Sports & Recreation

Alternate Launch Ramp in Use at Lake Mead

Submitted by Adam Candee, 8 News NOW

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013, 12:41pm

Alternate Launch Ramp in Use at Lake Mead

Lake Mead officials are asking boaters to utilize an alternative launch ramp.

Because of a narrow channel near the main launch ramp at Echo Bay, officials request boaters use the low-water launch ramp.

The main launch ramp is still open, but navigation is difficult because docks and anchors from the former marina have shifted with changing water levels, creating a very narrow channel. Boaters who launch from the low-water area will have an easier time navigating into the Overton Arm.

The courtesy dock at the main ramp has been relocated to the low-water area for boater safety and convenience.

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Hearing Set on Gold Butte Legislation

Submitted by Adam Candee, 8 News NOW

Monday, June 17th, 2013, 11:51am

Horsford must strike a balance for those who want to protect the area and those who enjoy using it for recreation.

Now that he has introduced legislation to redesignate swaths of federal land around Gold Butte and Lake Mead, Rep. Steven Horsford is holding meetings in northeastern Clark County to refine and sell it.

Read more at the Las Vegas Review-Journal

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Lake Mead Ends Swim Ban after Testing Mystery Foam

Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Thursday, June 13th, 2013, 1:07pm

Lake Mead Ends Swim Ban after Testing Mystery Foam

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Officials say they're welcoming swimmers back to the Overton Arm at Lake Mead after finding no dangerous toxins in the water.

Park spokeswoman Christie Vanover said Wednesday that officials still haven't determined the exact cause of the foamy substance that prompted their no-swim advisory over the weekend.

But she said the water temperature and pH levels were normal, and no toxic algae was found. Officials said the brown foam extending about eight miles from the mouth of Virgin River to Echo Bay may have come from proteins released by dead algae.

Authorities also became concerned over the weekend when they spotted dozens of dead carp in the area.

Vanover said the cause of the fish die-off isn't clear, but noted that no more mass fish deaths have been seen since.

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Horsford Puts Forward Gold Butte Legislation

Submitted by Adam Candee, 8 News NOW

Thursday, June 6th, 2013, 1:13pm

Horsford Puts Forward Gold Butte Legislation

Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, introduced legislation Thursday intended to protect Gold Butte.

The Virgin Valley Tourism and Lake Mead Preservation Act would create a Gold Butte National Conservation Area (NCA) of approximately 350,000 acres.

All currently open roads within the NCA would remain open for access. The bill would also promote Lake Mead for tourism, support a local airport development extension, and direct the Secretary of the Interior to consult with local leaders on energy development.

Horsford said the legislation also establishes the Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council which would include representatives from Moapa, Moapa Valley, Bunkerville, and Mesquite. Additional council members would be assigned by the Moapa Band of Paiutes Tribal Council and the Clark County Board of County Commissioners.

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Free Fishing Day at Lake Mead Upcoming

Submitted by Adam Candee, 8 News NOW

Thursday, May 30th, 2013, 12:48pm

Offers will abound at Lake Mead on Saturday, June 8, including free fishing and discounted boat rentals.

The State of Nevada is holding a free fishing day on June 8 and Forever Resorts is offering 25 percent off full-day deck boat rentals that day.

Representatives from the Nevada Department of Wildlife will be at Callville Bay to distribute information about boating safety. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct vessel examinations and “Coastie the Safety Boat” will attend to entertain and educate children.

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Red Rock Campground to Close for Summer

Submitted by Adam Candee, 8 News NOW

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013, 10:57am

Red Rock Campground will shut down for the summer following the Memorial Day holiday.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area’s developed campground is scheduled to temporarily close from May 28 to August 30.

Located approximately two miles east of the visitor center on State Route 159 (West Charleston Boulevard), Red Rock Campground is the only developed campground within the conservation area.

Other open campgrounds include:

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Safe Boating Week Underway

Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013, 3:16pm

National Safe Boating Week is underway this week just in time for the busy Memorial Day weekend.

The week was kicked off at Lake Mead with a life jacket event Saturday. Park officials are encouraging everyone to wear their life jackets while on the water and to make sure their boats are ready for the season.

The U.S. Coast Guard says life jackets need to be Coast Guard approved and fit properly. The advice is especially true for children. The guard advises people not buy a life jacket that a child will "grow into."

According to officials at Lake Mead Recreation area, eight people drowned in the lake in 2012. Of those, none were wearing a life jacket.

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