Crystal Jackson

by Crystal Jackson
(Bullhead City, AZ.)

Hi There. I volunteer for NPS and I remove unsightly Etched Graffiti twice a year in the land scapes of Lake Powell. I noticed your ways to beach a boat. The only thing I would like you to know It is Illegal to "Hammer" stakes into the sand stone. Either it be cracks or solid stone, please remember that. Also please remember to fill up your holes from your anchors when you leave. Remember "Leave No Trace" I work for GRIT. Graffiti Removal Intervention Team.
Regards, Fellow Poweller

Thank you Crystal for your input, I am sure that you have your work cut out for you as there is graffiti carved in the rocks in many places that I have camped. I also have come across large mooring stakes driven in the sandstone that were impossible to remove and quit ugly to behold.

I believe that many are from the houseboats that use this lake and can be quite hard to keep anchored in the high winds that can come up very quickly. These flat sided boats can pull loose and cause much grief to the operators and damage to boats.

I distinctly remember one time in particular when my boat came loose and I spent a couple of hours trying to hold it from smashing into the rocks while the waves were rolling in and I could not see because it was pitch black out. Luckily the wind subsided and I was able to get everything back under control.

In many areas there may not be decent places to tie to on all sides and with the water level constantly changing having a good strong anchoring point can be very difficult. With the increased popularity of this lake competition for camp spots is also becoming more difficult making people more creative in their mooring techniques.

Thank you for your comments and helping to keep Powell the beautiful place that it is...Howard