What does covid have to do with lakes?

When the nuclear power plant negotiated with Somervell County to build the power plant, the power plant agreed to provide the recreational area at the lake. Not making money or inconvenience was not a reason to close the recreation area. I understand the issue is complicated with events like 911 and Covid, but Squaw Creek remained closed much longer than other lakes and now they have demonstrated it is safe to operate the recreation area, but have chosen to close it for half the year, with no explanation. I am not trying to stir up the issue. I was just really enjoying fishing there and hated to see it close.

You should send them a strongly worded email......

If I was going to send an email it would go to Somervell County, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Corps of Engineers, but I have to go fishing, so I don’t have time for emails. I am glad they will open again in October.

Before Squaw Creek was ever built there was a ton of “hoops” before (then) TXU got permission from Somervell County to build nuclear reactors in the county. Lots of advertising, hearings, promising, politics……to get permission to build. It was not that they only needed licensing and permits from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission but they also had to get acceptance from the county (and Army Corp Of Engineers….and many other entities). Under the guise(PROMISE) of increased taxes, increased business to area motels and stores, recreation…..the plant was allowed to be built in the county. Those are the facts: there was a promise of recreation being one of the benefits to allowing them to build in the county. Certainly the (huge)tax and recreation benefits happened immediately. Because the running of that park is a headache, a money pit(regardless of what a bunch of armchair quarterbacks on this forum claim) and a managerial nightmare when the park closed immediately after 9-11 TXU (and now Luminant) realized how much of a cost and headache it is to manage and run the park and how much easier it is to simply remain closed so now they look for and use every excuse to close the park and keep it closed as long as possible regardless of their initial commitment(promise) to Somervell County to, among other benefits, provide recreation to the area. Many will say: “they’re in business to sell electricity not run a park”. Absolutely TRUE but if I picked and chose which promises I wanted to keep after I had made them I would be charged with perjury(or I would be a politician🤔🤷🏻‍♂️🙄). People always also say “it’s a PUBLIC lake just because they allow TPWD to stock and “manage” the lake”. No hillbilly it’s not a public lake. Also because of the recreational benefits that are SUPPOSED to be available to the residents of Texas TPWD has been involved w/stockings, setting limits….basically managing the fisheries part of the lake for us Texas residents. As a career fire fighter I’m well aware of how horrific 9-11 was and the challenges it created in the USA. But when Squaw Creek was STILL closed down a decade later after ALL other recreation sites in secure areas around the nation were long since reopened? And then they use COVID as a reason to shut down for years? And now they stay open only for the more popular cooler months? Come on! Just looking for and using any excuse to not have to manage the park and NOT HOLD UP THEIR (complete) PART OF ThE “BARGIN”! Are we “lucky and blessed” that we get to use the park/lake at all? I guess so but there’s nothing wrong with someone stating the FACTS that TXU, now Luminant and whoever owns the power plant and property at the time “OWES” it to the public to allow access. Nothing wrong w/ACCOUNTABILITY to promise's made. Unfortunately your opinion given on a fishing forum does nothing to change anything. “Rant Over”…..till next time it gets brought up! Neil

A factual rant....... I like it

You guys make a good point, the lake should be open year round at least for the residents of Hood and Somervell counties.

So you’re ok with “semi-restricted” access, but you’re not ok with “semi-restricted” access. Hmmmm. See how dumb that sounds?

not driving that far with a boat attached, couldn't care less.

The nuclear plant made the empty promise to those in the county not the entire state. Don't county residents pay a much cheaper entry fee or is that just wheeler branch?

For years Hood and Somervell County residents paid $20.00 instead of the $30.00 entrance fees(per boat). That stopped a couple years ago though.

Bank fishing is $5 per person for everyone.

Restrict access as long as the restriction does not impact me and mine...