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Bullhead City urges Bureau of Reclamation to reopen Davis Dam for guided tours
Summary
Following a county-led effort, Bullhead City adopted a resolution asking the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to develop plans for limited guided public access to Davis Dam for education and anniversary events.
Bullhead City Council on April 1 adopted Resolution 2025R‑twelve urging the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to explore limited, guided public access to Davis Dam for educational visits and community benefit.
Supervisor Rich Lettman briefed the council earlier in the meeting on coordinated county efforts to press the Bureau of Reclamation to reopen the dam for tours and to plan events tied to upcoming anniversaries. Assistant City Manager Travis Pruitt presented the city’s resolution, which mirrors the county’s intent and asks the Bureau to consider guided tours and youth field trips tied to National Public Lands Day events and a planned Davis Dam 75 celebration.
Lettman told the council the county is seeking a designated date—National Public Lands Day in late September—as a pilot for limited public access, and is pressing the Bureau to mark a clear state line marker and distance markers along a proposed Davis Dam Loop trail to aid safety and emergency response. He said the county and local school districts are interested in arranging field trips if access is permitted.
During the council discussion and public comment, speakers supported opening the dam to enhance education and tourism; some members of the public noted post‑9/11 security concerns and asked that any public access include security procedures. Council members and staff said they expect federal coordination and that the resolution is advisory and nonbinding.
The resolution directs city staff to coordinate with Mohave County and other regional partners to request that the Bureau of Reclamation develop a plan for guided public access, with appropriate safety and security measures. The council approved the resolution unanimously.
Next steps outlined by staff and the supervisor include joint outreach to the Bureau of Reclamation, development of proposed security and tour protocols, and outreach to local schools and tourism partners to plan educational access if the Bureau approves.
