Lakes all across Colorado and surrounding states are opening this week as the governor releases the stay-at-home order. Colorado State Parks & Wildlife excludes boat ramps and marinas from their COVID-19 closures. Why is the San Juan Forest Service keeping McPhee closed? Social distancing on the lake is one of the best ways to go about it, and is far safer than mass gatherings at Wal-Mart, and outside of Liv-Well.

People use this lake for fishing, a lifeline for some. Social distancing can be easily conducted with the aquatic nuisance inspection still in place. Just like frequently done last year, boaters can stay in their vehicles while the inspection is done, something as simple as removing the green tag, and you are on your way. Those who need a high temperature decontamination can stay in the boat while the inspectors attach muffs or other fittings. There are easy ways to work around how the inspection is normally done to meet social distancing guidelines, and open McPhee. Other lakes are doing it, lakes with far more traffic than McPhee. We can do it too!

Contact the San Juan National Forest Service and voice your disapproval!

Tom Rice - Recreation Staff Officer 

thomasbrice@fs.fed.us

thomas.b.rice@usda.gov

(970)-882-7296

Derek Padilla - Dolores District Ranger

(970)-882-7296

Bryce Paul - Operations and Maintenance of McPhee Reservoir

bryceapaul@fs.fed.us (unverified)