The town of Dolores discussed allowing the use of ATVs within city limits.

A proposed ordinance by Montezuma County to allow ATVs an all county roads sparked the conversation.

"Hotel guests would love it," said town trustee Ginger Swope-Black. "Instead of trailering equipment up to the Boggy Draw trails, they could just drive up there on their ATVs."

From Dolores, 11th Street turns into County Road 31, which accesses the forest, along with County Road W.

Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin said there are some issues because Colorado 145 is a state highway that prohibits ATV travel.

Even with a town and county ordinance, "They could not drive on the highway," he said.

It was suggested that ATV users could push their machines across the highway to avoid the violation.

Colorado allows towns and counties to legalize ATV use. Users must be at least 16 years old, have a valid driver's license, registration and insurance. All traffic laws apply.

According to the county proposal, golf carts would not be included, nor would snowmobiles. Mufflers are required, as are at least one lighted head lamp and one lighted tail lamp. Riders must drive single file and not exceed 35 MPH or the posted speed limit, whichever is less.

Colorado allows city and counties to designate ATV routes within their jurisdiction. Locally, Hinsdale County and Silverton have legalized ATV use on designated routes to allow access to roads and trails on public lands.

McPhee marina update

The U.S. Forest Service will be seeking a marina operator at the McPhee boat ramp through a public bid process in the coming weeks. A prospectus is complete and is being reviewed by higher-ups, said recreation planner Tom Rice.

Companies and individuals will be able to submit bid proposals based on the requirements. The forest service then awards the winning bidder a five-year contract.

So far, Stan Folsom and Rocky Mountain Recreation Inc. have expressed interest in operating a marina. Folsom formerly operated a marina at Vallecito Reservoir near Durango. Rocky Mountain operates campsites for the Forest Service, including at House Creek.

The operator must show he can provide marina services to the public, including a marina structure, as well as courtesy docks, moorings, a fuel station, boat rentals, a convenience store, and boat slips.

A 400-foot breakwater for the McPhee boat dock and future marina has been built but still needs to be installed. The county is negotiating with contractors for its installation, reported planner James Dietrich. It is expected to be put in place this summer when the water warms enough for underwater divers to attach it to the lake bed. Eventually, the breakwater will be extended to 800 feet.

The previous marina burned down in 2000, and the breakwater was also destroyed.

A state park?

Forest officials recently met with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to discuss whether McPhee Reservoir should be managed as a state park. It's currently managed by the forest service.

Forest District Ranger Derek Padilla said CPW is not opposed to the idea, and would be willing to consider it. However, if a marina operator did take a contract they would lose interest, Padilla said, because CPW prefers to provide their own concessionaire.

jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com