Colorado's Stagecoach SP Open to Boating Ahead of Schedule

OAK CREEK, CO. - Stagecoach State Park will open for boating ahead of schedule as a result of unseasonably warm conditions. The marina boat ramp will open to boating on Friday, April 20, and the Morrison Cove boat ramp will open mid-May. Due to early season conditions, boaters must keep a lookout for possible floating debris and always be aware that unmarked hazards may exist. If debris or hazards are discovered, please notify the park staff. Before boating, check that your vessel has all of the required safety items on board.

Stagecoach usually opens boating on May 1, but the opening date will be April 20this year because of the record-breaking ice melt-off.

"The early opening will allow boaters to take advantage of the early season conditions and prime fishing opportunities," said park manager Craig Preston. Campgrounds and water facilities are scheduled to open the first week in May. The marina store will open weekends starting mid-May and will be open daily beginning Memorial weekend.

All trailered vessels must go through an aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection prior to launching. The inspection stations will not be staffed until mid-May, so boaters must obtain the required pre-inspection from the park office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Only the marina boat ramp will be open during the adjusted early season. Citations will be issued to boaters who launch without the required pre-inspection. Remember to always clean, drain, and dry your vessel to help prevent the spread of ANS.

Located in the verdant Yampa Valley of northwest Colorado, Stagecoach State Park offers visitors a wonderful area to enjoy Colorado's outdoors. Centered on an 819-acre reservoir with a full-service marina, Stagecoach State Park offers amazing fishing both on the reservoir and in the Yampa River tailwaters. The convenience of additional recreation opportunities and the family atmosphere makes Stagecoach State Park a wonderful vacation destination. Additional information on Stagecoach State Park is available at:www.parks.state.co.us/Parks/Stagecoach.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado's 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado's economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state's favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visitwww.parks.state.co.us.

Contact:
Kimi Lehman, (970) 736-2436, Kimberly.lehman@state.co.us

Deb Frazier, (303) 866-3203, ext. 4342, deb.frazier@state.co.us