I recently read a news release from Lake Mead National Recreation Area to learn about the opening of a launch pad at Temple Bar.

After a few phone calls to find out exactly what was going on, here’s what I learned.

Temple Bar sits on the shores of the shrinking Lake Mead. In 1951, according to the information I found, a small floating building was opened there selling bait and lures.

Since then, Temple Bar has become a destination of choice for ship owners in Arizona, California and Nevada.

However, Temple Bar was eventually closed as the lake level continued to drop. But now there is a spot where recreational boaters and anglers can launch watercraft from Temple Bar.

According to the National Park Service, Temple Bar’s concessionaire, Guest Services (928-767-3214), has opened the launch pad, which is open to the public for a fee.

I tried several times to contact guest services, but was unable to speak to anyone about what was on offer.

The only information I have is a news release from NPS and Justin Pattison, Deputy Superintendent of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

According to the latest press release, normal fuel dock hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Shops are also open during these hours.

However, motels, restaurants and bars are closed in winter. The motel will reopen on his May 1, 2023 and the bar and restaurant will reopen on his May 15, 2023.

As for the launch ramp, Pattison said, the ramp was paid for and installed by the concessionaire. NPS reviewed and approved the design and operational plan proposed by the concessionaire.

Under an agreement with NPS, the concessionaire is permitted to charge for launching from this ramp. Pattison said he believes he can charge $20 for up to seven days if he wants.

You can understand why the Temple Bar concessionaire invested so much to make the launch area available.

Many of you reading this will wonder why the NPS is not planning to build a launch pad at South Cove. I know from previous conversations with NPS officials that records show that more people use South Cove than Temple Bar. However, South Cove does not have a concessionaire or service.

Pattison says: If you thought something was viable in that immediate area, you would have found something that worked. “

We’re glad that recreational users in Mojave County have at least one place to go. The lake level is currently at an elevation of 1,045 feet, and Pattison said Temple’s launch pad for his bar will be operational until the lake level drops to 1,015 feet, after which a major relocation will be required. It is said that it will be

But this lamp does nothing to help the Meadview community. Without a place for boaters to launch their trailered watercraft, the community will continue to suffer from a lack of tourists.

One engineer I spoke to said, “If you put enough money into it, anything is possible.”

Perhaps an engineer outside of NPS can look at the water depth to see if they believe they’ll find an area at or near South Cove.

I think you should refer to other sources. Pattison and he don’t believe what NPS is saying. But, as former President Reagan used to say, “Trust but verify!”