Boulder City, NV (NPS) – The National Park Service has announced an award of $8.66 million in Conservation Initiative funds from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act for a five-year project addressing impacts related to illegal roads at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Lake Mead NRA has seen a significant increase in the number of illegal roads and off-road vehicle trails in recent years from ongoing attempts of visitors trying to access the lake’s shoreline as the water has receded.
The park previously documented 824 miles of illegal roads, but it is estimated that the current total mileage of illegal roads is well more than double previous survey data.
The Park Service says that the multi-year project will assess the current impacts of illegal roads on sensitive natural and cultural resources located in Government Wash and Overton Arm. Public feedback will be used to develop area-specific management plans that mitigate challenges and impacts from illegal roads while re-envisioning the future of recreation in both locations.
“This will be a heavily partnership and community-oriented project,” said park Superintendent Mike Gauthier. “We look forward to working closely with the public, tribes, and conservation-focused partners to help protect cultural and natural resources in these key park locations. Together we will take the next steps for the park’s future, working to elevate the beauty and recreation that makes Lake Mead special.”