Montezuma County Closes Road X Over Invasive Mussel Concerns

Road X, a popular access route to the Sage Hen recreation area and McPhee Reservoir, will remain closed through November. Concerns about the disastrous consequences of a possible mussel infestation in the reservoir prompted the Montezuma County commissioners to vote unanimously for the closure on Monday. Invasive mussels are present in Lakes Powell and Mead but have not been introduced into McPhee. The thumb-sized animals multiply rapidly, clogging irrigation canals and sending maintenance costs soaring. Officials are inspecting boats for mussels at two sites on McPhee, but Road X provided a way for uninspected craft to launch onto the lake. At a packed public hearing Monday, the commissioners heard from Ken Curtis of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, who said the district is willing to build a gate at Road X and allow access for special events. ATV access and beach recreation will still be available. A number of citizens voiced displeasure with the closure, saying it seemed to be a step backward from the county’s desire to open up Sage Hen for recreation. Others raised concerns about emergency access to homes in the area, but officials said fire and law-enforcement personnel would have keys to the gate. In voting for the closure, Commissioner Keenan Ertel warned there would be no “do-over” if the mussels were introduced because they can’t be eradicated.