Water levels at Lake Mead National Recreation Area near Boulder City, Nev., have dropped to almost "dead pool" levels but is still open to visitors and has a new superintendent.
Justin Pattison, acting Lake Mead National Recreation Area deputy superintendent since July of last year, has officially been named the superintendent, according to a June 17 park service news release.
"I'm thrilled to continue working with Lake Mead's staff and partners to provide diverse public recreation that preserves the cultural, historical, economic and environmental significance of this magnificent park," Pattison said in the news release.
Justin Pattison is the new superintendent of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
| nps.gov/
Pattison began working at Lake Mead National Recreational Area in March 2020 when he took on the job of chief of facilities, overseeing operation, maintenance and the administrative program with project and staff support for 700 miles of roadways, 47 miles of trails, 23 water systems, 487 buildings and 32 campgrounds, the release reported. With a civil engineering background, Pattison began his park service career 2012, staring out as project manager at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
During his time as acting superintendent, Pattison oversaw the development of Lake Mead's Low Water Adaptive Management Strategy, the release reported. He supervises more than 250 employees and monitors the internal management of the recreational area's $19 million annual budget.
Declining water levels brought on by global climate change, exacerbated by 20 years of ongoing drought, have reshaped the park's shorelines, according to a June 22 NBC News report. Last month, its water level fell less than 150 feet from "dead pool" levels, which means water cannot flow downstream from Hoover Dam. By June 22, the water level had fallen to 1,044.03 feet, its lowest elevation since the lake was created by Hoover Dam.
Despite falling water levels, Lake Mead National Recreation Area continues to offer visitors many activity opportunities, including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking and hunting and trapping, according to the National Park Service.
