|
||||
|
June 9, 2001
by Kevin Denke Denny Lake, located east of Cortez along Highway 160, has been a problem for the city of Cortez for as long as Parks and Recreation Director Chris Burkett can remember — and he has been here for 23 years. Burkett says the problems date back to the 1970s, when declining runoff to the lake meant it would drain nearly completely every year, causing an awful stench. "It would stink to high heaven and folks living around it would complain," explained Burkett. Known for years as a mosquito-infested swamp, the lake is finally being restored as a source of pride for the community. Decades of plans in the past to revitalize the lake fell through because of governmental tie-ups and lack of funding. Finally, in February 2000, a $79,000 facelift was given the go-ahead by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The rehabilitation plan developed by the National Resource Conservation Service included excavating the shallow bed of the lake to create deep pools. The excavated material was then used to form islands and wetlands. D&L Construction won the bid for the excavation work and, according to Burkett, did "an excellent job." Yet, even with all the excavation work, the question remained as to how to hold water in the lake to avoid the awful smell that accompanied evaporation and drainage. That problem was solved with the planned piping of irrigation water from Conquistador Golf Course into the lake. Burkett said on Thursday that Parks and Rec has worked extensively with the Dolores Water Conservancy District to make sure the water that will be piped into Denny Lake is not solely irrigation water and can be used for recreational purposes as well. With the piping of approximately 15 shares of water a day during the prime months of golf-course use from April through November, the lake is expected to flourish. "It should serve us well through the summer into the winter," said Burkett. In order to be able to receive water from the golf course, agreements had to be met with local homeowners regarding easements for the pipeline. Those agreements are nearly complete and final specifications are being met for the drainage into the lake. The park may also become a prime fishing spot. The Division of Wildlife will help put bluegill fish as well as bass into Denny Lake in an attempt to make it a warm-water fishery. Parks and Rec has also received a "Fishing is Fun" grant that will put a fishing pier at the lake. Burkett hopes that a revitalized Denny Lake will be a nice complement to Denny Park. He is also excited that youths in the community will have a nice place to fish and ride their bikes too. "We want to broaden the recreational experience," he said. "Our intent is not to have just a nice park, but a nice lake too." There are also plans, he said, to make the lake viable habitat for ducks and other waterfowl. The hope is to have Denny Lake filled by the end of August. |
||||
|
Copyright © 2001 the Cortez Journal.
All rights reserved. |
