16-063 Seasonal schedule, access changes to occur at Dworshak Visitor Center, boat ramps, campgrounds

Published Aug. 23, 2016
AHSAHKA, Idaho – Weather forecasted for the next few weeks indicates summer is not over yet! With the projected warm air temperatures and sunny days, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages everyone to get outside and make the most of lingering summer weather on beautiful Dworshak Reservoir.

Visitors should be aware that the reservoir is dropping about 1 foot each day, as reservoir outflows are used to help keep downstream river temperatures cool for migrating salmon and steelhead. With this mind, boaters accessing mini-camps along the reservoir should be sure to leave extra line when tying off their vessels. The boat ramps at Big Eddy, Bruce’s Eddy 1, Grandad, Dent Acres Park and Freeman Creek (Dworshak State Park) currently provide access to the reservoir, however some ramps may become unusable as reservoir levels continue to fall. For updated water levels, you may call 208-476-1255, or go online to www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Water-Management, select Reservoir Reports, then Dworshak. For current boat ramp information, please call 208-476-1255.

All campgrounds at Dworshak are open.

Dent Acres offers 50 campsites with electric, water and sewer hookups -- half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservable sites, call 1-877-444-6777 or go to www.recreation.gov. On Sept. 6, all campsites will become first-come, first-served, and the camping fee will be reduced from $20 to $14 per night, with self-deposit registration. Golden Age Senior or America the Beautiful Senior pass-holders receive a 50-percent discount. All camping fees are waived for U.S. armed forces service members on mid- or post-deployment leave -- be prepared to present approved leave documents to a Corps park ranger or volunteer park attendant to utilize this benefit.

As the summer recreation season winds down, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir’s Visitor Center hours of operation, boat ramp availability and camping reservation procedures are set to change for fall recreation. Starting Sept. 6, the visitor center will be open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. No public tours will be offered. However, school tours are available; call 208-476-1255 to schedule.

Looking ahead to next year’s prime recreation season, remember that reservations for Dent Acres camping can be made up to six months in advance, and the group shelter can be reserved up to a year in advance. To make reservations, call 877-444-6777 or go online to www.recreation.gov.

As always, safety is the Corps’ greatest concern – safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind while having fun at Dworshak:
• Changing weather conditions can create unsafe situations on open water. Know the weather and have a float plan.
• Keep life jackets on children while on or around the water, and don’t let small children out of your sight.
• Fire danger is moderately high so be careful with your campfire, and ensure it is out and cold to the touch before leaving.
• Check the serviceability of your boat, and avoid drinking alcohol while boating.
• Ensure proper fitting, accessible, and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them!
• Familiarize yourself with the area in which you will be boating before traveling at high speeds. There may be rocks, stumps, woody debris, or shallow areas not visible from the surface.

For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions, call 208-476-1255 during business hours.
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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. UNRELEASED