04-04-2012, 11:10 AM
LAKE GEORGE, Colo. - Eleven Mile State Park officials will open the reservoir to boating on Tuesday, April 2. The North Shore Boat Ramp will be open each day from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset through October. For the time being, the Witcher's Cove Boat Ramp will remain closed, but park officials will open it in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Night time boating is prohibited at Eleven Mile Reservoir.
"As has been the case the past four years, all trailered boats will be inspected for zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species before they are allowed to go out on the water," said park manager Kevin Tobey.
"Due to the discovery of Eurasian water milfoil, an aquatic plant, and New Zealand mud snails in the reservoir last year, boats must also be inspected before leaving the boat ramp area," Tobey said. "Boats that are cleaned, drained and dry can receive a seal after the inspection is complete, which will decrease the wait time the next time they enter a state-run reservoir."
With the discovery of zebra and quagga mussels in several western states including Colorado, Colorado State Parks continues to ask boaters to help protect our public waters from all aquatic nuisance species (ANS). These organisms are non-native, invasive species that spread very quickly, causing a harmful effect to the environment and man-made water delivery systems. All boaters, belly boaters, and fishermen wading into the water are advised to take a few simple, precautionary steps every time they go to a lake, river or stream. Before leaving a lake or other waterway, boaters should:
"¢ CLEAN the hull of your boat.
"¢ DRAIN the water from the boat, live well and the lower unit of the engine<br />
"¢ DRY the boat, fishing gear, and equipment.<br />
"¢ INSPECT all exposed surfaces.<br />
"¢ REMOVE all plant and animal material.
"Eleven Mile Reservoir remains full again this year and should continue to provide great fishing opportunities," said Tobey. Fishermen should keep and eat any northern pike they catch, he said. "Recent surveys conducted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife show that there are a number of large, healthy pike in the reservoir. In order to maintain a good balance between trout (the main food source for pike) and pike, we would like folks to harvest any pike they catch."
Tobey said Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to stock a large number of 8-12" trout in order to limit the number of trout the pike could eat. A similar program was established at the nearby reservoir at Spinney Mountain State Park several years ago and has resulted in a healthy population of trout over 20" long.
The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including overnight camping at nearly 350 campsites, five miles of hiking and bicycling trails, interpretive programs and wildlife viewing opportunities to name a few.
Spinney Mountain State Park opened that reservoir for the season on April 1.
For more information, call the park office at (719) 748-3401 or access information at www.parks.state.co.us.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Media Contact<br />
Kevin Tobey, (719) 748-3401, eleven.mile.park@state.co.us>eleven.mile.park@state.co.us<br />
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203, ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us
"As has been the case the past four years, all trailered boats will be inspected for zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species before they are allowed to go out on the water," said park manager Kevin Tobey.
"Due to the discovery of Eurasian water milfoil, an aquatic plant, and New Zealand mud snails in the reservoir last year, boats must also be inspected before leaving the boat ramp area," Tobey said. "Boats that are cleaned, drained and dry can receive a seal after the inspection is complete, which will decrease the wait time the next time they enter a state-run reservoir."
With the discovery of zebra and quagga mussels in several western states including Colorado, Colorado State Parks continues to ask boaters to help protect our public waters from all aquatic nuisance species (ANS). These organisms are non-native, invasive species that spread very quickly, causing a harmful effect to the environment and man-made water delivery systems. All boaters, belly boaters, and fishermen wading into the water are advised to take a few simple, precautionary steps every time they go to a lake, river or stream. Before leaving a lake or other waterway, boaters should:
"¢ CLEAN the hull of your boat.
"¢ DRAIN the water from the boat, live well and the lower unit of the engine<br />
"¢ DRY the boat, fishing gear, and equipment.<br />
"¢ INSPECT all exposed surfaces.<br />
"¢ REMOVE all plant and animal material.
"Eleven Mile Reservoir remains full again this year and should continue to provide great fishing opportunities," said Tobey. Fishermen should keep and eat any northern pike they catch, he said. "Recent surveys conducted by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife show that there are a number of large, healthy pike in the reservoir. In order to maintain a good balance between trout (the main food source for pike) and pike, we would like folks to harvest any pike they catch."
Tobey said Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to stock a large number of 8-12" trout in order to limit the number of trout the pike could eat. A similar program was established at the nearby reservoir at Spinney Mountain State Park several years ago and has resulted in a healthy population of trout over 20" long.
The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including overnight camping at nearly 350 campsites, five miles of hiking and bicycling trails, interpretive programs and wildlife viewing opportunities to name a few.
Spinney Mountain State Park opened that reservoir for the season on April 1.
For more information, call the park office at (719) 748-3401 or access information at www.parks.state.co.us.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.
Media Contact<br />
Kevin Tobey, (719) 748-3401, eleven.mile.park@state.co.us>eleven.mile.park@state.co.us<br />
Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203, ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us