That abandoned boat at Lake Mead? It’s gone, park service says

An abandoned boat discovered at Lake Mead during drought conditions three years ago has been removed.

The clean up was part of 20,000 pounds hauled away from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, according to a report from SFGate.com.

“This boat, like others before it and more still to come, was removed through our Love Lake Mead program. These cleanups are an essential part of protecting the park’s health and ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy the lake,” a representative for Lake Mead said in an email to the Review-Journal.

Government Wash Road and 8.0 Mile Road has been blocked and motor vehicle access and overnight camping in the area has been prohibited for more than a year, the agency said. Hiking, biking, and shoreline access by boat for recreation within 100 feet of the shoreline remained available.

“Abandoned boats are garbage. They harm the shoreline, create safety hazards, and take away from the lake’s natural beauty,” the agency said on its website. “Removing them helps restore the landscape and keeps Lake Mead safe and enjoyable for everyone. Boats are properly disposed of or recycled through approved processes, ensuring harmful materials don’t return to the environment.”

Lake Mead said that volunteers helped with the removal of the boat.

“Volunteers make this possible. Their time, energy, and commitment turn a difficult challenge into real progress. We need more people to join this effort — every volunteer helps us restore the shoreline, protect wildlife, and care for the lake we all share.”

SFGate.com added that the Park Service plans to announce the reopening date for Government Wash during its annual volunteer event, Love Lake Mead Day, on Oct. 18.

Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on X.