An open letter to Montezuma Valley Irrigation (MVI) and the Dolores Water Conservancy District (DWCD) and Cortez Journal readers:

My kids, grandkids, extended family and I have boated and fished on Narriguinnep and Totten Lakes since 1979. I was shocked to read about their closure due to “possible” infestation by zebra mussels from Lake Powell. By the way, my boat has never been to Lake Powell.

You have made it clear that you have the right to shut the public out of “your” property for fear of mussel infestation. However, it isn’t just “your” water. If we follow your logic, all other lakes in our valley must be closed too.

I urge you to rethink and revise your decision to close the lakes to motorized fishing boats (I read in the Journal that you have already eased up on your restrictions).

Surely a company (MVI) with 13 employees and another (DWCD) with 24 employees could find money in their budgets for some type of boat inspection program or permit system.

Please help find a solution to make these beautiful lakes a continuing source of enjoyment to all the citizens of our area.

David Dahl

Cortez