Changes in boat ramp operations coming to three state parks in Northeast Region
DENVER - Due to staffing shortages or low water levels, boat ramp operations will be changing at three state parks.
Beginning on Saturday, Aug. 13, Chatfield State Park (303-791-7275) will begin shortened ANS boat inspection hours at its South Boat Ramps. The new hours at those boat ramps will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Decontaminations will also be unavailable at that location.
The North Boat Ramps will continue to operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and be available for decontaminations. Boaters who have a valid Colorado seal and receipt from a previous inspection may still launch at the South Boat Ramps during off hours by using the self-service system. Boats that don't have a seal or receipt or need an outgoing inspection after hours should utilize the North Boat Ramps.
The reason for the reduced hours is a staffing shortage. Hours of operation will be increased if personnel issues improve.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife relies on hundreds of temporary workers throughout the state to fill many critical roles during the boating season. The agency frequently sees many of those employees leave at this time of year to go back to school and other commitments, but enough applicants to be able to backfill those roles. This year, however, has seen many fewer applicants than usual. That's resulted in not being able to fill those roles and a reduction in services as a result.
If you or someone you know are interested in working for CPW as a boat inspector or other roles, please go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado and search for a location/park that you're interested in.
Boat ramps at both Jackson Lake State Park and Barr Lake State Park both closed Sunday evening due to low water levels.
Similar to all northeastern plains reservoirs, Jackson Lake and Barr Lake were constructed to store irrigation water for agricultural use. That is the primary purpose for both reservoirs, which we have the benefit of using as a recreational resource secondarily.
At Barr Lake, the park will accommodate hand-launched vessels until Oct. 31.
Hand-launched, non-motorized, non-trailered vessels (canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc) are still permitted at Jackson Lake.
For questions on Jackson Lake State Park, please contact the park by calling 970-645-2551. And for Barr Lake, please call its Nature Center at 720-520-1876.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.