The Montezuma County Commission moved the McPhee breakwater project forward, and heard a wildfire update on Monday.
Case Construction, of Cortez, was awarded its $85,422 bid to install the breakwater at the McPhee boat launch.
A deadline for installing the 400-foot structure is August. It will be anchored to the lake bed by 15 concrete blocks, and be laid out in a “V” shape to create a cove for the boat launch and marina.
The project is an effort between the San Juan National Forest Service and Montezuma County. Once installed, the Forest Service will take over management.
The breakwater was designed by Blue Water Design, and fabricated by Circle Zebra, of Mancos.
Costs including installation is $345,000, of which $158,384 was paid for by a grant from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The county has contributed $186,616.
Patrick Seekins, a fire manager in the Dolores Public Lands Office, gave an update on wildfire potential.
Rains have increased moisture in plants, cutting the chance for a wildfire.
“We’re looking flush, and are in a situation not real supportive of fire,” he said.
But it could be short-lived as the temperature rise and the fuels begin to dry out.
There have been small lightning fires in New Mexico and Arizona, which has contributed to hazy skies in the Four Corners. BIA crews are managing a wildfire on the Jicarilla Reservation.
Seekins said monsoons are a big determining factor of local wildfire potential.
“In the coming weeks, we will know if the monsoons are lining up to give us some rain,” he said. “If they don’t, our potential for fire will increase.”
The BLM and Forest Service plan 600 to 800 acres of prescribed burns in the fall, including near the Aspen Guard Station, north of Ferris campground.
