Gunnison, CO: Summer is right around the corner and the National Park Service is getting ready for another great season at Blue Mesa Reservoir.
Starting Thursday, May 18, the hours for mandatory Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) boat inspections will expand at the Elk Creek and Lake Fork inspection stations. Additionally, inspection stations at Stevens Creek and Iola will open on the 18th. All four of these inspection stations will be open from 5:30 am to 9 pm daily. The Ponderosa inspection station and boat ramp will open later in the spring. For more information on aquatic invasive species or inspection station hours at Curecanti, please visit go.nps.gov/mussel.
The Elk Creek and Lake Fork Marinas are open for the season and are currently operating from 8 am to 5 pm.
Another sign of summer is the start of reservations for the Morrow Point Boat Tour. Reservations are now available from July 1st through September 10th. Reservations for dates earlier in the season may become available if water levels on Morrow Point Reservoir allow tours to begin before July 1st. For more information on the Morrow Point Boat Tours, please visit go.nps.gov/boattour or call (970) 641-2337, extension 205.
Curecanti National Recreation Area Superintendent Bruce Noble reminds boaters that spring conditions prevail. “Water is cold and winds associated with cold fronts continue to make boating challenging at times. Please watch the weather and make sure your boating equipment is in good working order."
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
