Here’s the release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife:
Waterfowl hunters are advised that Highline Lake will be drawn down and temporarily closed beginning Nov. 3 as Colorado Parks and Wildlife will begin dredging to remove a significant build-up of debris and sediment from the lake bed, including deep sediment near the outlet structure and east boat ramp. The drawdown will bring water levels down to approximately 20 feet below the dam spillway while the project is underway.
Waterfowl blinds at Highline Lake State Park will not be available through the remainder of the 2013 season. Hunters can find alternative hunting areas throughout the Grand Valley by calling Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Pacific Flyway reservation system at 970-255-6161.
Officials say that dredging will improve water quality and enhance water-related recreation by removing silt and debris that has accumulated over the past forty years. One of the project’s primary goals is upgrading dam safety by removing up to 10 feet of sediment from the Highline Dam outlet gate, allowing access for a thorough inspection and repairs of its mechanism, if needed.
While dredging operations are ongoing, the park will remain open to camping, fishing, hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation other than hunting.
For their own safety, park visitors are asked to avoid work areas and heavy machinery and follow all posted construction signs.
The lake will be refilled once the project is completed and Colorado Parks and Wildlife anticipates the lake will be ready for summer recreation by late April or early May, 2014.
For more information, including park hours and the project’s progress, contact Highline Lake State Park at 970-858-7208, or visit http://www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/highlinelake/Pages/HighlineLakeHome.aspx
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks, all of Colorado’s wildlife, more than 300 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs. To learn more, please visit http://cpw.state.co.us.
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