McCook Neb. – The Bureau of Reclamation is developing improvement plans for Swanson and Red Willow Reservoir concession areas, which are federally managed recreation sites. The initial alternatives will focus on attraction and infrastructure modernization to meet future public outdoor recreation needs for residents throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas.
The proposed improvements are intended to support a blend of dispersed camping and developed facilities that add to the diversity of recreation opportunities and experiences at the two sites. Improvements to the area will create a more inclusive and accessible space for everyone in the community while also increasing revenue opportunities for the concessionaire.
Removal of these privately owned trailers at the sites is required by Reclamation policy.
“While the removal of the trailers may impact the trailer owners, we are committed to providing resources and assistance, such as help removing septic systems, to facilitate a smooth transition,” said Nebraska-Kansas Area Manager Aaron Thompson. “These improvements are in the best interest of the community and will create more opportunities for recreation activities and enjoyment for all public land users.”
“Private exclusive use of federal property deprives other American citizens of their right to access and enjoy public lands and resources. Federal lands and facilities are owned by the people of the United States and are managed by the government for their benefit and enjoyment,” said Missouri Basin Regional Director Brent Esplin. “They provide valuable opportunities for recreation, education, conservation, and cultural heritage. Private exclusive use of federal property reduces the availability and quality of these public lands and services.”
The redevelopment plans have been in the making for more than 23 years. The Recreation and Concession Compliance Report in April 2000 identified a wide variety of hazards concerning life safety and utility compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. To address these issues, the phase-out language for private exclusive use was implemented in the concession contracts starting in 2005 with complete phase-out in 2020. In February 2022, the managing partner turned back all concession and cabin areas to Reclamation. Plans were delayed by several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2005 contract states, “No new exclusive use seasonal trailer or mobile home trailer sites are permitted. Existing exclusive use shall be reduced by a minimum of 6% each year and at least 33% of all exclusive sites shall be reduced every five years. This provision shall apply to all renewals of this Agreement and to any new permit holder(s). In the event these quotas are not met at renewal time, no renewal will be granted until quotas are achieved. All exclusive use will be eliminated by the expiration of the Master Lease April 30, 2020.”
The Nebraska-Kansas Area Office has asked the concessionaire to work with the trailer owners to remove all trailers from the park by Nov. 1, 2024. The relocation and future redevelopment plans will increase public access to more diverse outdoor recreation.
Reclamation prohibits any use that would result in new private exclusive recreational or residential use of Reclamation land, facilities, or waterbodies pursuant to 43 CFR Part 429.
“Reclamation understands the concerns and frustrations of the owners of private trailers on public land near the Red Willow and Swanson reservoirs,” said Thompson. “Moving forward, we want to ensure that our improvements will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.”
The concessionaires are the current managing partners responsible for the trailer permits and have until June 16, 2023 to sign a new lease. Under the new lease stipulations, the concessionaire has until July 30, 2023 to notify trailer owners that they must relocate trailers and personal property. The deadline for removing the trailers and personal property is Nov. 1, 2024.
For more information about planned improvements, public information, project documents, maps, background information and photographs visit https://www.usbr.gov/gp/nkao.
More information about this topic can be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2008/12/05/E8-28740/use-of-bureau-of-reclamation-land-facilities-and-waterbodies and https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-43/subtitle-B/chapter-I/part-429.
Reclamation will hold a public comment period where the community will have the opportunity to provide input as Reclamation defines the future concession and recreation opportunities within the Swanson and Red Willow Planning Area.
