News Release Archive

REMINDER: Lake Berryessa remains closed due to fire damage

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

For Release: September 02, 2020

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Lake Berryessa facilities will remain closed through Labor Day weekend and until further notice due to fire damage. This includes all day-use areas, boat launching and concession-operated sites.

“We are working hard to make Lake Berryessa safe for our employees and visitors and that will take time,” said Regional Director Ernest Conant. “We ask the public to be patient during this process, and we look forward to opening as soon as possible.”

The area sustained extensive damage from the recent lightning-ignited fires and will not reopen until it is safe. Vehicle access is limited due to road closures and evacuation orders by Cal Fire. Communication services and utilities are extremely limited for the time being.

“We would like to thank the public for their continued patience during this challenging time for our community,” said Napa County Board of Supervisors Chair Diane Dillon. “The safety and well-being of our residents is paramount.”

“Currently, Lake Berryessa is closed to the public while infrastructure is being rebuilt for future use. We want to thank everyone for their patience and complying with the closure orders. Avoiding the area during closure allows hundreds of workers to do their jobs in a safe and timely manner. Please respect the closure,” said Napa County Sheriff John Robertson.

“Allowing for a safe recovery process for our residents remains our top priority,” added Napa County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Alfredo Pedroza.

All reservations at Markley Cove, Pleasure Cove, Steele Canyon, Spanish Flat, and Putah Canyon Resorts are canceled.

For the most current information, visit our website: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

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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.