake Mead and at Eldorado Canyon on Lake Mohave.

A scenic drive along the north shore of Boulder Basin would connect Government Wash with Boxcar Cove, eliminating about eight miles of gravel access road. The new route would be for daytime use.

Carrying capacity would be established for both lakes.

A 100-foot wakeless zone is proposed around the entire shorelines of both lakes.

The National Park Service said it will work with Arizona and Nevada state officials to develop uniform boating laws and mandatory boater education.

Part of the education program would include lake sanitation. No one operating a boat would be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages.

Personal watercraft devices would be allowed to operate on the lakes. The crafts' owners would have to meet the Environmental Protection Agency rule requiring efficient two-cycle engines by 2006 on Lake Mead.

Public open houses have been scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. on these dates: