State park officials urge residents to participate in boating activities early

By Sun Advocate

Utah State Park boating area managers encourage boaters to boat safe and boat now on Utah’s lakes and reservoirs, and enjoy spring and early summer boating while water levels are optimum.
Utah state parks saw a decline in visitation last year, particularly at state parks with lakes and reservoirs. Despite open boat ramps and safe water levels during most of last season, boaters, anxious about drought concerns, stayed away.
Boaters should take advantage of good conditions and water levels now, and during the early season.
“State water managers are doing an excellent job of educating Utahns about the drought and conservation needs, which we fully support,” stated Utah boating coordinator, Ted Woolley. “However, we believe drought concerns are keeping boaters away unnecessarily.”
“Twenty-one state park boat launch ramps were open through Labor Day last year,” reported Woolley. “Boaters should check with us throughout the season for current boat launch conditions, which we plan to update weekly.”
Current launch ramps now open include the following:
•Bear Lake State Park Marina (west side).
•Deer Creek State Park (main ramp open).
•East Canyon State Park.
•Flaming Gorge (all Utah ramps open).
•Great Salt Lake State Park Marina.
•Huntington State Park (north marina).
•Hyrum Lake State Park.
•Jordanelle (south PWC ramp only).
•Lake Powell (Wahweap, Bullfrog, Halls Crossing).
•Millsite State Park (small boats only).
•Otter Creek State Park.
•Piute State Park.
•Quail Creek State Park.
•Utah Lake State Park (all ramps open).
•Willard Bay State Park (both ramps open).
•Yuba State Park (both ramps open).
•Glen Canyon recreation area – Lake Powell, remains open for boating.
Personal watercraft, JetSki and SeaDoo-type boats, are temporarily prohibited on the lake.
A draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was prepared and is currently going through a rule-making process. When the EIS is finalized later this summer, personal watercraft will once again be allowed on the lake.
Utah State Parks is not just about boating. The agency operates parks and museums statewide hosting a wide variety of art exhibits, hands-on craft seminars, golf, guided hikes, historic re-enactments, and events for the entire family throughout the year.
Utah State Parks and Recreation is the state recreation authority, administering and enforcing the state boating and off-highway vehicle programs, operating three golf courses, and managing 40 state parks and museums statewide.
For more information, please call (801) 538-7220 or visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.