Wheatfields Lake was constructed in 1962 as a multi-use reservoir that would provide the Navajo Community with outdoor recreational uses, including fishing, camping, hiking, boating, picnicking, and sight-seeing. In December 1985, the Tsaile/Wheatfield Chapter passed a resolution recommending a withdrawal of approximately 135 acres of land at Wheatfield Lake for the recreational park. The purpose of the resolution was to withdraw lands to define the boundaries of the recreational park and to apply regulations as necessary to protect both the site’s environment and natural resources. At present, no land management policies are in place to restrict the use of off-road vehicles and ATV motorcycles. Wheatfield Lake is the most popular fishing lake on the Navajo Nation. Approximately 35,000 to 40,000 rainbow trout are stocked into the lake each year. The summer months have the highest fishing pressure. Anglers typically travel from all areas of the Four Corners to fish, camp, and picnic at this popular destination. An Environmental Assessment (EA), completed in 2007, evaluated proposed action by the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife to renovate the existing Wheatfield Lake Recreation Area. The proposed action included replacement of the concrete tables, barbeque pits, and trash receptacles at the individual campsites. These campsites range from minor disrepair to total dilapidation. As a result, the campgrounds are currently underutilized. Wheatfield Lake currently serves vehicular and pedestrian traffic into and out of the Wheatfield, Tsaile, and Lukachukai communities, as well as through traffic from Window Rock and Chinle. The existing campgrounds at Wheatfield Lake are not equipped to provide a level of service consistent with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) minimum standards for overall operational efficiency.
