Many complex cultural, political and governmental relationships are involved, and we shouldn’t be surprised that plans to open Lake Nighthorse are taking several years.

The Animas-La Plata Project addresses long-standing water-rights claims by the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian tribes, who were here long before any of us. The water project inundated prehistoric and historic cultural sites that archaeologists excavated, catalogued and stored at Fort Lewis College’s Center of Southwest Studies, with the permission of the Native American governments. Many cultural sites remain in areas above the water line. Eagle aeries and other wildlife still frequent the area around the reservoir’s edges. Finally, the reservoir will provide drinking water for our communities. All are worth protection.

Recreation? The elephant in the room is the fact that the reservoir is within a five-mile drive of more than 20,000 people. The Animas River is flooded with more than 52,000 user days a year. Imagine the flood of users when the reservoir is opened to recreation! Furthermore, neither the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife nor the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department has the resources to handle the law-enforcement challenges that such high use will demand. The city of Durango has the capacity, if we plan carefully.

As a community that values the environment and recreation, we should support the cautious approach that the Bureau and city of Durango have adopted to manage this recreational asset. Meanwhile, the city has its focus on the Animas River master plan – at the direction of city taxpayers. Next, Lake Nighthorse.

Chill, all y’all. A responsible and sustainable recreation plan for Lake Nighthorse will be worth the wait.

Deborah Uroda

Durango