Anna Blalock, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator with the NPS (National Park Service) talks about volunteerism within the National Recreation Area and what volunteers have done in Meadview. Photo by Becky Foster
MEADVIEW – On Thursday, July 25 the National Park Service (NPS) made a presentation to 70 attendees at the Community Building in Meadview. Mike Gauthier, Superintendent of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA) and 14 staff members presented information on programs that are administered in the 20,000-acre recreation area and particularly South Cove.
Gauthier said that 26 park rangers responded to 11,000 calls last year regarding park rules, trash problems and calls for assistance. He added that there is a serious trash problem and in August the area was closed off to traffic except for primary roads.
He also discussed the problems boaters experience when launching at South Cove; as well as concerns about getting a ramp that can be used by boaters when the lake is low as well as when the water rises. He briefly addressed having a safe, designated space for swimmers.
Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Anna Blalock spoke about opportunities for volunteerism with the LMNRA and the services that park volunteers currently provide. She stated that they removed 20,000 bags of trash in a year’s time.
At South Cove in 2023, 14 volunteers provided 46,719 hours of service which is equal to 22.5 extra employees according to Blalock. She said the volunteers assist with day-to-day park operation and special projects that help with priority work. Additionally, she advised that in the future volunteers will assist with monitoring the resources in the area.
Resource Stewards are needed to hike trails and collect data on wildlife, vegetation and cultural resources as well as to report unsafe road conditions, disturbances and removing trash. Additionally, volunteers can “adopt a spot” to remove litter four times annually in a designated spot in the area.
Blalock may be contacted at: 702-293-8711 or by sending an email regarding volunteer opportunities to LAKE_volunteer_coordinator@nps.gov
As to the trash problem, Karen Podolak-Stacy, Vice-President and Program Director for COM (Community of Meadview) mentioned they could provide volunteers to adopt roads within the park and keep them clear of trash. Podolak-Stacy, who has coordinated 34 litter control groups for 17 years, stated there is a clear difference in the amount of trash along the highway once you cross into the Park Service area.
Blalock explained that the Park Service does not allow for adoption of roads, per se but would work with any volunteers and provide insurance plus necessary tools and supplies for cleanups.
Various other staff members presented information on programs they are in charge of such as commercial services within the recreation area, partnerships and the More to Mead program which has a goal of expanding and diversifying outdoor recreation beyond motorized boating in the communities surrounding the LMNRA.
Julie Drugatz, Chief of Commercial Services, outlined various concessions/services at Temple Bar, Katherine’s Landing, Lake Mohave and Willow Beach. She said the contract for Katherine’s Landing will expire in January, 2026. Requests for proposals are also forthcoming for Lake Mohave and Willow Beach.
After the presentations, refreshments were served and staff members answered questions from attendees and noted their concerns and suggestions; among them were: renovation of trails, possibility of having a solar observatory to take advantage of Meadview’s dark skies, providing more OHV (off-highway vehicle) trails, better signage, parking area for swimmers, and a boat ramp/launch area.
Meadview residents are encouraged to complete a short survey to give more feedback to the NPS by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/XGLDNM2 on the internet.
Becky Foster
