08-21-2004, 05:01 AM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. – According to Game, Fish and Parks officials, boaters on Lake Oahe will find an adequate number of boat ramp sites accessible throughout the remainder of the boating and fishing season, including new ramps recently installed at Shaw Creek Lakeside Use Area near Pollock and West Shore Lakeside Use Area near Pierre.[/size]
[size 2]The ramps were both completed within the last two weeks. The ramp at Shaw Creek, located 7 miles south of Pollock off Hwy 1804, is currently a 20-foot wide single lane boat ramp. West Shore, located 9 miles northwest of Pierre off Hwy 1806, features a two lane 40-foot ramp. [/size]
[size 2]The ramps are two of a number of ramps that the Game, Fish and Parks is committed to keeping open on Lake Oahe despite falling water levels.[/size]
[size 2]"We are confident that our contractors will be able to effectively maintain and manage these ramps through the duration of the season," says Doug Hofer, state parks director. "They have worked hard to extend ramps and provide access to Lake Oahe despite the continuing drought effecting the water levels."[/size]
[size 2]Some ramps may experience temporary closures while they are being extended. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks seeks to reduce impact on boaters by keeping closures to a minimum and by scheduling needed construction closures during the week. Closures will be posted on the department’s website at [/size][size 2][url "http://www.sdgfp.info/parks"][font "Arial"]www.sdgfp.info/parks[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2] as soon as the information becomes available.[/size]
[size 2]This week work has temporarily closed Cow Creek boat ramp northwest of Pierre, but alternate access is available at near by Spring Creek until Cow Creek is extended. Swan Creek near Akaska will be closed for about two weeks until extensions can be completed there.[/size]
[size 2]Hofer also stresses the need for courtesy and common sense at the ramp. Obeying signage and not parking on turnaround areas will allow for smooth traffic flow and a better experience for all, he says.[/size]
[size 2]"We also stress the need for caution on the water," says Hofer. "Even though many launch sites are available, exposed tree, sandbars and other water hazards are showing up every day. Maneuvering to and from some of the ramps requires caution."[/size]
[size 2]The Department is also looking to the future. Late fall will see extensions on many ramps in preparation for next year.[/size]
[size 2]Due to low runoff, drought continues to plague the upper Missouri River basin. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Oahe is expected to drop more than two feet in August, ending the month 33 feet below normal. The reservoir is currently 12 feet lower than it was at this time last year.[/size]
[size 2]A current report on the conditions of Lake Oahe boat ramps is available online at [/size][/font][size 2][url "http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks"][font "Arial"]www.sdgfp.info/Parks[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2] by clicking on "Lake Oahe Boat Ramp Report." Visitors to the website can also view and print maps of Lake Oahe that show the location of the ramps. Boaters are encouraged to use the website to help find nearby alternatives to closed ramps. [/size][/font]
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[size 2]The ramps were both completed within the last two weeks. The ramp at Shaw Creek, located 7 miles south of Pollock off Hwy 1804, is currently a 20-foot wide single lane boat ramp. West Shore, located 9 miles northwest of Pierre off Hwy 1806, features a two lane 40-foot ramp. [/size]
[size 2]The ramps are two of a number of ramps that the Game, Fish and Parks is committed to keeping open on Lake Oahe despite falling water levels.[/size]
[size 2]"We are confident that our contractors will be able to effectively maintain and manage these ramps through the duration of the season," says Doug Hofer, state parks director. "They have worked hard to extend ramps and provide access to Lake Oahe despite the continuing drought effecting the water levels."[/size]
[size 2]Some ramps may experience temporary closures while they are being extended. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks seeks to reduce impact on boaters by keeping closures to a minimum and by scheduling needed construction closures during the week. Closures will be posted on the department’s website at [/size][size 2][url "http://www.sdgfp.info/parks"][font "Arial"]www.sdgfp.info/parks[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2] as soon as the information becomes available.[/size]
[size 2]This week work has temporarily closed Cow Creek boat ramp northwest of Pierre, but alternate access is available at near by Spring Creek until Cow Creek is extended. Swan Creek near Akaska will be closed for about two weeks until extensions can be completed there.[/size]
[size 2]Hofer also stresses the need for courtesy and common sense at the ramp. Obeying signage and not parking on turnaround areas will allow for smooth traffic flow and a better experience for all, he says.[/size]
[size 2]"We also stress the need for caution on the water," says Hofer. "Even though many launch sites are available, exposed tree, sandbars and other water hazards are showing up every day. Maneuvering to and from some of the ramps requires caution."[/size]
[size 2]The Department is also looking to the future. Late fall will see extensions on many ramps in preparation for next year.[/size]
[size 2]Due to low runoff, drought continues to plague the upper Missouri River basin. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Oahe is expected to drop more than two feet in August, ending the month 33 feet below normal. The reservoir is currently 12 feet lower than it was at this time last year.[/size]
[size 2]A current report on the conditions of Lake Oahe boat ramps is available online at [/size][/font][size 2][url "http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks"][font "Arial"]www.sdgfp.info/Parks[/font][/url][/size][font "Arial"][size 2] by clicking on "Lake Oahe Boat Ramp Report." Visitors to the website can also view and print maps of Lake Oahe that show the location of the ramps. Boaters are encouraged to use the website to help find nearby alternatives to closed ramps. [/size][/font]
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