News Release

Lake Mead National Recreation Area to Receive $8.66M in Grant Funding to Address Illegal Roads and Recreation in the Park

Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office

BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The National Park Service has announced an award of $8.66 million in Conservation Initiative funds from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA) for a five-year project addressing impacts related to illegal roads at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA).

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 milage of illegal roads is well more than double previous survey data.

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. Park officials will also engage with communities to understand public interest for recreation and educational opportunities in these popular areas. 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.

The project will drive community collaboration through significant education and outreach components that will allow the park and partners to connect with local schools, surrounding communities, and specific recreational groups with mutual interests in these areas. “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.”

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Lake Mead National Recreation Area is the only national park minutes from Las Vegas that offers Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. The park’s rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties. Lake Mead is the country’s first and largest national recreation area and the fifth most visited national park in the country. Follow us at www.nps.gov/lake or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.