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New Boat Ramp Operations at Vallecito Reservoir to Prevent Spread of Mussels
Media Contact:
Mark Chiarito, (970) 385-6577, mchiarito@usbr.gov
For Release: May 04, 2010
In cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW), the Pine River Irrigation District (PRID) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Reclamation announces new operating hours and boat ramp closures for Vallecito Reservoir.
Vallecito Reservoir is one of 20 water bodies across Colorado ranked as "Very High" for risk of a zebra or quagga mussel invasion based on its proximity to infected waters. As a result, CDOW recommended permanent closure of all informal boat ramps for trailered watercraft. Reclamation, PRID and USFS concur with these closures. Only the Sawmill Point boat ramp will be open for public use on the reservoir.
The Sawmill Point boat ramp will be open daily this summer and CDOW will operate a Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Station; with watercraft inspection being mandatory for all trailered boats prior to launching. The boat ramp will be closed daily overnight and seasonally from fall to spring. Signs will posted to inform the public.
Quagga and zebra mussels are among the most devastating aquatic species to invade North American freshwater systems. The discovery of mussels in Lake Mead, Arizona, Pueblo Reservoir and the states of California, Nevada, Texas and Utah, have placed Vallecito and other Colorado waters in the middle of the invasion path.
If you have questions about the new boat ramp operating hours or boat ramp closures, please contact Hal Pierce with PRID at 884-2558 or Mark Chiarito with Reclamation at 385-6577.
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