What is commonly known as the Dam Site Historic District is now getting some additional clarification. New signage is going up that will help define the overall complex as well as improve navigation for visitors — more than a dozen signs in all.
For starters, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) owns a vast area around the Elephant Butte Lake Dam known as the Elephant Butte Historic District. This covers all of the land that was in use by the federal government when Elephant Butte Lake Dam was constructed. Just a portion of that land was preserved and set aside as the Dam Site Historic District. The dam itself is also a separate entity under the BOR umbrella as is the old fish hatchery area.
The Dam Site Historic District includes cabins, a lodge, restaurant (currently closed), a welcome center, marina and recreational areas for picnics, camping and day use. Back in 2015 the State Park relinquished control of the complex and management of the Historic District was assigned to Lago Rico. Lago Rico is a private management group (much like concessionaires at National Parks) and operate as contractors to the BOR.
One of the first requests Lago Rico had was for signage. It’s taken seven years but over the past few days that signage was being installed. A joint effort of the BOR (sign design & construction), the New Mexico Highway Department (signage content, and location) and Lago Rico (sign placement and installation), crews have nearly completed the task.
The highway department used GPS location to determine the best spots for signs to be placed and Lago Rico worked with the BOR to erect the signs per their specifications. “It was a total team effort” said Will Dooley, Director of Public Relations for Lago Rico, “a coordinated effort” who added “the BOR paid for the signs and we worked with the highway department to put them where they are most effective.”
The signage complements the informational kiosks found within the Historic District and include identifying previously unmarked roads. Many also contain symbols detailing facilities and amenities within the Historic District.
Further signage specifies segments of the complex that needed official designation such as the Fish Hatchery Recreation Area which had developed local monikers such as “River Walk” and “Paseo del Rio”. There is now also signage for the headquarters at the dam itself.
A few incidental signs still need to be erected. But it’s none too soon according to Dooley, who says “Traffic is up. We’re seeing more day use, more events such as reunions and weddings, and more camping. Plus, our cabins (casitas) are increasingly getting booked.”
There are more projects on the docket including road paving, restaurant restoration and other improvements. The new signage is a great starting point.
All photos by the author.