Lakes all across Colorado and surrounding states were opening last week as the governor released the stay-at-home order. Colorado State Parks & Wildlife excludes boat ramps and marinas from their COVID-19 closures. Why is the San Juan National Forest keeping McPhee Reservoir closed?

Social distancing on the lake is one of the best ways to go about it, and is far safer than mass gatherings at Walmart, and outside of the LivWell dispensary.

This is my last year at home before I go off to college, and I want to spend my summer how I normally do, out on the lake, not bothering anybody.

People use this lake for fishing, a lifeline for some. Social distancing can be easily conducted with the aquatic nuisance inspection still in place. Just as was frequently done last year, boaters can stay in their vehicles while the inspection is done, something as simple as removing the green tag, and you are on your way. Those who need a high temperature decontamination can stay in the boat while the inspectors attach muffs or other fittings.

There are easy ways to work around how the inspection is normally done to meet social distancing guidelines and open McPhee. Other lakes are doing it, lakes with far more traffic than McPhee. We can do it too! Fix the breakwater, complete the additional 400 feet of tires sitting next to the ramp and get them in the water, and open McPhee.

Kaleb BarkhurstDolores