Courtesy Colorado River District
Recreators who ignored closure signs and launched a boat into Wolford Mountain Reservoir on Saturday have been banned by reservoir officials, who are reminding boaters that the reservoir remains closed.
According to a news release emphasizing the closure of campgrounds and boat access, people “holding themselves out to be commercial fishing guides” broke through ramp closure fencing and launched a boat putting the reservoir at risk of invasive species.
The people involved have since been identified and permanently banned from using the reservoir. Jim Pokrandt, director of community affairs for the Colorado River District which manages the reservoir, said the district doesn’t plan to release the names of those involved.
Wolford Mountain Reservoir typically doesn’t open boat access until icing conditions are gone and inspection and decontamination operations are set up to prevent invasive species, like quagga mussels, from entering the reservoir.
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The release notes that if the reservoir became infested with quagga mussels, the damage to outlet works would be irreversible and costly to clean up. It would also reduce the quality of the fishery and public enjoyment of it.
Aside from the illegal launch, the reservoir’s campgrounds have also seen trespassing leading to damages at the facilities. Campgrounds, along with playgrounds, picnic tables and pavilions remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Colorado River District said it plans to request prosecution for all trespassers and anyone who violates the state’s Aquatic Nuisance Act.
Only the shoreline of the reservoir remains open to the public for fishing with social distancing measures in place.
The Colorado River District added the facilities and boat access will remain closed until it is safe to open.
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