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Commissioners: Bureau of Reclamation closure of dam visitor center halts tours, threatens local tourism
Summary
Commissioners reported that the Bureau of Reclamation has barred the nonprofit that had staffed the dam visitor center from operating the site and has suspended dam tours; local officials warned the closure could reduce visitor spending and urged federal engagement.
Commissioners told the Daggett County Commission that the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has informed the local nonprofit that staff the dam visitor center they no longer meet the bureau’s standards and must stop operating the center. Commission members said the same nonprofit had staffed other local sites, including Red Canyon, and that the visitor-center closure has stopped visitor tours of the dam.
A county official summarized the effect: “They have completely shut that visitor center down,” and added that the nonprofit had provided staffing, materials and guided tours that previously drew visitors and helped local businesses by telling tourists where to eat and what to see.
Commission participants said the organization providing staffing at the dam is a nonprofit (referred to in the meeting as a Natural History Association or International Natural History Association). They said that the Bor’s action also halted dam tours, a known summer draw. One commissioner reported the group averaged “between 608 people come through on in a day in the summertime.” (Meeting audio contains that numeric report; the county will confirm visitor-count figures with the nonprofit and BOR.)
Commissioners said the loss of the visitor center and tours could reduce economic activity around the lake and make it harder for small businesses to attract customers; they described the visitor center and tours as an important component of the county’s summertime economy. The commission asked staff to continue outreach to the BOR and to federal and state elected officials; Sheriff Eric Bailey was reported to be meeting in Washington, D.C., this week and may raise the issue with regional lawmakers.
Commissioners discussed whether the bureau or the forest-service agreement applies to the site and noted differences in how materials and volunteers are managed at the various visitor locations. Commissioners said they do not know whether BOR is soliciting other operators for the site and asked staff to seek clarity.
No formal vote or directive was taken at the meeting; commissioners agreed to pursue additional information and partner outreach to restore visitor services and tours if possible.
