The Journal

San Juan National Forest’s Dolores Ranger District will open access to McPhee Reservoir April 17 for motorized boating.

Operational hours for the main McPhee boat ramp are:

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 17 to 30.6 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 1 to Sept. 20.8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 21 to Oct. 31.Operational hours for House Creek boat ramp are:

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Monday, May 1 to Sept. 27.Current boat registration is required to launch a vessel on the reservoir. Registration information is available at www.cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/BoatingRegistrations.aspx.

Aquatic Nuisance Species inspectors will be on-site to conduct prelaunch inspections of trailered and motorized boats launching on to the reservoir. Boaters who need a full inspection and decontamination are urged to visit the lake during the weekday when visitation is lower than the weekend. Boaters who have tags from last year’s inspections on McPhee will be able to enter the lake quicker than boaters who need inspections.

Boaters are also required to follow Colorado Department of Public Health requirements during Colorado Parks and Wildlife inspections, launching and boating. For more information on requirements, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BoatInspection.aspx.

In addition to boat ramp openings, McPhee Campground will open May 1, followed by House Creek Campground May 2.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3cFIkX6 or call 882-7296.