The future of the McDowell Dam Recreation Area likely will depend on public pressure on the Burleigh County Commission as it heads into the 2006 budget planning process.

The county's water resource district held a public input meeting on the McDowell facility, located four miles east of Bismarck, which has been providing recreation opportunities for 25 years at no charge other than the countywide mill levy that supports it. A conservative estimate places the value of the 260-acre facility - which includes a 50-acre lake with fishing and swimming, walking trails, playground equipment, parking lots, restrooms and other amenities - at $2.5 million.

But the recreation area is at a crossroads, and the county must consider increasing its investment beyond the annual $110,000 it spends to update and ensure McDowell will continue to serve the community for another 25 years. Playground equipment is outdated and needs replacing, the roads and parking lots need resurfacing, and water quality and quantity - which has always been a problem - needs a permanent fix.

"It's an important issue," Burleigh County Commissioner Doug Schonert said. "If we're to continue to keep McDowell open, something needs to be done, and of course that costs money. The county's residents are the ones who have to make the decision, and the commission would appreciate comments from them as to their feelings."

Another, perhaps more insidious, threat to the recreation area, is the beginning of residential development along its eastern border. Greg Ingraham, whose company Ingraham & Associates, developed a strategic plan for McDowell, is suggesting a buffer be created between the recreation area and potential development to the east. The plan calls for buying a strip of land running the length of the recreation area on the east, about a half-mile long and 300 feet deep, and filling it with trees. To find funds to purchase the property, Ingraham says the county should sell land it owns southwest of the recreation area and allow it to be developed.

The district is planning an alum chemical treatment of the lake in the spring of next year, which should dramatically improve the lake's water quality. Currently, the water quality is deteriorating because of nutrient loading from runoff, which causes algae growth, which in turn steals the water's oxygen. But the alum treatment is expensive at $80,000, and temporary, five to seven years. It also does not solve the water quantity problems.

Houston Engineering has been looking at a possible diversion of water from Apple Creek that, when added to the inadequate amount of water supplied by McDowell's own watershed, would solve both water quantity and quality issues. Houston's Mike Gunsch estimates the project at $380,000.

When created, it was expected the recreation area would serve about 40,000 people a year. Surveys show actual usage between 50,000 and 60,000 people annually.

The water resource district wants to develop the area with an emphasis on conservation and nature, putting in more trails and wildlife habitat that people can enjoy along with improving those existing amenities.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District Director Steve Neu encouraged the water resource district to do what it can to improve the facility. He discouraged cutting back on the number of months the facility is open and any idea of charging a user fee.

"I think a seasonal facility, say having it open from June 1 to Oct. 1, would be a bad mistake. I don't think you lock the gate on a facility like this; that would send a bad message," Neu said. "Charging a user fee would be a major cultural change for the park. If we can afford it, let's do it, let's leave it open to the public. If you start charging, what would you lose in attendance? How many kids wouldn't be able to catch a fish or go swimming because they couldn't afford it?"

Tom Nagel, who recently moved near the recreation area, explained how it was a wonderful area for walkers and hikers, and how he had seen many teachers out there with their classes to learn about nature. "It's the best-kept secret in Bismarck. I think if more people knew what was out there, they would take advantage of it. The benefits are tremendous," he said.

Ron Sando, who has been involved with the McDowell project since its inception, said he wouldn't mind seeing his taxes increase to support the facility. "It takes a long time to get a park facility, like you already have out there, put together. You have a facility and I think you have to maintain it," he said.

Mike Walsh, a Bismarck businessman and homeowner, and Harvey Melstad, a former water resource district member, also lent their support to keeping McDowell open and improving it for future users.

Schonert concluded the meeting noting that the county is beginning its budget process for 2006, with presentations set to begin Aug. 5 and a preliminary budget to be adopted by Aug. 17, with a final budget to be set by the end of September.

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