LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Lake Mead officials continue to remove abandoned boats as water levels continue to shrink, calling them “eyesores” across the landscape.
The lake level dipped to 1,055 feet on Wednesday.
The boats have become a tourist attraction or scavenger hunt for plenty of lakegoers.
YouTubers for “Sin City Outdoors” have gained millions of followers through their videos of Lake Mead, showing abandoned boats as levels have dropped, risen and now dropped again.
“Some people are going to love to see it… There’s a lot of people who’d actually love to see them get covered by water, and want to see this lake get full again,” said Adrian Montero Jr. on his latest video. The YouTubers tell FOX5, they hope to inform millions of viewers of the need for conservation and preservation of the Valley’s precious resource.
As far back as 2023, lake officials called for volunteers to help with removal of abandoned boats. Lake officials tell FOX5, Wednesday, efforts continue to be a priority as lake levels continue to drop: abandoned boats are hazards for other watercraft, and tourists that seek out the boats leave trash and graffiti.
“With lake levels receding, many formerly submerged hazards have been removed or are currently being extracted. The park continues to prioritize the cleanup of these environmental and safety threats, working closely with contractors and concessioners to identify and remove wrecks from the water and shoreline,” officials emailed FOX5.
The superintendent of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mike Gauthier, provided a statement to FOX5:
“As lake levels drop and more debris is exposed, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to clean up and protect this incredible resource. Abandoned boats and shoreline trash are unsightly, damage the landscape, and threaten visitor safety. Through efforts like Love Lake Mead program, we’re inviting the community to be part of the solution. Every volunteer who lends a hand helps preserve the beauty and accessibility of Lake Mead for everyone.”
Volunteers can contact Lake Mead officials for projects here. You can also get your business or organization involved in a clean-up project, officials said.
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