Alta Mayhugh|Williston Herald LeRoy Lutz talks about the development of Blacktail Dam, rural Williston, as he drives around it last Thursday. Lutz retired last year after serving 26 years as park manager.
There are now 133 occupied lots in the serene recreation area northwest of Williston. It has grown by leaps and bounds, with its own fire hall and kitchen, playground, miniature beach, food stand and other amenities. It also is to have a new golf course, and is an area known for its boating facilities.
Lutz is proud of how the Blacktail Dam has grown since he built his cabin. He’s had a big hand in its growth, serving as park manager from 1982 to 2008 and being involved with its development before that.
“I took pride in building this park up. It’s been my pride and joy,” he said while driving his truck around the perimeter of the dam.
He pointed out areas of new development, where fresh dirt is dug for new cabins and shells of houses that were started last year stand ready to be finished. “I’ve seen every cabin that came out here. I feel real good that this place is being built up the way it is,” he said.
Lutz,87, retired last year as park manager due to health reasons. His son, Wayne Lutz, has assumed the position and has a camper at the dam.
“He’s doing great,” LeRoy said of his son.
His history with the Blacktail Dam goes back to when he was in law enforcement. After serving with the Army, Lutz landed a construction job in Williston in 1952. He was approached by the police chief at the time, who asked if he was interested in being an officer.
He went on to be a police officer, the Williams County sheriff and deputy sheriff as he served a total of 27 years in law enforcement. While in that career, he learned about the Blacktail Dam area.
The Blacktail Dam was created in 1959 and was dedicated a decade later, he said. It’s a spring-fed dam of about 172 acres.
Lutz was enthralled with the peacefulness of the area and decided it’d be a lovely place for a retreat each summer. In 1963, he and Jim Stoffer planned the planting of the trees that surround the dam. The tree varieties include cottonwood and oak.
In 1982, the same year he permanently moved to the dam, Lutz became the park manager. His duties included mowing, cultivating and development planning. Since retiring, he plans to relax and enjoy his neighbors.
“Everybody looks out for everybody here,” he said, adding he looks forward to when his neighbors bring him fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
A reception in his honor is scheduled for sometime Aug. 9 at the Blacktail Dam fire hall.
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