Delegation makes case for Swanson

LINCOLN -- Calling Swanson State Recreational Area the "Best Kept Secret in Southwest Nebraska Recreation," five local citizens met with Gov. Dave Heineman and Nebraska Game and Parks officials in Lincoln on Wednesday to discuss the future of this well-kept secret.

Because of budget restraints, Game and Parks has lowered maintenance available at Swanson SRA, beginning after the July 4 holiday. There will no longer be a full-time supervisor at the facility. Maintenance plans have not been finalized but Roger Kuhn, Assistant Director, predicted less mowing and garbage pickup and, possibly, the closing of some restroom facilities.

Traveling to the state capital to discuss this issue were Swanson SRA supporters Bonnie and Jerry Finley, Marty Bice and Pam Potthoff from Trenton and Linda Zahl from Stratton.

This delegation represented a grassroots group of concerned citizens, Save Our Lake,that has been meeting since the change in maintenance was announced. The delegation pointed out the deteriorating conditions around the lake and Game and Parks officials agreed with that assessment.

"Without immediate attention to these matters and daily maintenance, attendance will continue to drop and the area will no longer be a multi-sports asset to Southwest Nebraska," Linda Zahl told the Governor.

To immediately improve the conditions around Swanson SRA , the Save Our Lake delegation and their grassroots members have offered to cooperate with Game and Parks on beach cleanup, sponsor events at the lake to draw attention to the potential of this great facility and to promote the lake in various media. These services were offered only for the next eighteen months or until the next budget is considered.

The delegation asked Gov. Heineman to monitor the progress made in returning Swanson SRA to a recreational hub and include full maintenance funding in the 2011 budget. To this request the governor replied, "If you get attendance up, it is a recreational area we want to keep up." The governor challenged Southwest Nebraska residents to find ways to reveal this great secret of recreational opportunities at Swanson SRA.

Kuhn stated many problems at Swanson would be corrected by a stable water level. The delegation suggested irrigations needs be closely assessed and releases be more effectively coordinated with those needs.

Immediate needs mentioned by the delegation included clearing beach areas on both the north and south shores allowing room for swimming, boat docking and camping, changing the new rock jetty to prevent boat damage, signs to lure visitors to the lake, and events coordinated with the surrounding area activities. Long-term proposals included a visitors center, a walking trail with educational stations, expanded educational opportunities, yearly fishing and boating activities, incorporation of local historical events into lake activities and more advertising.

Save Our Lake will meet on Monday, June 29 at 7 p.m. at Northshore Marina. During this meeting an official organization will be discussed, priorities set and the first cleanup date established. All Swanson SRA stakeholders are urged to attend.

The delegation agreed it is time the secret of Swanson SRA is revealed. Everyone should attend the meeting to help make this happen.