News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces August/September 2016 Park Events and Park Ranger Interpretive Programs at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: July 29, 2016

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office announces summer 2016 park events and Park Ranger interpretive programs at Lake Berryessa in Napa County, CA. All activities will be held rain or shine and are free of charge. Some programs have group-size limitations, so please contact the Park Ranger office regarding availability. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, dress in weather appropriate clothing, and bring water and sunscreen. Children are welcome, but those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dufer Point Visitor Center

Now through September 11: Weekends and holidays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Weekdays Noon to 3 p.m.

Park Rangers are available to answer questions about natural resources, recreational opportunities, wildlife and the area’s history. Brochures, maps, trail guides and other educational information are available free of charge. Contact the Park Rangers at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 for more information about park events, hikes, kayak tours, and educational programs listed in this release.

Meet a Park Ranger at Monticello Dam!

Now through Labor Day: Saturdays 12 to 3 p.m.

Monticello Dam Overlook Parking (Highway 128, 9 miles west of Winters)

Ever wonder why Lake Berryessa was created? How much water it holds? What was here before the lake? Where the water goes? Get the answers to these questions and more when you meet a Park Ranger at the Monticello Dam every Saturday throughout the summer. Stop by any time between 12 and 3 p.m. to learn fun facts about this essential water resource. Please contact a Park Ranger at 707-966-2111 ext.113 with any questions.

Oak Shores Ranger Programs

Now through Labor Day: Sundays at 1 p.m.

Oak Shores Day Use Area

Learn something new during a 30-60 minute, Park Ranger-led program. Park Ranger programs will focus on water safety August 14, 28, and September 4. Rangers will introduce park visitors to Lake Berryessa bats and reptiles during nature programs on August 7 and 21. All participants are encouraged to check the weather, bring water and come prepared to meet outside in the heat. For more information on the meeting locations, topics to be covered, and recommended gear to bring, please contact the Lake Berryessa Ranger office at 707-966-2111 ext. 113.

Free Fishing Day

Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Foxtail Flat, Oak Shores Day Use Area

During two days of the year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife allows everyone to fish free of charge. If you ever wanted to learn to fish, this is the perfect time to borrow a pole and join a Park Ranger at Oak Shores Day Use Area for some tips. All fishing equipment will be provided to participants during the program. Please contact a Park Ranger Dylan Dowe at 707-966-2111 ext.113 with any questions or visit https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing/free-fishing-days for more information on Free Fishing Days.

Paddle with a Park Ranger!

Friday, August 19 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, September 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, September 16 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Foxtail Flat, Oak Shores Day Use Area

Experience the beauty of Lake Berryessa from a unique perspective during Ranger-led paddling tours. These 3-hour paddling trips will explore various locations along the western shore of the lake. On August 19 and September 16, Rangers will lead Full Moon Friday paddles. On September 5, Berryessa Rangers will lead a Geology Paddle. These outings are open to experienced swimmers with a kayak or canoe. Coast Guard-approved life jackets will be available. Participants should bring their boat, life jackets, paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and a lunch/snack. A headlamp and sound device are required to participate in the night paddles. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Be on the water ready to paddle at the advertised time. Kayaks may be available for participants to use if requested in advance. To check the availability or sizes of life jackets or to see if headlamps or sound devices are available please contact the Park Rangers listed. For more information, directions, and registration please email Park Rangers Erica Calvo,ecalvo@usbr.gov, Aaron Page at apage@usbr.gov, Dylan Dowe at ddowe@usbr.gov or call 707-966-2111 ext. 113.

Coastal Clean Up Day

Saturday, September 17, 2016, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Putah Creek Bridge, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, and the Markley Turnouts

Join Reclamation, Solano Resource Conservation District and partners for this annual lake and shoreline cleanup event. Volunteers will clean the shoreline of Lake Berryessa as part of the state-wide event. Free lunch and beverages will be provided to volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves, as there may be limited availability. In order to limit the environmental footprint of this event, please also plan to bring a reusable bag, bucket, and water bottle if possible. To volunteer, contact Park Ranger John Ellis at 707-966-2111 ext. 113 orjellis@usbr.gov. You can also search for our volunteer announcement under Lake Berryessa at www.volunteer.gov.

If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact the Lake Berryessa Park 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.