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Public urged to comment on reservoir improvements
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following comments were submitted concerning plans for Swanson Lake and Hugh Butler Reservoir by Kent Confer, who urges others to comment on the plans as well
Review the plan:
Bureau of Reclamation’s plans for Hugh Butler and Swanson Reservoirs are not in the best interest of the residents of Southwest Nebraska. They are not in the best interest of Frontier and Hitchcock County’s tax-paying public and businesses, including Red Willow County; and for that matter, the public of the United States. Spending millions of taxpayers’ dollars on needed improvements to our lakes may be necessary in some cases, such as updating boat ramps that Reclamation has been promising the public for the past several years and that has yet to happen. More camping and recreation facilities may be needed in the future; however, the thirty-plus miles of available shoreline at Hugh Butler and Swanson Reservoirs is more than adequate for your plans. There is absolutely no reason to destroy the marinas and trailer parks that are currently being used by the public daily. This is nothing more than an unreasonable and arrogant policy by Reclamation to remove trailer homes on the property they manage. Even at that, trailer homes are allowed to exist on other Reclamation-managed properties throughout the country. Why is this unfair and ridiculous policy being inflicted on the residents of Southwest Nebraska?
The pictures Reclamation took of trailers at both lakes depict older trailers that would be remodeled if Reclamation didn’t have removal hanging over their heads. Reclamation failed to show the pristine well-manicured trailers that are prevalent at both trailer parks that exist despite Reclamation’s draconian policies.
Harry Strunk Reservoir displays how Reclamation’s grandiose plans have not come to fruition. It has been over five years since they have had a marina. The public at Harry Strunk must drive fifteen miles to Cambridge for supplies, bait, ice, and other necessities. The trailer park that Reclamation destroyed over three years ago is now nothing more than a weed patch that is blocked off with a huge log. How does that compute to enhanced public facilities when there are not any facilities?
Where is the money that has been allocated to improving these lakes? Where is the plan for management and maintenance? Currently, the marinas and trailer parks are self-managed and maintained without any costs to taxpayers. Nebraska Game and Parks staff have more than they can handle now. One of the ongoing problems is that Reclamation is difficult for concessionaires and managing partners to work with. Who is going to run your new facilities, and who is going to maintain them?
2. What to comment on: Reclamation is interested in a variety of comments including:
a. Your perspective on the proposed improvements and their potential benefits.
Fishing Access- The fishing dock that was placed in Government Bay at Hugh Butler is not functional and too steep for anyone to descend, let alone someone with disabilities. Prior to that, the bay was full of activity, fishing, swimming, and boat docks used by the public. All of that was removed due to the Exclusive Use of Public Property to “enhance” public use. Now it is not used by anyone.
Playgrounds- Simply improving the playground areas currently at the lakes would be an excellent enhancement. Why hasn’t Reclamation already improved these areas? Why would Reclamation need to destroy marinas and trailer parks to make these improvements?
Picnic areas- It would be great to improve these areas, however they are well maintained and are very seldom if ever all occupied.
Walking trails- Please create more walking trails and access to the lakes instead of more barriers as we have seen in the past few years.
Campsites- With 35 miles of shoreline available at Hugh Butler and 30 miles available at Swanson Reservoir, there is more than enough room to create more campsites. Why hasn’t this already been accomplished, and once again, why would Reclamation need to destroy the currently well-utilized facilities to create new ones?
b. Additional recreational facilities or amenities that you believe would enhance the experience at these sites. For example, would you appreciate the addition of activities like disc golf, outdoor fitness equipment, improved picnic areas, or long-term camping?
Any improved facilities would be welcomed by the citizens in Southwest Nebraska, such as lengthening the boat ramps. However, there is no reason to believe that these facilities will ever be constructed. It’s been over five years since someone could buy supplies at Harry Strunk Reservoir, why would anyone think that Reclamation actually plans on doing any of these improvements on any Southwest Nebraska lake?
c. Suggestions for ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption during the construction and improvement phase.
Removing marinas and trailer parks that have been enjoyed by the public for over fifty years does not enhance the public’s experience at Hugh Butler and Swanson Reservoirs. Southwest Nebraska residents would appreciate improvements at our area lakes; however, there is no reason for anyone to believe that any improvements would actually become a reality. Will our lakes end up like Harry Strunk, a weedy deserted area that used to be a place for public enjoyment and memories?
Drop Reclamation’s plan to remove the marinas and trailer homes at Hugh Butler and Swanson Reservoirs. Assist the County Commissioners in Frontier and Hitchcock Counties to transfer the concession areas to their respective counties. Extend the current contracts with the concessionaires to allow time for the transfer to happen. If Reclamation really plans to build these facilities, why don’t you start with Harry Strunk to prove your plan is real? And finally, please leave our marinas and trailer parks at Hugh Butler and Swanson alone!
Kent Confer
1111 Norris Ave.
McCook, NE 69001
Email to BOR-sha-NKA-Concessions@usbr.gov Please use the subject line “Public Comment on Reservoir Improvement Plans.”
Please email copies to your Congressional representatives and Bureau of Reclamation leadership to assure the Bureau of Reclamation does not misplace your submission.
Senator Fischer- Mikayla_Gross@Fischer.senate.gov or
https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public?p=email-deb
Senator Rickets- https://www.ricketts.senate.gov/contact/
Congressman Smith- https://adriansmith.house.gov/contact
Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton- mtouton@usbr.gov
Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner David Palumbo: DPalumbo@usbr.gov
The comment period is open from of June 30 – July 31, 2023