DRA
News 9/4/08
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NOAA
Weather Spotter Class date is Tuesday September
30 at the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center at 6:30 PM.
It is free and open to the public. See below for
more information. The weather spotter class will
start at 7 PM, from 6:30 to 7 PM the DRA will conduct
a short business meeting that the public is encouraged
to attend.
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NOAA
Weather Warning System Update
After
the severe storm on August 8, 2008 that blew through Orofino
and caused damage in town and on the lake, the DRA asked
the NOAA if there was anything they could do to enhance
weather warnings for Dworshak Reservoir. The NOAA looked
into their procedures. Kerry M. Jones, the Warning Coordination
Meteorologist (WCM) for the National Weather Service in
Spokane, WA responded,
"Several
severe thunderstorm warnings were issued that day for
Asotin, Nez Perce, Clearwater and Idaho Counties. During
the event, a staff member at NWS Spokane was manually
sending each individual warning to the Lewiston NWR. Two
of the warnings made it to NWR, including one just 7 minutes
earlier, but regrettably the 637 pm PDT warning for Clearwater
County did not. To ensure this does not happen in the
future, we will modify our scripts/procedures such that
any and all severe weather warnings will automatically
go to NWR."
In
addition the NOAA has offered to teach a course on weather
spotting in Orofino. Peter Felsch, the Warning Coordination
Meteorologist of the National Weather Service in Missoula
is working with the DRA to present a weather spotter training
course. The free course would last around 45 to 50 minutes.
After the course you would have a good idea of the weather
headed your way based on cloud formations. The actual
weather spotter class will start at 7 pm, from 6:30 to
7 pm the DRA will conduct a short business meeting that
the public is encouraged to attend.
Severe
weather approaches Merry's Bay
Shelf cloud - August 8, 2008 |
After
the training session, those who are interested and sign
up to be severe weather spotters, are given a spotter
packet containing the training material, reporting procedures
and criteria, as well as a 1-800 phone number to contact
NOAA at any time on the reservoir or at home. The spotters
are plotted on a map and the NOAA operational staff have
their home and cell phone numbers available to contact
them. Typically NOAA would call them when we either issue
warnings and/or observe strong storms approaching their
location to get feedback and ground truth information..
NOAA
has a full section on their web page which explains the
severe weather spotter program at
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/spotter/
In
the middle of the page, there is an online course mainly
for summer convection training at
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso/train/STrain.html
County
Commissioners Work With Matrix Engineering on Marina Improvement
The
commissioners met with Matrix Engineering and Harrison
Dock Builders August 25, on the wave attenuation system
/ additional large boat moorage design for the Big Eddy
Marina. After discussions, the commissioners have agreed
to have Matrix Engineering design the system. Matrix is
doing some preliminary work to estimate the size and cost
of the system the county envisioned. An aggressive schedule
without any unforeseen problems, could have the design
completed in 10 weeks. Construction could start early
2009. We will keep you posted.
Scope
of Work for engineering services to be provided will include:
1.
Design & Engineering specifications to support construction
of a wave attenuation system at Big Eddy Marina;
2. Design & Engineering specifications for moorage
of large (over 30 ft in length) boats in conjunction
with the wave attenuation system;
3. Field investigation and survey;
4. Consult with US Army Corps of Engineers and/or other
state and federal permitting agencies and prepare necessary
environmental and agency permits; and
The
design shall include:
1. Conceptual drawings and description, and design criteria;
2. Detailed description of engineering specifications;
3. Detailed plans suitable for bidding construction
costs to include all structural, mechanical, electrical
and all other required/related systems;
4. Opinion of probable cost estimate for construction
and installation
DRA
Donations Secure New Picnic Tables
A
big thanks to everyone that donated to the DRA's efforts
to purchase two new tables for the Indian Creek Destination
dock! The tables have been purchased and delivered from
Pilot
Rock and are currently awaiting assembly and deployment
in the Corps of Engineers warehouse here in Orofino.
The two tables are heavy duty commercial
grade tables like the ones already in place on the other
docks on the lake. One of the new tables is wheel chair
accessible. Including shipping the cost of the tables
was $2047! A substantial sum for our association to secure.
Again, thanks to all that helped make this project successful.
Hopefully we can get some pictures posted in the near
future.
Bass Tournament
A
number of fisherman did quite well over the weekend bass
fishing. The average fish weight was 4.5 pounds!
Very
Happy Fisherman |
Spokane
Yacht Club Plans Dworshak Cruise
The
DRA received a request for recreation information about
Dworshak Reservoir from the Spokane Yacht Club. They are
considering traveling here with 10 to 30 boats (20-30
foot cruisers) to meet up on the lake, cook a community
dinner and breakfast and just enjoy the lake. This is
in the early planning stages but if they decide on the
trip they have indicated they would invite the members
of the DRA to join in the fun!
Merry's
Bay / Fred's Bay Dock Update
The
Merry's Bay destination dock anchorage system was lost
in the August 8 storm. The Fred's
Bay Safe Harbor dock anchorage was tangled on the
bottom debris this winter when the water was low and lost.
The Corps has ordered cable, pulleys and anchors for both
docks and hopes to repair them as soon as possible. The
Merry's
Bay dock is temporarily
tied off to the yellow can buoy in Merry'sBay and open
for public use.
DRA
News 8/22/08
Merry's
Bay Dock Repaired
Great
news! The Corps maintenance crew repaired the Merry's
Bay Destination Dock Thursday August 20, that was damaged
by the wind storm August 8. Unfortunately the one anchor
that they thought survived the storm did not;: one anchor
disappeared during the storm and other one during recovery.
The remaining anchor connecting plate was held on by a
thread and dropped off as they were preparing to lift
it for repair. The dock itself is now intact and tied
off to the yellow can buoy in Merry'sBay and open for
public use. The Corps is in the process of ordering new
cable and anchors.
The
dock repairers are (L to R), Erick Engle, Bob Kaufman,
and John Beck.
The DRA would like to thank them for their efforts.
Well done gentlemen! |
Merry's
bay dock being repaired. |
NOAA
Weather Offices Respond to DRA
The
DRA sent a letter to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather
folks in Spokane. They are responsible for the marine
VHF weather broadcast. The letter requested that the NOAA
broadcast out of Lewiston specifically target Dworshak,
specifically when high winds are possible. Peter Felsch,
the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National
Weather Service in Missoula and Don Gardner, the Clearwater
County Emergency Management Coordinator both responded
almost immediately.
The
DRA is discussing with the Corps and NOAA to see if any
thing can be done to improve the weather warnings on Dworshak.
Life
Jacket Loaner Board Works....But....
The
life jacket loaner program worked quite well this summer.
The jackets were used extensively and returned to the
board. Up until last weekend only one jacket went missing.
This past weekend, six more took a hike. We are hoping
they will turn up. Please return the jackets after using
them, even if it is at the gas station on the way out
of town. The next person that needs one will certainly
appreciate the jacket.
DRA
News 8/18/08
Algae
Update
First
local toxin test from 8/8 on the algae came back negative.
Two two more tests 8/15 also came back both with negative
recreation level results. The levels are below the safe
recreation level of 10ppb. It is safe to go in the water.
Algae has mostly all subsided, (short life cycle). The
two blue-green algae's in the reservoir are Anabaena and
Microcystis with the bloom being mostly Anabaena.
DRA
News 8/10/08
Wind
Storm
The
thunder / wind storm last Friday 8/8 caused some damage
around the reservoir.
The
Merry's Bay destination dock was torn in half by high
winds from the sudden storm. The bay went from dead calm
to 3 foot waves in about 5 minutes.
The
NOAA marine radio gave no indication of the storm approaching
Orofino. A warning was issued for Lewiston and Asotin
on the radio. Discussions after the storm with folks in
town indicated the NOAA television weather had posted
a warning for Orofino. Most boaters will vacate the dock
for shelter if they know a storm is coming. The DRA intends
to discuss the lack of warning on the marine radio with
the NOAA. I think the storm moved so fast they just could
not get it to the recorded radio message. Discussions
are also taking place on how to avoid such surprises in
the future and possibly establish some guidelines on when
to seek shelter.
Numerous boaters were tied to the dock during the storm.
Some sustained damage.
The dock broke into several sections and one anchor was
lost.
All
the private boats were safely removed from the dock under
their own power and the Corps of Engineers (COE) rounded
up the pieces of the dock for future repair.
The
COE do not expect to have this dock functional until next
season. The closest dock is in the mouth of Indian Creek
about 4 miles up the lake from the dam.
A
smaller boat got caught in the storm out front of Dent
campground. The individual made it back to shore but his
boat was swamped on shore. The CCSO , (Mike Gladhardt),
responded and gave assistance and follow up assistance
the next day. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated
and effective marine deputy program on this lake.
Dent
campground was without power for a while and a couple
of trees came down in the campground with no damage to
person or property. Rangers did warn and assist the campers
at Dent and the Dent Group camp.
There
were no reports of any marina damage.
No
injuries were reported on the reservoir.
Blue
Green Algae Blooms on the Reservoir
There
are minor algae concentrations in some of the calm back
bays and around docks.
Blue-green
algae are actually bacteria (cyanobacteria) which are
able to photosynthesize, hence the green color They usually
are too small to be seen individually, but sometimes can
form visible colonies. Some cyanobacterial blooms can
look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of fresh
water lakes and ponds. The blooms can be blue, bright
green, brown, or red and may look like paint floating
on the water.
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Information
from John Stockner, the contract limnologist who
works with the Corps of Engineers indicated that
the very high runoff year and a higher than normal
'natural' Phosphorus and Nitrogen load that was
the likely trigger, coupled with the higher temperatures
and high light intensities of mid-summer.
As
Dworshak reservoir naturally ages these small blooms
will likely reoccur and their intensity will be
related to the hydrologic cycle, or more specifically
to the magnitude of the spring 'freshet' and the
nutrient loads it carries into the system.
The
nutrient supplement program was not the cause of
the bloom and in fact the bloom was limited by the
program. The blooms are more prominent in Elk Cr
and the Little North Fork where there is no nutrient
supplement taking place.
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John
is confident that Anabaena algae will soon leave Dworshak
and the system will return to a less 'green' state.
There
are many species of algae, most do not produce toxins.
It is important to remember that algae are a natural part
of our water ways and all cyanobacteria can produce skin
irritants under certain conditions and some can produce
multiple types of the more harmful toxins. The water is
being tested for these toxins.
Algae
Do's and Dont's (Info from NOAA,
Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health)
-
Do
avoid contact with water where algae are visible (e.g.
pea soup,
floating mats, scum layers, etc), or where water is
discolored
-
Do
rinse yourself and/or your pet off after swimming in
any ponds, lakes or
streams, regardless of the presence of a visible algal
blooms
-
Don’t
allow children or pets to play in or drink water where
scum is present
-
Don’t
water-ski or jet-ski over algal mats
-
Don’t
drink untreated surface water, whether or not blooms
are
present.
Remember,
BOILING THE WATER WILL NOT REMOVE THE TOXINS It is not
known at this time if toxins are being produced by these
algae, test results are not yet available, the information
will be posted here on the web when it is received.)
Clearwater
County Commissioners to Interview Prospective
Engineering Firm
The
commissioners have selected Matrix Engineering of Harrison,
Idaho as the prospective designer of the wave attenuator
and additional large mooring slips at the Big Eddy Marina.
The firm will meet with the commissioners on August 25
at 3:30 for an interview, price negotiation and discussion
on the scope and needs of the project.
DRA
News 8/4/08
Marina Addition and Wave Break Project Proposal Underway
The
County Commissioners received Statements of Qualification
from three prospective engineering firms this past Monday.
The statements are from three engineering firms that are
interested in the design component of the construction
project of the wave attenuator and additional large mooring
slips at the Big Eddy Marina.
A
group of seven are in the process of evaluating the statements.
The team consists of Stan Leach, County Commissioner;
Chris Kuykendall, Clearwater County Economic Development;
Ed Lozar, Waterways Committee; Paul Pence, Corps of Engineers;
Heather Burnham, Orofino Chamber of Commerce; Devon Bunyan,
Dworshak Reservoir Association; and David Ricks, Department
of Idaho State Parks and Recreation (Boise) and Dworshak
State Park staff, Chuck Gross.
The
evaluations are to be completed by noon Monday 8/11, after
which Chris will compile the results and present to Commissioners
at 4:30 pm Monday 8/11. The proposals are available for
review at the Commissioners office or you may discuss
the proposals with any of the team members.
The
firm identified as the most qualified will then meet with
the Commissioners to discuss the actual design, engineering
specifications and costs in more detail. As I understand
this process, if the firm and commissioners can come to
consensus on the design and costs they will be awarded
the design contract. The actual construction bidding will
take place once the design is complete and be managed
by ID Parks & Recreation. It is anticipated construction
will start this winter and the new facility will be in
place for the 2009 boating season.
Wednesday
Night Dock Luck in the Movies
This past Wednesday, a video photographer
attended the Wednesday Mexican Dock
Luck gathering in Merry's Bay. He recorded a lot of
footage for the Orofino Economic Development advertising
video. He has been filming all sorts of Orofino activities
for over a week. Before you think you may be famous, the
final video product is 3 1/2 minutes long, but hey 3 seconds
of fame is better than none!
Indian
Creek Destination Dock Returns
The
Corps anchored the Indian Creek dock last week. It is
now at the mouth of Indian Creek with some temporary tables.
Gas Prices Change Boating
The high fuel costs have brought out some interesting
aquatic vehicles to the reservoir.
Water skiing anyone?
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DRA
is Chamber of Commerce Lunch Program
President
Ed will attempt a lunch talk at this Wednesday's Orofino
Chamber of Commerce lunch. He was invited to tell them
about the DRA. Wish him luck, he hasn't speeched much
since retiring.
DRA News 7/23/08
Destination
Docks
The
Corps of Engineers plans to apply for a grant for two
new destination docks this fall. The Corps matches the
grant funds using the cost of labor and equipment they
furnish. Grant funds are used to purchase the materials.
The Corps has asked if the DRA can commit to volunteer
labor to assemble the docks. Local commitment of labor
shows the grant committee there is local support and may
help influence their decision. The DRA needs to hear from
folks if they are willing to commit dock assembly time.
The
Corps is thinking of locating the one of the new docks
across and just upstream from the marina and another
near Cold Springs camp. Please voice your opinion on location
to the DRA or Corps.
Rick and Shep cooling off.
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DRA
Membership and Awareness Increases
The
last few Clearwater Tribunes highlighted some activities
and projects that the DRA has accomplished and has underway.
Interest in the DRA has increased. Local business's have
donated funds and so have individuals. All funds go to
the enhancement of recreation on the reservoir.
The Chamber of Commerce has asked the President of the
DRA to the be the guest speaker at their lunch meeting
on August 6. We are moving forward!
DRA
Places Temporary Tables on Indian Creek Dock
A couple of DRA members worked with the Corps to place
and secure some older tables on the enlarged Indian Creek
dock that is temporarily in Merry's Bay. The Corps plans
to return the dock to Indian Creek this Friday 7/25. (They
placed the dock Friday morn, it is back in Indian Cr)
The DRA hopes to purchase and donate new tables by the
end of August. We would like them to be there sooner but
we are still raising funds and believe it or not there
is back order on these types of tables. We would like
to thank the Corps for going along with the temp table
idea. Watch out for slivers.
Volunteer Devon / DRA member w/ temp table
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Devon and Ed test the table
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It didn't take long for folks to enjoy the temp
dock and tables.
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Water
Levels
The Dworshak water level was within five feet of full
for 23 days from June 26 through July 19. That is the
longest it has been that full for years. Heavy lingering
snow packs and river flows allowed the water to be held
longer. The need to keep water temps low down stream however
has finally started the drawdown. Water
levels are now dropping about a foot a day. The Dworshak
"beaches" are abundant!
Water released from Dworshak Dam
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Wednesday
Night Dock Luck
- DRA meeting 7/17/08
It
was Gangster Night and food
on a stick night. Don't ask me how those were combined.
There was, as usual a lot of great food. This weeks
game was a bean bag toss. Accidentally invented by
my grand daughter Montana while messing with left
over wood scraps in my garage. Once again, instead
of taking half the winnings as a prize, the grand
champion donated all the funds back to the DRA. Thanks
to John Schlee pictured below handing the donation
to Gangster Ed, the DRA president.
DJ, John and Joe
Top three baggers.
Check out more gangster dock luck
and other pictures here.
July
A moose was encounterd switching shorelines.
Wednesday
Night Dock Luck
- DRA meeting 7/09/08
DRA President Pirate Ed accepts donation from
the duck champion Scott
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It
was Pirate Night on the dock Wednesday. Parts
were played well! The food was excellent and plentiful
as usual. There was a duck race contest. Entry
was a dollar and half the proceeds were to go
to the DRA. It was a hard squirted bucket laughing
time. Third place went to Shauna, second to Mike
and over all duck champion was Scott who donated
all his winnings to the DRA. The association got
all the funds! A total of $33. The DRA thanks
you all. All DRA funds go back into enhancing
the recreation on Dworshak! |
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Click
here to see more Wednesday night pirate and
duck race pictures
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Dworshak : A Recreation Destination
Dworshak
Reservoir was a busy place over the July 4th
weekend. Folks came from near and far to enjoy the
full pool, warm water, great campsites, fishing,
water skiing, tubing and destination docks. Dworshak
is a community asset. Folks that recreate on the lake
help the local economy. The scenery alone is worth
the trip, not to mention the continuously improving
fishing. The DRA is working with the Corps of Engineers
to enhance the recreation experience.
Jet boat and jet ski
 Boaters enjoy the Drift
Creek Destination Dock, looks like a full house.
A few weeks ago the DRA organized
a volunteer work group to rebuild the Indian Creek
destination dock. The docks provide a place for safe
swimming away from boat propellers and a place to
visit with fellow boaters while enjoying a picnic.
There is now
room on the enlarged Indian Cr dock to accommodate
a few tables. The Corps should have the dock back
in Indian Creek soon.
Teens enjoy a dock picnic in Merry’s
Bay, hot dogs all around!
Mom (Erica Painter visiting from Alaska) guards the
food at the table while the kids swim.
The DRA is in the process
of gathering donations to purchase 2 tables for the
Indian Creek dock.
Commercial grade out-door tables,
that can with-stand the outdoors year long,
are not inexpensive.
The group hopes to fund the purchase through
membership dues / donations from any and all that
are willing to help or join. They are also working
with the Corps on funding part of the life jacket
loaner boards. One loaner board was put into place
over the weekend. The jackets were provided to insure
everyone can have a safe boating experience.
Life jacket loaner board, they were in use all weekend,
protecting lives.
If you enjoy Dworshak
and / or would like to help enhance the recreation
on the lake, your donation to the non- profit Dworshak
Reservoir Association (DRA) in any amount would be
appreciated. All
funds will be used to enhance recreation on the lake.
Some local businesses have donated substantial sums;
some folks choose the $5.00 annual membership. We are slowly
growing. Donations can be made to the Dworshak
Reservoir Association account at the American West
bank in Orofino. We would like to acknowledge your
participation, however any
anonymous donation will be gladly accepted.
David Kludt on the dock but ready for hiking or swimming
TEMPORARY
DESTINATION DOCK RELOCATION
The
Corps was unable to get the reconstructed
and improved Indian Cr dock back to Indian
Cr for the holiday but will temporarily secure
it for use in the Merry's Bay area until they
can get it back in place. The equipment to
set it in place is way up the lake involved
with the fish nutrient enhancement program.
Thanks to the Corps and specifically Ben Perkins
for listening to our concerns and for coming
up with a temporary solution to facilitate
recreation on Dworshak.
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A view of the marina from the hill side across
the reservoir. Almost a full pool 6/28. There
is like 7 steps from the parking lot to the
docks! |
Destination
Dock Tables - Matching Fund Opportunity
We
have an opportunity to purchase and two dock picnic
tables for the price of one. An anonymous donor has
offered to buy one table if the DRA can come up with
the funds for one table. The tables cost is $500 -
$700. These are heavy duty out door commercial grade
tables. You can donate by depositing funds in the
Dworshak Reservoir Association account at the American
West Bank in Orofino or by mailing to the address
in the next paragraph.
DRA
Funds
We
are non profit but we do incur expenses, mainly the
web site domain name and hosting (internet disk space),
all the coding and site maintenance is donated. We
accept donations to cover those expenses. In order
to facilitate the proper handling of those expenses
and donations we have opened a checking account. (Little
did I know about the pile of forms the IRS now wants!)
Records of donations and expenditures are kept. We
are considering a voluntary solicitation of dues.
Like $5 a year per family. What do you all think?
dra @ cebridge.net (I did not make it a hot email
link because it will get spammed.)
Having
some funds will also help us get more involved in
projects on the lake like sponsoring one of the life
jacket loaner kiosks. If you have a comment or wish
to donate your dues. Make the check payable to the
Dworshak Reservoir Association, 12894 Hartford Ave,
Orofino, Idaho 83544.
Full
Pool
With
the large long lasting snow pack all over the state,
the reservoir is full a few days early and may remain
full for a longer time this July. Normally the pool
is only full for the July 4th holiday weekend but
this year rumor has it it may stay full a whole week
before it starts to drop to aid the fish migration.
Hopefully it will drop slower than it has in the past
also making the mini camps accessible longer.
Be
very careful boating as full pool has floated all
the shoreline debris and it is hiding every where.
Some of it looks like it can bite!
Wood Gator!
Speaking
of biting. If you hike the reservoir shores and trails
be sure and watch for snakes. I saw this Bull Snake
this weekend, but there are also Rattle Snakes. Watch
where you step!
Bull Snake
Dock
Volunteers Deserve Thank You
A number of folks volunteered their time and did a
lot of hard work in the past week. They gave up a
Tuesday morning to take a part some docks to set the
stage for the following Monday assembly / modification
of the Indian Creek destination dock on Dworshak Reservoir.
The volunteers really worked hard. Assembling the
docks is no easy chore. It is hard physical labor.
By the end of the day folks were very tired and probably
all took some muscle ache reliever and went to bed
early. The volunteers deserve a large thank you as
the new dock will be enjoyed by a lot of people this
summer.
The majority of the dock parts were from the county
docks that were placed at the swimming area near the
marina years ago. Adding them to the county dock in
Indian Creek will make that one of the larger destination
docks on the lake. The Corps hopes to have it back
in place at Indian Creek in the soon. We are trying
to secure some funds through different sources to
get some tables for the dock.
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Dock volunteers - Devon Bunyan, Beth Davis,
Ed Lozar, Aaron Lighter
Dog bones lined up for bolting |
Randy Steiner on the left helped moving tools
and parts - some assembly required!
|
Not
shown because the camera was not around when he helped
- Dave Parker
Life
jacket loaner program looking for sponsors.
The
life jacket loaner boards are in place and the Corps
is looking for entities to sponsor the boards by funding
the purchase of jackets. The DRA was asked if they
could contribute but we really don't have any money.
We are so non profit...we have none. Looks like Walmart
may be offering them at cost. If there are a few of
us willing to chip in some money and sponsor a board
that would be a good thing. I am sure any amount would
be appreciated. These jackets will be available for
public use (honor system) and will have various sizes
of life jackets to fit both adults and children. There
will be information on how to properly fit and wear
the jackets at each board. We ask that once you wear
the jackets that you return them to the board in which
you borrowed them from or to any state park, state
park employee, the dam visitor center, any Corps employee
or the sheriff’s department.
New
Corps Web Site
The
Corps of Engineers has a new
recreation web site that does a good job on the
Dworshak facilitates.
Time to batten down the hatches! Saturday, May 31
Lucky for us it mostly went south.
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