The Pine River Irrigation District has announced the boat ramp at Vallecito Reservoir will open at 7 a.m. Friday.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic nuisance species inspectors will be checking all boats for mussels and other unwanted species.
All boaters must wear protective masks when they are at the inspection site and stay at least 6 feet away from inspectors and other staff at all times. Inspectors will wear masks and also be adhering to social-distancing rules.
The boat ramp will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and CPW inspectors will be on-site throughout the day. All boats must be off the lake at 7 p.m.
Boaters should stay close to home and not travel long distances for recreation.
The spring runoff has started, so the water in the reservoir is very cold. Everyone going on the water must have a personal flotation device. Paddleboarders, especially, are advised to wear a PFD. The reservoir is often windy, and if a paddler is knocked off a board, hypothermia can set in quickly and be life-threatening.
All those using the reservoir must buy a day pass for $5 per vehicle, or an annual pass for $50 per vehicle.
For more information, call 884-2558.
