MEDIA ADVISORY
May 19, 2011
State DNR to open Lake Spokane boat launch for May 20-22 weekend
High runoff, snowmelt forces closure of other water access on lake
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily opening the boat launch at Lake Spokane Campground this weekend, May 20-22. The other two main boat launches on the lake—Riverside State Park and Nine Mile Resort—are closed as dam operators release water from the lake due to heavy rains and snowmelt.
The DNR-managed Lake Spokane Campground boat launch will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The campground will not be open. A security company will be opening and closing access to the launch area.
| Who: | Lake Spokane (also known as Long Lake) |
| What: | Temporary opening of DNR-managed boat launch at Lake Spokane Campground |
| When: | Friday, May 20 – Sunday, May 22, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily |
| Where: | Approximately 18 miles northeast of Reardan, off US Hwy 291 |
Why: | The two other boat launches on the lake are unable to serve boaters at this time because dam operators are releasing a lot of water. |
Directions: | From US Hwy 2 at Reardan, go north on State Route 231 for 14.2 miles. Turn right on US Hwy 291 (Long Lake Dam Road). Go 4.7 miles. Boat launch is on the right. |
Note: The new Discover Pass will not be needed for DNR-managed recreation lands until July 1, 2011.
Recreation on DNR-managed lands
DNR manages 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, aquatic, agricultural, conservation and urban lands. Most recreation on these lands takes place in the 2.9 million acres of forests that DNR manages as state trust lands. By law, state trust lands are managed to produce income for schools, universities, prisons, state mental hospitals, community colleges, local services in many counties, and the state’s General Fund. State trust lands are also managed to provide fish and wildlife habitat and educational and recreational opportunities.
DNR-managed lands provide 1,100 miles of trails, 143 recreation sites, and a variety of landscapes throughout Washington State. Recreational opportunities include hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping, motorized vehicle riding, mountain biking, and boating.
DNR’s main recreation focus is to provide trails, trailhead facilities, and a primitive experience in a natural setting.
Media Contact: Toni Droscher, Recreation Program Communications Manager, 360-902-1523, toni.droscher@dnr.wa.gov
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