Locals discuss mussels, boating regulations in Cortez

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Locals discuss mussels, boating regulations in Cortez

Recreationists look for answers as mussel measures limit local boating
Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Thursday displayed a quagga-encrusted boat prop from Lake Mead during a discussion about local lake inspections.
Dolores Water Conservation District engineer Ken Curtis introduces speakers at the lake-use discussion Thursday at Destination Grill.
Invasive species specialists for Colorado Parks and Wildlife Robert Walters gives a program on zebra and quagga mussels Thursday night at the Destination Grill in Cortez.

Locals discuss mussels, boating regulations in Cortez

Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Thursday displayed a quagga-encrusted boat prop from Lake Mead during a discussion about local lake inspections.
Dolores Water Conservation District engineer Ken Curtis introduces speakers at the lake-use discussion Thursday at Destination Grill.
Invasive species specialists for Colorado Parks and Wildlife Robert Walters gives a program on zebra and quagga mussels Thursday night at the Destination Grill in Cortez.
Lake access and regulations

Local lakes have new boating regulations this year.
McPhee: Motorized and trailered boats can access the lake through boat inspection stations at McPhee and House Creek ramps only.
The ramp gates will be open from May 1 to Oct. 31. The House Creek boat ramp will have the same hours, but only be open Friday-Monday.
From May to Sept. 24, the McPhee ramp will be open seven days per week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. .From Sept. 25 to Oct. 31 the ramp will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.A one-way strip spike will allow boaters to exit the lake after the ramps are closed. Nonmotorized hand-launched boats are exempt from inspections and can launch anywhere. Exempt boats include kayaks, canoes, rafts, belly boats, sail boards, wind surfers, stand-up boards, inner tubes and float tubes. Electric motors are allowed on exempt boats.
Jackson Lake: An inspection program allows for motorized boats.
Narraguinnep: Motorized boats are banned. Hand-launched and exempt boats are allowed.
Totten: Motorized boats are banned. Hand-launched and exempt boats are allowed.
Groundhog Lake: Regulations are being negotiated.
Summit Lake: Managers are examining regulations and are expected to announce their decision soon.
For more information on mussels, go to the Parks and Wildlife website at bit.ly/2mXGHvy, or the McPhee Reservoir website at doloreswater.com.

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