Letter: Lakes are for all, not select few

Wednesday, June 19, 2002 | 9:11 a.m.

These areas include the Virgin River area, the Gyp Beds, the Grand Wash area and the Colorado River from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach (approximately 14 miles).

The NPS proposes to manage these areas as primitive or semi-primitive areas. Boats with motors 65 hp or more would not be permitted to access these areas under the current proposal. In areas managed as primitive, only vessels with no motors will be allowed.

If you own a family boat, ski boat, bass boat or jet ski, be prepared to kiss these areas good-bye. Accessing these areas in vessels allowed under the current proposal would pose serious safety concerns to anyone (including senior citizens and the physically challenged) who would attempt to navigate to these locations on lakes noted for windy conditions and rough water.

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a public waterway funded with our tax dollars. No single user group or special interest should be afforded rights or privileges at the expense or exclusion of other park users.

Please let the National Park Service, your senators and representatives know that the current proposals are unacceptable. Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, in their entirety, should be open for safe public access.

ROGER NEUKAM