The USDA Forest Service’s Sulphur Ranger District is planning to open the Green Ridge, Stillwater and Sunset Point Boat Ramps on May 15, 2020. The Forest Service is responsible for managing public recreation and access to the waters of Lake Granby and Shadow Mountain Reservoir within the Arapaho National Recreation Area (ANRA).

May 15 is a brief delay from when the ramps typically open in early May. Due to stay-at-home orders, operations to prepare the boat launches and water surface safety and navigation buoys were not able to be conducted earlier. Boaters must pay the ANRA fee prior to launching boats using fee machines. Visitors who buy an annual pass using the fee machines should hang onto the receipt, which they can trade in for a hard-copy annual pass once the Sulphur Ranger District Office in Granby re-opens to the public.

In cooperation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who operates the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program boat inspections, Forest Service staff are preparing certain safety protocols to guide interactions with the public at boat inspection stations. Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers these recommendations to boaters:

Visit lakes or reservoirs in your local area or the county you live in and do not travel to go boating.

Wear a mask when recreating outdoors, while at the inspection station and any time you are in public.

  • Wait for the inspector to wave you forward to the inspection station.
  • Remain in your vehicle, set the parking brake and turn the vehicle off.
  • Stay in your vehicle unless asked to get out and assist the inspector.
  • If you have a green seal receipt, please keep your window closed, and show it to the inspector through the window glass.
  • Follow the inspector’s instructions. Always maintain a six-foot distance between you and staff or any other people.
  • Avoid boating with anyone that doesn’t reside in your household.
  • Avoid gathering in groups larger than ten individuals and maintain social distance.
  • Local health board guidance may limit groups to as few as four persons; please know and follow all local health board guidance.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep your family home if they are sick.
  • Clean surfaces in your boat, on your trailer and of personal items using regular household products.

Follow the guidance from your County, CDC and CDPHE to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  

The Forest Service understands the importance of boating opportunities to the public. The safety of both employees and the public remain the highest priority. Fishing opportunities are available from the shorelines and from non-motorized watercraft, which are not subject to inspections. It is important to note that all campgrounds, restrooms and picnic areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland remain closed through May 31.

For more information on Colorado’s aquatic nuisance species prevention program, as well as inspection hours at ramps across the state, visit cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/BoatInspection.aspx.