Thanks again to all that have signed the petition.  Your willingness to make your voice heard helps all anglers maintain public access, so we can enjoy the sport we love.  At a time when lakes across Texas are permanently closing (e.g. - Fairfield, Monticello), and much of the state is in a lingering drought making ramps unusable, it is important to let government decision makers know maintaining/improving access to our public waters is important and should be a priority.

As many of you already likely know the Decker Lake boat ramp(s) were closed again on October 17, 2024.  The closure occurred because of low water conditions (The lake level was at 553.1 msl) and complaints (damaged props and a trailer backed off the end of the right ramp) received from the public by Austin Parks and Recreation.  The ramp was open at a lake level well below what was deemed "safe" during the 2023 closure.  As with 2023 others and I were successfully launching just before the 2024 closure occurred. 

The ramp is also supposed to be closed during a two-year period starting in January 2025 until 2027 while Austin Energy completes dam renovations.  During this period the lake will be drawn down 5 feet to 500 msl.

Some good news is Austin Parks and Recreation has indicated a willingness to make renovation of the ramp a priority during the two-year shutdown. This is a step in the right direction and we need to hold them to that.

However, I absolutely think shutting the ramp down for a two-year period, without making any accommodations, or at least discussing, for motorized boat access is absolutely ridiculous.  I cannot think of another instance in Texas where this has occurred.  Austin Energy should be called out on this decision.  You can do that by emailing them at this address Communications@austinenergy.com

There is a possibility the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has some funding available for constructing a temporary boat ramp during the two-year drawdown.  I hope this is possible.  I will post updates as I learn more.