The city of Durango is not quite ready to say “Go fish,” but officials say they are trying hard to open Lake Nighthorse for recreation by the spring of 2013.

Officials are applying for a $300,000 grant to build an entrance and aquatic-nuisance inspection station. They also are lining up community partners.

La Plata County is offering a good deal on gravel and making road improvements, city officials said. The Colorado National Guard might help with clearing of land.

Durango officials are hoping to recoup 90 percent of the anticipated $265,000 in annual operating costs by charging daily entrance fees of $5 or $50 annual passes.

The balance might have to come from the Open Land, Parks and Trails Fund that is supported by a local half-cent sales tax. Some additional funding might come from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation pending a congressional appropriation.

“We don’t intend to use (the city’s) general fund (for operating costs),” said Cathy Metz, the city’s director of parks and recreation.

While the lake is only a mile and a half southwest of downtown, the reservoir on 5,500 acres is on federal property, created as part of a water-claims settlement with local Native American tribes.

The lake was filled last summer, but public access has been denied until an agency could be found to manage public recreation there. Both the Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado’s state parks have passed on the responsibility, leaving the city of Durango to fill the void.

A leasing agreement between the city and the federal bureau could come before the City Council within weeks, said officials during a Tuesday study session.

The lease agreement might be for as long as 25 years, with the idea that a long commitment would help make the project look more attractive to grant providers and other contributors. But officials noted there would be “escape clauses” built into the lease, as well.

City Councilors appeared enthusiastic about creating a new recreational opportunity so close to Durango. City Manager Ron LeBlanc described its location as “essentially behind Office Depot” on County Road 210.

“The one thing we have heard is that we don’t have a lake,” said Mayor Christina Rinderle. “Well, OK, here it is.”

“If done right, it would be a huge draw for tourism,” said Councilor Paul Broderick.

Aside from sun block, Metz said the city purposefully won’t be selling much in concessions so as to divert more business to local merchants.

The recreation area would be open seasonally, operating from April to mid-November. Officials would like to have a swimming beach ready by next spring with three lifeguards on staff. There’s already a boat ramp and pit toilets at the site.

A master plan has identified $5.6 million in potential improvements, such as a campground and trails for hiking, bicycling and equestrian use, but officials would not build amenities until the funding was in place. So the total build-out likely will take a minimum of five years.

The city is applying for a grant from Motorboats Colorado!, a grant program of the Colorado Division of Wildlife which funds motorboat access.

The city also is counting on support from La Plata County, which has budgeted $199,220 for a left-turn lane on County Road 210 to Lake Nighthorse.

The county also is expected to give the city a deal on gravel from its Crader Gravel Pit, allowing the city to buy it at cost resulting in a savings estimated at $12,400, Metz said.

jhaug@durangoherald.com