News Release Archive

New Melones begins to increase recreational access

Media Contact: Mary Lee Knecht, 916-978-5100, mknecht@usbr.gov

For Release: May 08, 2020

SONORA, Calif. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local public health authorities, Bureau of Reclamation is increasing recreational access at New Melones.

Reclamation is working with federal, state and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.

Beginning May 9, New Melones will reopen access to its boat launches and trails in both Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. The Glory Hole Recreation Area’s boat launch facilities, trails and associated parking areas and the Tuttletown Recreation Area’s boat launch facilities, fish cleaning station, trails and associated parking areas will open.

Since the health and safety of the public and our employees continues to be our number one priority, the following facilities remain closed until further notice:

  • Campgrounds, Black Bart Day Use Area, Osprey Point Day Use Area, Eagle Point Day Use Area and Heron Point Day Use Area
  • Natural Bridges trail
  • Tuttletown RV dump station
  • Glory Hole fish cleaning station and RV dump station
  • Administration Office and Visitor Center

New Melones Marina is open; customers should contact the marina for more information at 209-785-3300.

All visitors are advised to continue to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Check our website for updates at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/ or call our Administration Office at 209-536-9094, ext. 0

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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.