In Public Comment Letter, Senator Rosen Renews Call to Address Boat Ramp Closures
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) submitted a public comment letter to the National Park Service (NPS) opposing one of NPS’ proposed solutions to address future recreation opportunities and concessions operations at Lake Mead, which would keep boat launch ramps closed and offers no consideration for future relocations of these ramps or marinas. She also pledged to work to secure the necessary resources NPS would need to address this issue. The current closures of these ramps have already affected recreation access, harming small businesses that rely on tourism and visitation to the lake.
“In August 2022, I sent you a letter requesting information about the actions that NPS is taking to re-open boat launch ramps at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, given the harm these closures have done to local small business owners and visitors,” wrote Senator Rosen. “Closures at Lake Mead have been detrimental to the small businesses and local economies in the surrounding cities and towns that depend on tourism and visitation. Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the fifth most-visited park in the National Park System, with about 7.6 million visitors.”
“The [Lake Mead National Recreation Sustainable Low Water Access Plan], as released in November 2022, outlines three preliminary management concepts that are being explored by NPS at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. While I understand the need to consider a variety of options, Concept 3 – which would essentially discontinue concession services, remove facilities and infrastructure, and give no consideration to future extensions or relocations of boat launch ramps and marinas– is not a viable option,” she continued. “I look forward to finding ways to secure the necessary funding you may need to find a viable path forward for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
Senator Rosen has been a leader in fighting to address the Lake Mead boat ramps closures and support affected small businesses and constituents. Last year, Senator Rosen sent a letter to NPS Director Charles Sams requesting an update on the actions they are taking to re-open the boat ramps at Lake Mead.
###
