Goldsmith Gulch Committee Report

Arapahoe Lake residents are very fortunate to own a lake that adds value to our homes and beautifies our community. While this lake is truly a local asset, it also carries with it certain responsibilities. Arapahoe County is interested in obtaining permanent access to the lake to help manage their stormwater runoff. Additionally, the State Engineers Office is concerned that the lake is causing a loss of water through evaporation, water earmarked for downstream users. The HOA Board has responded to these external interests by appointing a committee and retaining a lawyer to assist the Board in evaluating their options.

It is the goal of the Board that both the County and the State Engineers Office can be satisfied without incurring either additional costs or management obligation. This is a logical expectation because the County could greatly benefit from acquiring access to the lake and the amount of evaporative loss from the lake is insignificant in terms of the entire South Platte River Basin.

While the resolution of these two potentially conflicting interests in our lake is unclear today, the Arapahoe Lake residents can be certain that the Board will protect the aesthetic and recreational values of the lake while mindfully watching the short and long-term costs.

Steve Dole
Treasurer
Goldsmith Gulch Committee Chair