Lake Berryessa Park Rangers Wrap up a Busy Summer 2016 Recreation Season

Written by: Jennifer Onufer

Water Safety Program over the 2016 Labor Day Weekend at Lake Berryessa.During the month of August through the Labor Day Weekend, some 300 visitors participated in Ranger-led activities at beautiful Lake Berryessa, located near Napa, California.

Lake Berryessa Park Rangers hosting the Saturday afternoon “Meet a Park Ranger” program at Monticello Dam talked with about 250 people who stopped by to view the dam and lake from this vantage point along Route 128. Visitors learned about the history of the Berryessa Valley and Monticello Dam and how the lake’s water is used today. Pointing out the visible burn area from the August 2, 2016, “Cold Fire,” the Rangers reminded visitors that, although not recommended due to extremely dry conditions, the use of campfires and charcoal grills are currently allowed at Lake Berryessa, but only in designated area such as campsites.

On August 19, Lake Berryessa Park Rangers Erica Calvo and Todd Eggert led 11 kayakers on a “Full-Moon Friday” paddle. Beginning the excursion under a cloudy sky, the Rangers initially provided the paddlers with information about the lake’s colorful history and constellation myths. When the clouds finally parted, the Rangers discussed the moon’s role in bat migration and food sourcing.

On August 14 and 28, Ranger Calvo presented two Water Safety Programs as part of the Sunday afternoon Park Ranger programs at the Oak Shores Day Use Area.

Over the Labor Day Weekend, things were busy at the lake:

• On Saturday, September 3, 25 hopeful anglers participated in a Free Fishing Day, offered by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW). Two Free Fishing Days are offered by CDFW each year (the first was July 2, 2016). On these days, individuals may give fishing a try without needing to buy a sport fishing license. Lake Berryessa Park Ranger Dylan Dowe and CDFW Warden Mark White assisted the anglers at the Oak Shores Day Use Area.

• On Sunday, September 4, as shown in the accompanying photos, Ranger Erica Calvo instructed eight individuals in layman CPR skills and taught them to recognize distressed swimmers as part of the Water Safety Program at Oak Shores.

• And on Monday, September 5, Rangers Aaron Page and Todd Eggert led eight paddlers in a kayak trip from Oak Shores, discussing Lake Berryessa’s local geology along the way.

Although the Park Rangers’ summer programs are over for the year, they’ll pick up again in spring 2017. For information on fall and winter programs, please contact the Ranger Office at 707-966-2111, ext. 113 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Published on September 09, 2016