MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MEANS A TRIP TO THE BUTTE FOR TENS-OF-THOUSANDS OF NEW MEXICANS. ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK EXPECTS TO SEE AROUND 100-THOUSAND VISITORS OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. STATE PARKS REGIONAL MANAGER, ROLF HECHLER TELLS US THE BEACHES ARE CLEAN, THE WATER IS CLEAR AND THE FISHING IS GREAT RIGHT NOW. HE SAYS SAFETY REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY AT THE BUTTE.
HECHLER SAYS THE WATER LEVEL THIS YEAR IS UP ABOUT 45 FEET FROM LAST YEAR'S LOW, THOUGH IT'S STILL ONLY ABOUT 20 PERCENT OF THE BUTTE'S CAPACITY.
