Sunday, March 7, 2004 | 11:17 a.m.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - David Dortort, creator of the long-running television series "Bonanza," says he's saddened by a plan to sell a western theme amusement park at Lake Tahoe that was inspired by the show.
Last month, Ponderosa Ranch owners announced they're considering a plan to sell the 548-acre park to the government and turn it into a regional park.
If the public buyout fails, owners said the prime north shore site could be sold and targeted for major commercial development.
"Well, my feeling is one of regret," Dortort told the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. "We had a lot of fantastic years up there, but I'm in favor of it being restored to what it was when we first arrived ...
"I just hope developers don't get their hands on it. That would be tragic," he added.
The amusement park, which opened in 1968, was based on the NBC show that aired from 1959 to 1973. Bonanza concerned the exploits of the Cartwright family who lived on the fictional Ponderosa Ranch.
While few scenes were filmed at the ranch itself, Bonanza at times was shot on location around Lake Tahoe.
Joan Markowitz, who came up with the name for the ranch when working on the show's pilot, said she hopes some of the buildings can be saved.
"It's too bad it's changing hands," Markowitz said. "I hope it won't get torn down. Maybe they could move the house to a place like Universal Studios. Or, with so many fans around the world, they could each chip in a few bucks and buy the place."
Carla Ledford of Cincinnati also expressed concern over the park's future. She's among many Bonanza fans who have formed clubs to honor the show.
"I'm devastated by what could happen to the ranch," Ledford said. "Just about every year, we've had our fan conventions up there at the ranch. It's been our centerpiece, our Mecca. It'd be a shame if we didn't have it anymore."
A coalition of governmental agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, is considering the public buyout of the property. But it's uncertain whether it's feasible because of the land's cost - up to $50 million.
Bonanza was the No. 1 television show in the United States for several years and spent most of its 14 years among the top-rated shows. The show now is in syndication.
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