AHSAHKA, Idaho -- Enjoy a variety of outdoor summer fun opportunities at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir during the Independence Day holiday weekend – boating, camping, water sports, swimming, fishing, hiking and more.
“The reservoir is at full pool!” exclaimed Dworshak Park Ranger Michelle East. “All campgrounds and boat ramps are open for use, and bass and Kokanee fishing have been great. This July 4th holiday is a perfect time to come on out and enjoy Dworshak Dam and Reservoir.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages and invites visitors to come use all the facilities at Dworshak, but it's important to remember the rules that help make outdoor recreation safe and fun for everyone, according to Corps park and recreation officials.
It’s extremely important to leave some things when you visit Corps recreation areas, too, according to Gus Garbe, Dworshak’s lead park ranger. Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in all the Corps' parks and on its lands across the District. Restrictions aren't intended to limit visitors' ability to celebrate but rather to help all visitors have an incident-free occasion.
“The Corps and law enforcement officials will be out patrolling facilities all weekend,” said Garbe. “Lighting or being in possession of fireworks on Corps property, can result in rangers issuing citations to the people involved.”
Ultimately, Corps recreation officials hope visitors will recognize and appreciate that safety is everybody's responsibility.
In addition, the reserving of mini-camp sites along the Dworshak Reservoir shoreline is prohibited. The early placement of camping equipment at mini-camp sites to ensure a spot for the July 4th weekend can result in the removal of the camping equipment or a citation.
Please enjoy the reservoir safely this weekend, by taking the following precautions:
• 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.
• Don’t let small children out of your sight.
• Check the serviceability of your boat.
• Ensure proper fitting, accessible, and serviceable life vests are available for each occupant on your boat. Better yet, wear them.
• Before proceeding at higher speeds, familiarize yourself with the area you will be boating as there may be floating woody debris or rocks, stumps, and shallow areas not visible from the surface.
• When boating on the reservoir, please use caution because lake levels can change quickly.
The Dworshak Dam Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center offers a variety of interpretive displays and movies about Dworshak and the history of the Clearwater River area, including the popular “Last of the Log Drives.”
For more information regarding water levels, facilities access or recreation, call the visitor center at (208) 476-1255, check out Dworshak Dam’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dworshakdam, or stop by the Visitor Center. Recorded-message water level and recreation information is also available by calling 800-321-3198. Current Dworshak water-management conditions can be viewed on the Walla Walla District website at www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nww/rreports.htm.
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