Visits are expected to increase at a rate of 2 percent a year. Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in North America, draws 10 million visitors a year as a mecca for boaters, anglers and scuba divers. But water levels can fluctuate by as much as 50 feet depending on water demand, snow levels and diversions for flood-control storage. That means boat docks must be moved in and out, and restrooms can wind up under water. There's a lot of planning that has to revolve around the water level.
Recreation winds up low on the list of priorities.
As a result, restrooms, boat docks and roads are falling apart, the report said. Many are polluted, and sport fishing suffers because fish are dying. But the application of fees is inconsistent and they are insufficient to build up facilities. Boat launches are so scarce at many of the lakes that visitors must show up early and wait in long lines if they hope to get their boat in the water, Ryck Lydecker of the Boat Owners Association of the United States said. Congress authorized the commission three years ago to assess recreation at the lakes and suggest improvements.