News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces 2013 “Paddle with a Park Ranger” Events at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, MP Region Public Affairs Officer, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: February 22, 2013

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office announces the 2013 “Paddle with a Park Ranger” events at Lake Berryessa in Napa County, Calif. Experience Lake Berryessa from a unique perspective during these ranger-led paddling tours. Each tour offers a different experience as they launch from various areas around the lake. Events occur rain or shine, but high winds could cause an event to be cancelled. Heavy spring rains may change certain launch locations.

Paddling outings are open to experienced swimmers with a kayak, canoe or other non-motorized boat. Coast Guard-approved life jackets will be available, but boats will not typically be available for rent. Participants should bring their boat, life jacket, paddle, sunscreen, hat, water, clothing layers depending on the weather and a lunch/snack. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. For details and directions, please contact Park Ranger Victoria Payan at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 or vbevolden@usbr.gov. The following programs are offered:

Lake Paddle
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chaparral Cove, West Launch Ramp
Explore the Putah Creek arm of the lake.

Water and Wildflowers
Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lupine Shores
Spring wildflowers should be abundant as we explore the south end of the lake.

Water and Wings
Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Old Eticuera Pullout, Berryessa-Knoxville Road
Join birding enthusiast Todd Eggert on the Eticuera Creek arm of the lake to see how many bird species you can spot. Bring your bird books and binoculars. Boats must be carried down a short, somewhat steep path to the shoreline. Contact reggert@usbr.gov.

Sunset Sojourn
Friday, April 19, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Capell Cove Launch Ramp
Enjoy the sunset and explore Capell Creek. Please bring flashlights and wear warm layers.

Paddle Lake Solano
Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lake Solano Park Day Use Area
Join Lake Berryessa Park Rangers at Lake Solano, east of Lake Berryessa along Highway 128, to learn a bit about where Lake Berryessa water goes and how it is used. The day use fee for Lake Solano will be waived. Kayak rentals may be available for $30 for the duration of the trip (reservations required).

Full Moon Friday!
Friday, May 24, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Pope Creek Bridge Parking Lot
Explore the quiet Pope Creek arm of the lake, which is closed to motorized boats during holiday weekends. The full moon will light the way as participants learn about animals’ adaptations to navigation in the dark. Please bring flashlights and wear warm layers. Boats must be carried down a short, somewhat steep path to the shoreline.

Water and Wildlife
Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Eticuera Day Use Area
Explore the northwestern shore of the lake, spotting interesting geology and wildlife along the way. Boats must be carried down a short, somewhat steep path to the shoreline.

Getting Your Feet Wet
Sunday, June 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Coyote Beach, Oak Shores Day Use Area
Come celebrate Father’s Day on the water. Bring the whole family, and get a taste of paddling on the lake! From 9am to 10 a.m., Park Rangers will go over basic safety and paddling techniques in a relaxed, informal setting. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., paddlers of all experience ranges are welcome to join a Park Ranger on a slow, easy paced paddle on the main body of the lake. Several types of kayaks will be available to try out in the cove, and paddlers are welcome to bring their own non-motorized boats as well. Some boats may be available to use for the main paddle; contact vbevolden@usbr.gov for more details. Parking may be limited. No trailers are allowed in Oak Shores Day Use Area.

Lake Paddle
Saturday, July 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pleasure Cove Marina
Join a Park Ranger and explore the water along the Wragg Canyon arm of the lake. Kayak rentals may be available (reservations required). Day use fees for Pleasure Cove Marina do apply.

Sunset Sojourn
Friday, July 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
Pope Creek Bridge Parking Lot
Enjoy cooler weather on this relaxing evening paddle on Pope Creek. Boats must be carried down a short, somewhat steep path to the shoreline. Please bring flashlights and wear warm layers.

Paddle Lake Solano
Sunday, August 11, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lake Solano Day Use Area
Join Lake Berryessa Park Rangers at Lake Solano, east of Lake Berryessa along Highway 128, to learn a bit about where Lake Berryessa water goes and how it is used. Day use fee for Lake Solano Park will be waived. Kayak rentals may be available for $30 for the duration of the trip (reservations required).

Lake Paddle
Saturday, August 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Markley Cove Marina
Explore Markley Canyon and the Narrows at the south end of the lake. Kayak rentals may be available (reservations required). Parking fees at Markley Cove will be waived for program participants.

Interpretive programs and events at Lake Berryessa tie into President Barack Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative (http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/) which seeks to empower Americans to share in the responsibility to conserve, restore and provide better access to our lands and waters and leave a healthy and vibrant outdoor legacy for generations to come. Ranger-led hikes and activities also support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative (http://www.letsmove.gov/lets-move-outside) which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community. And where better for the public to appreciate and enjoy the great outdoors than at a Reclamation facility like Lake Berryessa?

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact the Lake Berryessa Ranger Department at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 at least 14 days in advance.

Please visit the Lake Berryessa website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html for additional information.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.