Improvements to popular Snake River boat ramp under way

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER CITY– (Release by Vale District- BLM) Work to replace the boat ramp and floating dock at Spring Recreation Campground near Huntington, Ore., began today, the Bureau of Land Management Vale District announced.

The launch area will be closed Feb. 1 to March 31, which is the low water season for Brownlee Reservoir. During that time, Vale District employees will remove concrete slabs and construct a new side ramp, as well as lay the foundation for a new floating dock to be installed later in the spring.

“Our goal is to have the Spring Recreation Campground and boat launch ready to open as planned April 1 of this year,” Baker Field Manager Joe Aragon said.

Installation of the floating dock itself will require a higher water level and is expected to take place in May.

The floating dock was removed in 2019 after it broke free from its tether and a post-recovery inspection revealed it was unsafe for re-use. Its replacement is funded in part by a grant from the Oregon State Marine Board for the design of the new dock and purchase of materials.

For more information, contact Larisa Bogardus at 541-219-6863 or lbogardus@blm.gov