Pilot program allows limited access to lake

New restrictions limit spread of invasive quagga mussels

Posted

Lake Powell Chronicle staff

PAGE – A pilot program will allow limited, day-use access through the Wahweap boat ramp for any boat within 20 miles of town.


The pilot program, “Local Boater Program,” was launched by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the National Park Service.


Implementation of the Local Boater Program will occur only at the Wahweap boat ramp beginning on Friday, April 24 and will continue every weekend (Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m to 8 p.m.) until the NPS general closure order is rescinded. Boaters who sign up for the Arizona Lake Powell Local Boater Program will be allowed to launch and retrieve their boats within the listed hours of operation.


All boat ramps on Lake Powell have been closed to limit the spread of the invasive quagga mussel as it was not possible to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and safely conduct standard inspections and decontaminations. This geographic restriction is in place to minimize the spread of invasive species. Both AZGFD and NPS encourage safe boating and fishing when possible while still limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species.


Boaters are reminded to observe all applicable travel regulations that are in place within Utah and the Navajo Nation. All boaters need to comply with local restrictions and all AIS laws. Boaters are not allowed to remove boats from the immediate area to preclude the spread of AIS. Boats from any area or state outside the immediate area of the Wahweap ramp, including other parts of Arizona, will remain subject to the NPS general closure order. The state of Utah will be stopping boaters entering their state in areas around Lake Powell to ensure compliance with the closure order.

Information: azgfd.gov/ais