LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Millions of dollars has been awarded to Lake Mead National Recreation Area to fix damage, hundreds of miles of illegal roads and trails. The National Park Service site is now coming up with a restoration plan after drivers created unwelcome paths on protected land.
Lake Mead is the fifth most visited National Park Service site in the country, and it has gotten a little too much attention in recent years. NPS will be sending more than eight and a half million dollars to repair damage done by visitors.
FOX5’s was with rangers as they closed off access to a heavily damaged area this summer.
“From an aerial platform, you see dozens and dozens of illegal roads that have been created… An incredible amount of damage that is occurring. We have an obligation to correct,” asserted then Chief Ranger of Lake Mead National Recreation Area Trouper Snow the day before the road to Government Wash was closed off.
The Park Service says because of the low lake level, people made their own roads and trails to get to the water.
Illegal roads were also created as hundreds of homeless people moved in, making their vehicles and the park their home, often looking for remote areas to live in isolation and creating their own paths to them.
FOX5 saw RV’s with complete with fire pits and even driveways.
The unauthorized roads crisscrossing the landscape not only damage the environment, but can also pose safety problems, hampering emergency access something that was often needed often in Government Wash before it was closed off.
“This area is not meant house 300+ residents that are living here… Over the past five years, our enforcement has responded to well over 1,000 incidents,” Snow reported.
The goal for the future of the largest national recreation area in the country: restore the natural beauty while finding a balance with those who want to recreate responsibly, something that makes Lake Mead National Recreation Area so special.
The park has documented 824 miles of illegal roads but estimate there’s double that. The restoration project is projected to take five years.
Park officials say public feedback on restoration efforts will be sought and then used to develop their management plans specifically for the areas of Government Wash and the Overton Arm.
Community feedback and ideas are welcome any time prior to the meetings and can be emailed here: e-mail us.
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