The Natural Resources Conservation Service let the Burleigh County Water Resource District know that it still has a vested interest in McDowell Dam.

State conservation engineer Wes Wiedenmeyer met with the water board at its regular monthly meeting held Monday morning.

Wiedenmeyer explained that the NRCS was the federal entity that assisted with the planning and installation of the McDowell Dam and Recreation Area. He, in fact, was the engineer who planned the paving and playground facilities.

"We've been watching very closely the discussions you've been having and how you are going ahead with operation and maintenance of McDowell," Wiedenmeyer said in relation to the water district agreement with Bismarck Parks and Recreation for operation and maintenance of the facility.

It was noted by water board chairman Gailen Narum, that McDowell consists of features, the dam and the recreation facility. The Bismarck Park District's agreement with the water district pertains to only the recreation facility, while the water board remains responsible for the dam and dam safety.

The NRCS has a 5-year agreement with the water board in regards to McDowell, of which there are only 20 years remaining.

"The NRCS has no problem turning over McDowell to another entity that has the financial capability to handle it. And the proposals you've made with the Bismarck Park District don't bother the NRCS,' Wiedenmeyer said. "Once the commitment is in place there has to be documentation of the agreement with the NRCS."

There is concern about residential development around the lake, according to Wiedenmeyer. In the past the water board has discussed swapping or selling of land adjacent the lake and the agreement with the NRCS prohibits any private access to the water or recreation area.

"That cannot happen. This facility is for the public and no single individual can have their own access," Wiedenmeyer said.

A similar concern is arising at the newly developing Harmon Dam and recreation area north of Mandan.

"Development is occurring on the south side of Harmon and a number of people have bought property thinking they can access the lake and walk right into the recreation area," Wiedenmeyer said. "That isn't so. I've been seeing some things in the paper and I wanted to make sure the water board understood there are some restrictions as far as the NRCSis concerned."

Should residential lots appear, there should be a continuous fence with only locked access points, noted Wiedenmeyer. He added that should other public access sites be added to McDowell the NRCS is concerned about vandalism since it will be more difficult to control.

The NRCS also doesn't object to the water board's proposal to bring water to McDowell through a diversion from Apple Creek. Wiedenmeyer said he would further research the situation and told the water board, "don't set up the lemonade stand yet."

Water board consulting engineer Mike Gunsch explained that the diversion wasn't so much a water quality issue as a quantity issue. There may even be some treatment to improve the water from Apple Creek.

Wiedenmeyer responded that the water brought by the diversion shouldn't be a problem for the dam. He did add that the dam was created as a recreation facility and not as flood control.

Water board attorney Dave Bliss did request the NRCS send a letter acknowledging the agency had no problems with the agreement between the water board and Bismarck Park District. Any improvements to the recreation area are part of the area's strategic plan, Gunsch added.

For the most part the NRCS doesn't need a lot of information from the water board.

"But if there is something more spectacular the NRCS would like to know," Wiedenmeyer said. "If there is something happening we'd like to work it out internally."

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@bismarcktribune.com.)