News Release Archive

Agencies temporarily close Reservoirs to boat traffic

Media Contact: Michael R. Odle, (406) 861-2747, modle@usbr.gov
Paul Johnston, Army Corps of Engineers, paul.t.johnston@usace.army.mil

For Release: April 23, 2009

The U.S. Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation in cooperation with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced today the temporary closure of boat traffic at both Jamestown and Pipestem Reservoirs until further notice.

The agencies cite underwater hazards, floating debris, sandbagged homes along the water's edge, environmental damage caused by rutting and continued release of water from the reservoirs, as factors in the decision.

"To reduce the possibility a boat's wake topples sandbags protecting homes, we are temporarily closing the reservoirs," said Reclamation spokesperson Mike Odle. "Additionally, lake debris and unmarked underwater hazards are present and can cause severe damage to boats."

"Two picnic shelters are floating in Pipestem Reservoir," said Bob Martin with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "These hazards, and more like them, are just below the water's surface and you often will not see them until it's too late."

Both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation will continue to permit shore fishing along the reservoirs' edge.

Jamestown Dam Road continues to be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian access as emergency vehicles and heavy equipment use the roadway.

Public viewing of Jamestown Reservoir Spillway is available along 4th Ave SE and Jamestown Dam Road.

For more information about Jamestown Reservoir call the Bureau of Reclamation at (701) 221-1204. For Pipestem Reservoir call the U.S. Corps of Engineers at (406) 650-8154.

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