The question would seem to be a simple one: Is the public better served if local resources are managed by local government or administered by the federal government?
That question is coming up quite often in Fannin County of late now that public access to the historic cabins at Lake Fannin is prohibited until August 2015 by the U.S. Forest Service. For the first time in approximately eight years, the gate is closed to this historic site, built 75 years ago by orders of the Rural Resettlement Act. Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the Forest Service's decision to close the gate to this scenic recreation area that overlooks Red River is the fact that local volunteers have painstakingly restored much of the historic recreational area after the Forest Service locked the gate in the '80s and allowed the Lake Fannin Lodge and cabins to fall into disrepair.
Dilapidated cabin before Lake Fannin Volunteers and Passport in Time volunteers began renovations.
Since 1999, working under a five-year Concession Agreement with the Forest Service, the Lake Fannin Volunteers, a 501 (c)(3) organization has completely restored four rustic cabins and the flagship of this historic site, Lake Fannin Lodge.
Same cabin after volunteers begin restoration.
In addition, Fannin County maintains the gravel road to Lake Fannin complex and Fannin County Sheriff's Office patrols the area. The situation began to deteriorate in 2011 when the Forest Service failed to renew the Concession Agreement, because this agreement allowed Lake Fannin Volunteers to rent out the lodge and other facilities in order to pay for utilities and renovations.
Another puzzling aspect of this latest development at Lake Fannin is why the Forest Service didn't feel a need to issue a public notice that explained the details of the closure before locking the gate.
While the Forest Supervisor Order states "Entry into and/or being upon the Lake Fannin complex is prohibited" until August 31, 2015, District Ranger Erik Taylor points out the order only pertains to the area where the historic structures are located, as well as the land behind Lake Fannin Lodge down to Red River. The hiking/biking trail is still open; however, visitors should not stray from the trail. Lake Fannin Volunteers with proper work permits can still enter the Lake Fannin Complex. Mr. Taylor says that, if a special permit is signed off on by the Forest Service, approved activities may be held at the lodge. Access to the 75-acre lake from the east side is permissible.
It should be noted that, at least until the gate was closed and prohibitive order posted in late April 2013, public access to Lake Fannin complex actually increased under Taylor's time at the helm. Beginning in 2005, the gate to Lake Fannin Complex has been open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays. After Taylor was promoted to District Ranger in August 2012, the gate to the complex was only closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Map depicting prohibited access area
When questioned about what prompted the decision to close this historic site until August 2015, Taylor said it was a call from a Fannin County resident wanting to know why the three-year-old order prohibiting access to Lake Fannin Complex wasn't being enforced. In order to find out how the general public feels about this issue, North Texas e-News solicited comments during the past weekend. Sentiment in Fannin County is running overwhelmingly in support of placing the Lake Fannin complex under local control, particularly now that the Forest Service has prohibited public access to an historic recreational site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Comments are included below:
Since 1999 Lake Fannin Volunteers have provided manpower and money to restore and open Lake Fannin to the public. Our only focus is Lake Fannin and we stand ready to continue this work in the future regardless long term direction. We do believe no one will take care of the site like local folks will.
Gabe Parker, President, Lake Fannin Volunteers
Bonham, Fannin County, Texas is my hometown and I was brought up just over the hill from Lake Fannin. The last time I was at Lake Fannin was to celebrate the 90th birthday of a close friend, Mrs. Kathryn Keeton at the clubhouse there just a few years ago. It was a beautiful place for so many people had been there and refurbished almost the entire lake area, cabins included. I thought at the time that it was settled on who was going to take care of the property.
Now I'm seeing on the North Texas e-News online that it is closed again and has been for a long while and will be until 2015, when the Forest Service will possibly decide what to do with the property. It is still on the National Registry of Historical Sites.......!?!?! which doesn't make sense to me, since I always thought Historical Sites were taken care of by the government; that monies were set aside for such things. Where have we gone wrong? What needs to be done to get this fixed? It seems as though all the work the people did before is going to waste and not being kept up because no one is allowed into the area anymore. What a shame!
I live in Houston now and have no land in the Fannin County area anymore, so I have no reason to be in that area anymore, but surely there is something I can help do to fix this situation.
Respectfully,
Carolyn Keene Egan
Houston, Texas
Local people have demonstrated that they care about Lake Fannin by saving most of the historic structures from certain ruin, resurrecting the campgrounds, improving the site, and providing a way for the community to enjoy it all at very little public expense. There is no reason they cannot continue their mission.
Mike Vaught
Not one inch of Lake Fannin Property should ever be allowed into private hands. Lake Fannin was built with Tax Payer monies and should not be used to profit private individuals. It is a part of Fannin County History and should belong to the citizens of Fannin County and Texas. The Lake Fannin Volunteers have restored the cabins and lodge as well as built the bike trails. The Volunteers will, if allowed, continue to maintain the property. I have been a frequent visitor to Lake Fannin for over 60 years and know how much effort the local volunteers have put into restoring the Lodge, Cabins, and bike trails. Prior to their efforts no private company would have been able to rent anything out to visitors at Lake Fannin as everything was totally dilapidated and unusable. Now that much of it has been restored, some one sees a buck to be made off it. Shame on the US Forest Service.
The Fannin County Judge, Commissioners Court, and Bonham City Council should do everything in their power to keep Lake Fannin Public, even to the extent of taking it over. Fannin County residents rallied by the hundreds last time the Forest Service attempted to sell or trade this property and we must do it again.
What will we do next, sell the Washington Monument, rent out Yellowstone Park?
Dwight G. Jones
Bonham, Texas
I think the lake should be returned to local control; the people in Fannin help build it. Why would we want anyone else to take it over and set the rules.
Thank you
Carol Bullock
Telephone,Tx
If the state will not oversee it themselves, then it should revert back to either the county if they would take it, or stay under state ownership, and let private citizens help restore it and run it, as it was being done. Those folks that have done the work deserve a big thank you from the state and instead they got dumped on. I don’t know if the same group wants to continue, particularly after being treated as they were.
Rusty Andrews
Fannin County is a hope chest that oozes with two treasures of perfect partnerships: Bonham State Park, constructed in the 1930s by the Rural Resettlement Administration and Lake Fannin, also built in the 30s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The partnership? Why, nature and The Greatest Generation, of course! Preserving their legacies means more keys and fewer locks.
Cindy Baker Burnett
Having been born in Bonham I remember many fishing trips and camp outs at "The Lake." During recent revisits, oops I am 77 now, I was amazed at the appearance of the facilities and the great walking-biking trail constructed for the most a part by locals. Leave the management of great results to those who generated the results.
Jim Vaught
I believe that Lake Fannin should be placed under the control of Fannin County. It is a treasure that the residents have enjoyed and appreciated for years. With assistance from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the historical significance and recreational potential could be realized as a prime economic boost to the county.
The recent bus tour of the agricultural and natural resources of Fannin County showcased Lake Fannin as one of its prime draws. There are many people in the county who are willing to volunteer to see that this wonderful treasure is protected and promoted as a true natural and historical Jewel.
JoeAnn Stahel
I have enjoyed many a day relaxing and trying to fish or just walking around at the lake. I personally think it should be controlled locally.
John Ryman
No, I do not think Lake Fannin should be leased to an organization to lease recreational sites online, whether that is their specialization or not.
Yes, I believe the public is best served with Lake Fannin under local control. Specifically, the Lake Fannin Volunteers.
Other viable options?
Lake Fannin Volunteers continue to operate Lake Fannin, renting the Lodge, cabins, camp sites, as well as it being open for day use of hiking, biking, fishing and just enjoying the darn place. They have been doing a good job.
Sarah Richardson
Lake Fannin represents American history, and is a Fannin County treasure. I think it should be run by a local entity and citizens who have proven by their dedication and hard work that they want it to remain available to the entire public as a means of recreation and enjoyment.
Cheryl Youree
Lake Fannin Should be under a local entity with history of good service and efficient results. How about the NRCS.=
Burt Scott
I remember when Lake Fannin was closed and I desired to see the cabins and area. It was a delight to see the volunteers’ work of restoration, maintenance, and added biking trails after it was opened. This shows that local oversight is much better. Since everything was working well with the county’s help and volunteers, I vote for Fannin County control; after all, local citizens are doing the work and should therefore get to enjoy the use.
Sharon Terry
I feel very strongly that the public would be best served if the Lake Fannin Area is controlled by local people.
Roger Rich
One of 36 bridges built by volunteers during construction of the mountain bike/hiking trail that encircles the 75-acre Lake Fannin. Building the trail required approximately 2,000 hours of labor.
