POSTED BY KEN CURTIS ON JUNE 22, 2017 

United States Department of Agriculture

San Juan National Forest
15 Burnett Ct.

Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4874

www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan/

@SanJuanNF

News Release

MCPHEE RESERVOIR EXPERIENCING INCREASED USE

-Boaters Urged to Use Parking Areas and Ramps Efficiently-

DOLORES, Colorado – June 22, 2017 – McPhee Reservoir is seeing increased use this summer due to decreased opportunities for motorized boating on other southwestern Colorado reservoirs that have been closed to guard against the introduction of aquatic nuisance species. McPhee is one of a few reservoirs in southwestern Colorado with operating mussel inspection stations that allow for motorized boating in its waters.

The McPhee boat ramp has seen an 85 percent increase in inspections this summer from last year.  Because of the increased usage, parking areas and boat ramps are experiencing heavy congestion, especially on weekends.  The Forest Service urges visitors to use parking areas and ramps as efficiently as possible to lessen congestion.  Boats should be prepped prior to launching to reduce time at the ramp and directional traffic signs in the parking lots should be followed to ensure safety for all visitors.

Those parking vehicles without trailers are asked to use overflow parking areas to leave the larger main parking areas available for vehicles with trailers.  Weekday users will find less crowded conditions.  Those who do visit on weekends could consider using the House Creek Boat Ramp as an alternative, which is often less crowded.

The inspection stations are working smoothly, with previously inspected boats carrying documentation and tags moving through the process within five to 10 minutes.  Boats that have not been cleaned, drained and dried, and thus require decontamination procedures are urged to enter inspection stations during weekdays, rather than during busy weekends, as this process takes more time.

Inspection stations are open seven days a week at the McPhee Boat Ramp and Friday through Monday at the House Creek Boat Ramp, both from 6a.m. to 8 p.m.  All other access points to McPhee Reservoir have been gated to prevent uninspected boats from entering the reservoir.

For more information, contact Tom Rice at 970 882 6843

-USDA-

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