NEWS ARCHIVE

Corps Notes 5/2/08

Marina anchor cable is repaired. Ben Perkins & crew took advantage of the low water and were able to retrieve the vertical cable to the surface. The cable was evaluated, the broken, messed up section cut out and a new cable spliced in and attached to the surface winch platform. The horizontal line from the anchor to the marina will be replaced this summer when the water is full, the weather warm and the wind calm.

This was really good innovative work and prevented the corps maintenance folks from having to drop 48,000lbs of anchor off the barge.

The Corps took advantage of the low water and installed an additional rail on the Big Eddy ramp to allow the plastic rail dock to be used at lower water levels.

Bald Eagles have left the Merry's Bay nest, the trail has been re-opened.

Life jacket loaner boards are in place and jackets should be available for loan soon.

March

St Patrick's weekend dock gathering..the sunny part... check out more St Pat's pics

Dworshak Dam and Reservoir ready for spring visitors

Enjoy beautiful north Idaho at the facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. The reservoir level is changing every day and Bruce’s Eddy Ramp #1, Big Eddy and Dent Acres ramps are open.

Early season camping begins April 10 at Dent Acres Campground. Site fees are $10 per day by self-deposit registration. Regular season camping starts May 22 with full hook-up sites available for $18 per night. Make reservations for the regular season by calling 877-444-6777, or by visiting the web site, www.recreation.gov.

Those seeking a more primitive camping experience can visit Dam View and Canyon Creek where primitive camping is available at no charge starting April 1.

The Big Eddy day use area offers attractions to young and old. Big Eddy amenities include a swim beach, playground, picnic shelters and barbecue grills. Take a hike along the Big Eddy trail to Dworshak State Park and have a picnic at one of several mini camps along the way. The Merry’s Bay day use area opens April 1 and offers secluded picnicking and fishing.

Turkey hunting season is just around the corner. Hunting is allowed on all Corps property around the reservoir except in developed recreation areas. Be aware that ATV operations is prohibited off designated roads and behind gates or fences.

Please allow all safety precautions while recreating in the forest during the hunting season. When boating on the reservoir, remember that lake levels can change quickly. The weather may be warming but water in Dworshak is still very cold from the spring snowmelt.

For updated water level and boat ramp information, call 800-321-3198. Always be aware of the hypothermia danger and wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.

For more information regarding facilities access and current conditions call 208-476-1261, or stop by our Visitor Center, which is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Corps Notes 3/14/08

Includes some repeats with more details

Dent Acres Ramp is open and the campground will open on April 10. Merry’s Bay, Canyon Creek, Dam View and Grandad open on April 1.

There appears to be vandalism at the Big Eddy floating pump out station – there is a rock sized hole in the solar panel. Maintenance is working on getting it repaired.

A new solar light at Canyon Creek is awaiting installation. It was an in-kind product from a real estate easement renewal and replaces the current vandalized solar light.

Life Jacket Loaner boards will be installed at Bruce’s Eddy #1 ramp, Dent Acres and Big Eddy ramps. 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 corp employee or the sheriff’s department.

Dworshak park rangers are working with the local sheriff’s department in provide water safety classes to kids in Orofino and surrounding areas.

In the near future, hikers will find trailhead kiosks (such as the one already in place at the Big Eddy Trail) installed with maps and helpful hints specific to each trail. This included Merry’s Bay, Cold Springs, Dent Acres and Canyon Creek trails.

The reservoir nutrient program is preparing for a second year of application after a very successfully first year report.

DRA Notes 3/7/08

Cable Repair Underway at Marina

The other older cable that anchors the marina has broken. Last year one broke and was replaced. The Corps anticipated the second one failing from age and actually procured the materials last year. They were unable to replace it last year but are already working with the materials to fix this latest failure. Weather permitting they hope to have it fixed soon enough to avoid any delay in the marina operation.

Speaking of last years cable. Hear say indicates there will be an adjustment in this year's marina moorage charge for the time lost because of the cable break last year. You may want to call and ask them not to forget that....

Vandalism

Some moron vandalized the solar panel at the pump out station in front of the marina. A large rock was thrown up on to the panel damaging it. Obviously the rock had to be intentionally brought from shore? Money to be used improving facilities elsewhere now has to go into fixing this senseless act. The Corps is considering implementing a crime stoppers / neighbor watch type system. Rewards will be offered for information / evidence on such activity that leads to a prosecution.

Grants discussed previously on this site will be awarded (or not) in May. (See December below.)

Water Levels

As you know there is a lot of snow in the mountains. Like 110% of normal. Check out snow pack at this site. Operating curves indicate the water level will have to drop about 20 feet by the end of March to 1500 to make room for snow melt. Check out the water level at the Corps site.

Life Jacket Loan Program and Trailhead Kiosks

The Corps is working on and hopes to have the life jacket loan kiosks on the lake this season. Jackets will be located at the main ramps for temporary use. This helps the folks that forgot them at home and did not realize it until they get to the lake. Life jackets save lives and making them available to the public at the ramps makes sense. Safety is always number one.

Trail head informational kiosks are also being implemented this season.

Dent Acres will be open March 10.

December

Numerous Grants Requested to Improve Dworshak Facilities

The Clearwater County Sheriff's Marine Division, the Corps of Engineers and Dworshak State Park have proposed projects and are applying for grant money. These grants are federal and sometimes state money that can be obtained by competing with other requests around the state. The awards are based on value to the public in regards to safety and enhanced recreation. They are generally match grants which means entities have to have anywhere from 25 to 50% of the cost of a project already available.

The DRA was asked to review the all of the proposals except the diving equipment request and provide letters of support to be included in the grant proposal if they supported the project. The DRA board provided letters of recommendation for all of the projects they were asked to review.

The Clearwater County Waterways Committee has reviewed all the projects and has provided letters of recommendation for the projects to be used by the grant requester as they apply to the state grants committee. The Sheriff's Marine Division grant requests must also be approved by the county commissioners. The projects are listed below. More information is available from the listed requester.

Corps of Engineers - Paul Pence

-New ramp dock at Dent with docking fingers
-Additional destination dock for the Merry's bay area

Dworhsak State Park - Kristi Stephens Park Manager

-Wave attenuation system for the big Eddy Marina (wave break)
-New dock for the Freeman Cr. boat ramp (below the picnic area / sun shelter)

Sheriff's Marine Division - Mike Gladhart

-Replacement of patrol / tow vehicle pickup truck
-Diving Equipment - compressor and air tank filler

Boater Education and Operator Regulations Being Considered

Randy Herman, Idaho state boat safety coordinator, briefed the Waterways Committee on possible boating regulation changes in Idaho's future. The changes are in the very early stages of discussion and estimates are that there would not be any actual changes until 2009, if at all. The state is working with various user groups and agencies in discussing mandatory boater education and possibly some sort of certification to operate a water craft in the state. Minimum operator age requirements are also being discussed.

Early discussions started with personal water craft (PWC) or what some refer to as jet skis. Idaho is one of only two states that do not have a minimum age requirement to operate a PWC. Injury and death statistics show that a large percentage of injuries and deaths involving a PWC include a young operator. Minimum age requirements / adult supervision / education requirements are some of the possibilities being discussed.

If you want more information on these discussions I suggest contacting the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office.

November

Corps Cleaning Contract Enhancements

The destination and safe harbor docks on the lake have been added to the responsibilities of the reservoir facilities cleaning contract. The docks should now be cleaned on a regular basis along with restrooms and campsites etc... I hope they have a lot of de-gooser!

October

Fire Back on the Landscape

In mid October the Corps capitalized on a narrow window of good burning weather and completed the prescribed underburns in the Little Bay Stewardship Project.

Most of the burning took place across the reservoir from Three Meadows group camp. They thought they were going to have to wait until next year to do this as it was still too dry in late September to purposely ignite anything at the bottom of a steep slope.

As it turned out the biggest challenge was not the weather, but rather smoke management. The North Idaho air shed denied the first requests to burn, but later gave the go ahead to C-PTPA fire warden Howard weeks for the burn.

A lot of smoke was produced and it lingered on the lake for a few days, but they got an excellent burn on the overgrown underbrush and left over slash from the forest thinning operation.

The fire was spread using a Helo-torche, a system that is suspended from a helicopter and drops burning fuel on the forest below. Ray Reel was the pilot.

Docks Invaded by Spiders

Spiders have invaded the lonely destination docks, maybe its a Halloween thing. The very warm and dry fall weather seems to have allowed the spiders to float on their webs more than usual and they have established quite a colony on the destination docks. A few frosty nights should slow them down considerably!

Dworshak Master Plan

The Dworshak Master Plan public working group meetings have concluded. The final document from contractor to be delivered this month.

Construction on South End of the Dam

You may have noticed some construction on the south end of the dam late summer and into fall. They are updating the security lighting, fences and access card readers.

August

Update on the Nutrient Supplement Program

The program yielded some promising results this year. The phytoplankton appear to be about the same quantity, but their size is bigger and they are going into winter in a very healthy state. Look for continued good Kokanee fishing this next year. Total numbers may be less than this last year, but there should be more food available leading to bigger healthy fish.

Reports are already coming in about larger fish being caught on the lake.

Here is the barge loaded with nutrients headed out.

Senator Crapo came out to check out the progress on the nutrient project. Here he is with the Dworshak Corps of Engineers crew. Photos by Mitch Silvers

Check out the attached excerpt from the Intercom which is the Corps of Engineers internal agency quarterly news letter. It has and excellent short write up on the nutrient project as well as other Dworshak projects. It is a very large file and will take some time to open..

July

Great bunch of Cougar Fans on the Drift Creek Dock Very nice meeting you!

Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinic Benefit Cruise (7/28/07)

Saturday, Hal and Deb Joseph, Hal's nephew Hunter from New Jersey, Deb's father and some friends enjoyed the day on the houseboat MaryLou swimming, dining, skiiing and tubing. Hal and Deb were the successful bidders at the benefit auction for a day cruise on the lake. The auction was the annual Clearwater Hospital fund raiser. Congrats and thanks to the Joseph's for their donation. A good time was had by all, check out the pictures!

Dworshak Master Plan Groups Working on Consensus (7/16/07)

This past Monday, night the 4 groups that have been working individually on the future of Dworshak Management met to try and bring all of their previous work together. A professional facilitator is coordinating the previous work of the Water Access, Land Access, Land Management and Land Based Recreation groups. Management guidelines were developed over the last few years on twelve areas on the reservoir by each group individually. The groups are made up of local individuals concerned about the future of Dworshak.

The goal is to bring the groups ideas together by joint problem solving and consensus. These recommendations on the future management of Dworshak Reservoir will be used by the Corps of Engineers in the development of a Master Plan which will guide future implementation of projects and improvements or lack of development on the reservoir. More information is available at Dworshak Master Plan website.

Corps places temporary fire restrictions on recreation lands around Dworshak Reservoir (7/6/07)

Recreationists planning to visit Dworshak Dam and Reservoir should be aware of fire conditions and the temporary fire restrictions. Forest fuels have reached very dry conditions. To reduce the risk of wildfires, campfires (using established fire rings only) must be completely extinguished between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This limitation will be in effect immediately until fuel conditions change.

You can read all about the restrictions here.

Water Levels

Fish managers have called for increased flows from Dworshak due to temperature rises in the lower Granite pool and anticipated hot weather. The lake is dropping about 1 foot a day. 6/10/07

Is the reservoir a different green?

The nutrient supplement program is causing a different balance of microscopic organisms. Kokanee feed exclusively on zooplankton - tiny animals in the water. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton, tiny plants or algae found in the water. Phytoplankton growth is dependent on both nitrogen and phosphorus.

Not all kinds of algae are dependent on water-borne nitrogen. One type, blue-green algae, is able to pull nitrogen directly from the air. But it does more harm than good. It changes the clarity and color of the water, leaves a visible film on boats and tastes bad to zooplankton. When nitrogen levels in the water drop, the good phytoplankton stop growing. The supplement program is trying to fix that.

In previous years the blue green algae (bad stuff) was dominant. Now the good guys are taking over and the water is changing it's shade of green. In a few years the Kokanee should get bigger and already (in my opinion) there is appears to be less green fuzz growing on boats and swim docks.

Read about the nutrient supplement program here:
http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/planning/er/dworshak/NutrientSS/nutrient.htm

June

Thursday 6/21/05

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed the repair of one the Big Eddy marina anchors and cables.
All boats slips are open for customer use.

Thank you, Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, Clearwater County Search and Rescue divers and Idaho State Parks for your assistance.

Tuesday Eve 6/19/07

Barge is loaded with blocks and a buoy and ready to go and the pools full. Lets wish the Corps luck in their marina repair attempt.

Marina Update 6/19/07
Repairs could be complete on the dam gantry by Tuesday and work to re-secure the marina anchors may take place on Wednesday or Thursday. You can sort of get an idea of the size and weight of this anchor in the picture below. You really get a good idea of the weight by viewing this short video. It is a large file and may take a minute to open. Anchor movie.

CORPS NOTES: (6/8/07)

Corps moving to reattach Dworshak Marina anchor cable after initial test failure

WALLA WALLA, WA. -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials are moving ahead with plans to reattach one of Dworshak Marinas six anchor cables after their initial efforts were unsuccessful Corps a spokesman announced today. C
An outboard main marina anchor cable at the Big Eddy Marina, Dworshak Reservoir, which is operated by Dworshak State Park, first broke free from the floating winch platform in late April due to corrosion from aging and an improper adjustment following an earlier than normal rise in the reservoir. Afterwards, Corps officials advised the State to not allow the public to use
the marina until the anchor was fixed because high winds could cause more damage and or loss of property.

According to Paul Pence, Dworshak's Natural Resource Manager, "A new anchor and cable system were designed from two 24,000 pound concrete blocks, left over from dam construction, and ¾ inch stainless steel cable. On June 6th, we positioned the anchor above the drop location and then stretched out the cable in the water by moving the floating winch platform away from the
anchor barge to take up any the slack.

"After the last ropes were cut, the anchor gently slid off the barge, however, while dropping to the bottom, the cable tightened up and accelerated the winch platform across the surface of the water, submerging the platform halfway. When it surfaced, the anchor was no longer connected.

"Although this technique had proven successful in previous years," Pence said, "the buoyancy of the winch platform apparently prevented its success this time around.

"All of us are now working feverishly to correct this and barring any unforeseen obstacles, we expect to attempt a second repair late next week if all goes well and the weather cooperates. Safety for our staff and the public is always first, so the Big Eddy boat ramp and the area surrounding the marina will be closed during the anchor deployment operation.

Corps officials will construct a new 48,000lb anchor from two more old concrete blocks, and will use one inch cable this time to secure it to a large buoy he said.

"The buoy has far less surface area resistance in the water than the winch platform, so we think this will be successful. We are committed to fixing the dock components we are responsible for as soon as feasible so the public can get back to enjoying the lake without having to maneuver down the boat ramps each time. We appreciate your continued patience while we work to
improve this important facility," Pence said.

Information regarding the marina anchor problems or other lake recreation facilities can be directed to Corps of Engineers, Natural Resources Manager, Paul Pence, at 208-476-1258 Information regarding boat slip rentals, Big Eddy Marina, Freeman Creek, or Three Meadows group camp issues can be directed to Dworshak State Park at 208-476-5994.

CORPS NOTES: (6/6/07)

Marina repair update

"We attempted to set the new marina anchor and cable this morning. The anchor was attached to the floating winch platform with enough cable for the depth. The platform was then moved away from the anchor barge to take up the slack in the line. The anchor safely left the barge, all appeared to go well. The winch platform then sped across the surface until it violently
partially submerged near where the anchor was dropped. We then realized the winch platform was no longer attached to the new anchor on the bottom. Upon investigation the both the 3/4" SS and 1/2" SS cables were broken about 120'
below the winch platform. The cable was rated at a strength of 49,600lbs. We are investigating why this happened. We are moving forward with a plan to upsize all the cable and components for a second attempt in the next week or two.

We are all really down about this failure and are working hard to get the marina back in business for the recreation season.
The patience of the community so far is very much appreciated. We feel terrible that the marina is not repaired today as planned and ask for continued patience as we re-group for round two."

Thank You,
Paul J. Pence
Natural Resources Manager
Dworshak Dam and Reservoir

DWORSHAK OUTFLOWS REDUCED TO SAVE FOR LOW-FLOW SUMMER
Friday, June 01, 2007

Flows from central Idaho's Dworshak Dam were ratcheted down slightly Thursday and will be nearly halved this evening at the request of fish managers, who want a secured cache of reservoir water to cool Snake River reaches downstream later this summer.
(Read the whole article from the Columbia River Basin News Letter)

May

DRA / CORPS NOTES: (5/23/07)

Update on Marina Repair

May 23 - Update on the marina repair. The Corps has ordered all the material for the anchors, (both sides) at a total of $15,000. Some of the material will arrive this week, but most is not scheduled to arrive until after the Memorial Day weekend. The anchor blocks were moved and drilled waiting for the stainless steel supplies this past weekend. Tripco was hired with their huge rock loader to lift them.

The Corps and State Park would like to thank you marina moorage folks for your patience during in this effort.

Safety

There are water safety messages on the local radio. Expect to see a lot of protection / enforcement folks on the water this weekend as well as Corps Rangers talking a water safety message. Please recall 1 year ago the carbon monoxide deaths. Please be careful while recreating this holiday weekend. Heck, be safe all the time not just on the holidays!

Dent Facilities

The electrical service upgrade has been completed at Dent. All campsites at Dent Campground are now equipped with 20/30/50 amp service. Brownouts and tripped breakers on hot days should be a thing of the past. It's not good to come home after fishing and find your camper 120 degrees and stuff melting out of the freezer.

DRA / CORPS NOTES: (5/15/07)

Master Plan Working Groups

The update of the reservoir master plan is still in the works. Over the past few years, groups of interested public and other representatives developed management criteria to be used on Dworshak. Expect information in the near future for opportunities to participate on the finalization of the working groups plans. A contract request for proposal for a professional facilitator is out and will hopefully be awarded soon.

Update 5/16: The working groups have come back to life. The final consolidation of all four working groups; Land Access, Water Access, Land Management, and Land-based Recreation Facilities, will be taking place in the very near future. A Mr. Don Nelson has been awarded the facilitation contract for the working group come together. Mr. Nelson is the same person that facilitated the Elk Collaborative for Senator Crapo. He did an excellent thorough job on that project, and is expected to do the same on this project.

Marina Cable Repairs

The Big Eddy marina had one of the anchor tensioning cables break last week. The Corps and State have done risk analysis on the continued operation of the marina and come up with a plan to fix the problem. They have asked folks to delay mooring their boats until they can remedy the situation. If your boat is there they want you to know there is an anchor malfunction and a large wind could possibly damage the marina and your boat.

The anchor cable broke due to age, repeated stress and type of material. The cable is now a galvanized cable and does not work well in water.. The plan is to replace the entire anchor system with stainless steel which is stronger and wears much better.

Outfitting new anchors and cable and setting them in place is more feasible and economical than getting deep divers to attempt to fix the current system. The state is partnering with the COE to help where they can with the cost of the repairs. They have the contract out for the materials of approximately 20K for both outboard anchor cable systems on the marina. Only one is broken at this time but it is assumed the second one has sustained the same repeated stress so it will be replaced this coming fall.

The anchors that are in place now are the same concrete blocks as the Merry's Bay blocks you see on the shoreline. Those blocks will be used for the new anchors.

Cars, Trucks, Boats and Trailers

Just to clear some things up we asked the Corps about regulations in and around the boat ramps when it comes to parking. Obviously you can't park on the ramp. You will receive a warning and possibly a citation if you do not to mention you will inconvenience all other boaters and possible have some one back a trailer into your vehicle.. Boats cannot be left at the docks at the end of the ramps unattended except for returning your vehicle to the parking lot. If you have to go to town the boat must be on your trailer or pulled up to a beach away from the ramp. If you are going to town and don't want to pull your empty trailer you can leave the trailer unattended in the lot. Trailers left there for over 24 hours will be cited.

I would also consider the ease of someone making off with your trailer if you leave it unattended for any length of time. Leaving a trailer unattached to a vehicle in the lot for any length of time is the exception.

Eagles

The eagle nest is no longer active in Merry's Bay. Posted restrictions for hiking and boating in the area have been lifted. The biologist is unsure why the nest is vacated. Biologists indicate one possibility is predation but there is no clear explanation.

Merry's Bay Buoys

The Corps and State hosted a meeting May 8 to discuss the current and future of large boat moorage on the reservoir. The current buoys have encountered some problems getting tangled in the trees that are left on the bottom and they discovered that at full pool that the specs on the system may be exceeded in sustained winds of 70 mph. They added 100 feet of cable to each anchorage to boost the specs while the pool is high and will have to remove the cable as the pool drops. This is a maintenance cost that was not anticipated.

The future of large boat moorage as well as additional boat moorage in general was discussed. Mitch Silvers from Senator Crapo's office and Chris Kuykendall, Clearwater County Economic Development Specialist discussed the progress and continued planning on development of a large commercial marina on the reservoir. There are private industry folks interested but an infrastructure of power, water, sewer etc... would be necessary to move forward. Authorities and funds to do that are being pursued by Senator Crapo's office and Chris is working with them and others in that effort. Mitch encouraged folks to express their interest in the continued development of the facilities at Dworshak by contacting Senator Crapo's office by e-mail, regular mail or phone. It does help if they see the community is behind the development efforts.

Boat Registration Fees

The boat registration fee will increase next year. Starting in December it will increase by $7 bringing it up to a total of $20 for the base. Additional charges for length are then added to that base fee.

The Idaho legislature is also considering a flat fee for paddle craft, currently all the non-motorized canoes, drift boats and rafts that use all of the infra structure facilities are not paying a fee. The governor is supporting this change in boat registration fees.

Life Jackets

At a recent county Water Ways committee meeting the marine sheriff department informed us that they were surveyed by Corps of Engineers about a proposal to implement a nationwide policy of making life jackets mandatory for everyone on all waters under the jurisdiction of the Corps. The Corps national leadership has challenged the entire agency across the nation to reduce
drowning at their facilities by 40%. Mandatory lifejackets is an idea/concept that is being explored, details of the program are not worked out.

Nutrient Supplement Update

The five year fertilizer pilot project to try and reestablish a balance of base nutrients of nitrogen and phosphorous in the reservoir is under way. Presently the reservoir nutrients are out of balance and as such, microscopic zooplankton and phytoplankton are out of balance. Here is a link to the program summary and the study done by Canadian scientist, Dr. John Stockner.

http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/planning/er/dworshak/NutrientSS/nutrient.htm

This project became very difficult to implement as it is new and deals with adding fertilizer to the lake. A lot of work and collaboration took place between the COE, IDFG, IDEQ, EPA, Nez Perce Tribe and the Federal Congressional offices. If this works the way we expect, all aquatic organisms in the reservoir will be healthier. One side benefit may be more food to support more and/or
bigger fish populations.

GPS control units will be placed on barges to take readings and distribute the fertilizer according to the prescription. It may take two to three years to show results. But in the mean time check out the big fish....

Big Rainbow

Arthur Downhour landed the largest rainbow trout known out of Dworshak Reservoir on April 16, 2007. This fish weighed 10.58 lbs, measured 26 inches in length and had a girth of 20 1/8 inches.

Rainbow Trout - Photo from Clearwater Tribune

April

CORPS NOTES: (4/1/07)

The eagles have landed at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, and they are under the influence of spring. A pair of nesting bald eagles has been observed in Merry’s Bay. To help them be good parents, and to give them privacy, the Merry’s Bay Trail is closed and signs have been posted at the Merry’s Bay trailhead and the Bruce’s Eddy trailhead.

The area is also closed to boat traffic and maps of these closures are posted at all boat ramps. We request the public’s help for the “prospective” parents by respecting the temporary closures and reporting any violations to the Corps of Engineers office, Russ Davis, Wildlife Biologist, at 208-476-1203.

MARCH

CORPS NOTES: (3/10/07)

-Dent boat ramp will open for the season March 10th

-Dam View, Merry's Bay,Canyon Creek and Grandad rec areas open April 1st;

-Dent early season camping opens April 12th. Peak season for Dent Acres and Dent Group camp begins May
22. Dent reservations can be made online at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

- A highway 12 billboard is in the works to emphasize and educate on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

- Electrical service at Dent Campground and Freeman Creek campground is being upgraded on all sites to 50 amp service.
It will be available for use this spring/summer.

- Reservoir fertilization project appears to be on schedule, April start.

- Natural Resources maintenance position open, see USA Jobs.

- Eagles are back at the Merry's Bay nest exhibiting nesting behaviors.
Possible Merry's Bay trail closure again this year. (There were successfully fledged
young eagles last year!)

- Water is rising about .5 feet per day. Clearwater basin snowpack is about 85% of normal.
The accumulated water for the year is at 105%. March 31 reservoir level target is 1555.
Water level March 10 is 1541. Full pool as most of you know is 1600.

- Maintenance crews starting to unwinterize camps.

- Underwater camera inspection of cables, and anchors for marina and
houseboat buoys will take place March 6&7.

DRA NOTES: (3/10/07)

-Water temp is 42.

-The annual first gathering of spring house boaters is planned for St. Patricks Day weekend at the
destination dock in Merry's Bay.

JANUARY

DRA NOTES: (1/5/07)

The Waterways committee voted Thursday to send a letter of recommendation for all three of the grants discussed below to the Grant review board in Boise.

The Dworshak State Park manager has asked for letters or e-mails of support for the wave attenuation project (marina wave break). E-mail is acceptable. They will be included in the grant proposal package. Your support of the project by e-mail would help the cause so please take a minute to offer your support. The address is DWO@IDPR.state.id.us.

The DRA was asked for letters of support for all three projects. After discussions with the boating community / DRA members, the DRA board did send letters of recommendation for each project. The letters are available for review in WORD format below.

Wave Attenuation
Dent Ramp Dock
Sheriff Boat

The Corps of Engineers continue to pursuit the life jacket kiosks. Loaner life jackets would be available free at ramps if they can come up with funds, labor and donations of jackets. Contact the Corps of Engineers for more information.

APRIL

CORPS NOTES: (4/21/06)

• Additional Large Boat Moorage - Round 2 buoy installation to start May 1(6 more buoys), Phillips Marine from Seattle has the contract, Dworshak crew will operate barge in support.

• Eagles - The eagles have landed at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. Two pairs of nesting bald eagles have been observed, one near the Cold Springs Group Camp and the other in Merry’s Bay. To help them be good parents, and to give them privacy, Cold Springs Group Camp will be temporarily closed, along with approximately ½ mile of the trail to the camp. Areas posted include: the trailhead at Dent Bridge, on the trail approx. 1/4 mile east of the Cold Springs Campground, on the trail east of minicamp 12.4.
  
  In addition, the Merry’s Bay Trail is closed and signs have been posted at the Merry’s Bay trailhead and the Bruce’s Eddy trailhead.
  
  Both areas are also closed to boat traffic and maps of these closures are posted at all boat ramps. We request the public’s help for the “prospective” parents by respecting the temporary closures and reporting any violations to the Corps of Engineers office, Russ Davis, Wildlife Biologist, at 208-476-1203.
  
  
• Vandalism - It’s the kind of scene that makes you shake your head. The public restroom and information kiosk at Canyon Creek shot by vandals. Not far from the restroom, another dismal scene, mature grand fir trees cut down.
  
  It’s is a sight that’s becoming all too common. Every summer defaced property at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir adds up to an ugly, expensive problem.
  
  Last year, it cost the taxpayers, thousands of dollars to clean up property damage left behind by vandals. Damage ranged from defaced signs, to cut fences, to spray painted structures. It took Dworshak personnel many hours to repair the damage.
  Penalties for vandalism can range from a simple misdemeanor to a Class B felony, with fines and jail time possible for severe cases.
  
  “We work hard to keep our recreation areas and reservoir attractive and safe for our visitors,” said Mike Deitrick, Dworshak Park Manager. “The vandalism destroys places where children and families can come and enjoy themselves. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to destroy public property just for fun. Please, if you see any damage or vandalism call the sheriff’s office at 208-476-4521 or Dworshak at 208-476-1255. Help us keep your reservoir safe, clean and free of vandalism. Keep your eyes on the property like they were your own, because it is.”
  
  
• Facilities Open - Early season camping at Dent Acres has begun. No reservations needed and sites are $10.00 per night until May 23. Merry’s Bay day use area is open as well as Dam View Camping Area. Ramps at Grandad, Bruce’s Eddy #1, Dent Acres, Big Eddy and Freeman Creek are useable.

FEBRUARY

CORPS NOTES: (2/21)

Tail Race Steps

Buoy work on the reservoir is gearing up. We expect a March delivery of products to the staging area and in April we should start contract work on the installation of the last six buoys. The tailrace steps are nearing completion- we are waiting on the delivery and installation of the safety handrails. Look for new "paintings" near the boat ramps in early summer. (Hint- you won't be able to miss them!) The USACE has a new Education Center website. This site is for students, teachers, librarians and other educators to access our many educational resources. It can be found at: http://education.usace.army.mil/

JANUARY

CORPS NOTES: (1/21)

• Work is continuing on the fishing wall steps despite the rain!
  
  
  
  
• Dworshak Extreme Explorers- an after school program for 5th graders, sponsored by Dworshak National Fish Hatchery, Dworshak State Park and Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. Five 6th graders were brought back from last years program to be junior leaders and assist with all aspects of the meetings. Below the kids are learning how to tie the Palomar knot for fishing and learning to identify trees.
  
  
  

DRA NOTES: (1/12)

• Dworshak State Park has submitted a grant request to the State Department of Parks and Recreation, with the endorsement of the Corps of Engineers and Clearwater County Waterways Board, for funds to complete an Engineering Study for a wave attenuation (break) to be placed in front of the Big Eddy Marina. The request sites the two weather events in the past that severely damaged the marina structure and boats and safety on the docks, ramp and fuel station. DRA members have been suggesting the system for years and we appreciate the current park directors positive move and progressive thinking.
  
  
• The Corps of Engineers (COE) and Clearwater County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) will be working together this year in water safety related activities. Expect far more fun water safety presence on the destination docks and ramps this year by Ranger staff. The Corps has purchased a lot of water safety promotional stuff to give away. (Tattoos anyone?)
  
  
• The additional large boat buoys contract is still on schedule for this spring.
  
  
• The Corps submitted two grant requests: PFD loaner program, previously reported, would have free loaner life jackets available at the ramps for day use and a water hydrant upgrade for the Dent recreation area.
  
  
• Waterways Board working with the COE and CCSO is looking into publishing an educational boating brochure. Information would include water safety info, water hazards, ramp etiquette and how your boating fees are processed and used through the state and county systems to enhance your recreation opportunities.

DECEMBER

• Slow month :)
  

NOVEMBER

Corps Uses Logging and Fire to Enhance Habitat (11/30)

• Where there is smoke, there is fire, friendly fire! Billowing clouds of smoke filled the skies above Dworshak Reservoir Oct. 24-25 as fire scorched about 600 acres of woodland underbrush in the Little Bay area near Orofino, Idaho. Read the rest of the story and view a few pictures.

DRA NOTES: (11/11)

• The Corps has started plans to place safety / rescue devices on the destination docks. They should have them in place by the next boating season. These would be throwable roped devices to rescue swimmers in distress. Also in the works is the placement of clean up tools consisting of a broom and bucket on the docks.
  

• The Corps is applying for a grant to construct life jacket loaner kiosks at numerous locations on the reservoir. There would be a number of various sized life jackets available for free use and return. This safety program would make jackets available to those in need for the day.
  

• The new picnic tables have arrived and are installed on the destination docks.. They were purchased with WATERWAYS funds and assembled and placed by the Corps.

AUGUST

CORPS of ENGINEERS NOTES: (8/18)

• The Eagles have left the nest and the restricted areas are no longer closed to activities.
  
  
• The COE is waiting for the water to get low enough to cap off the Grandad ramp extension. The water has to get at least to -78 ft and then about a week of dry weather to place rip-rap rock around the parking lot and the end of the ramp. The COE was not able to complete this last year as the area never dried enough to move in heavy equipment.
  
  

  Your in put is requested: The new destination docks have proven to be a very popular and successful addition to our reservoir facilities. Tables have been donated by the Waterways committee and will be installed in the very near future. Question and possible poll for the website: If we were to be able to get two more docks, (No promises here, but we are working on it), where would you like them to go? Contact Paul Pence if you have an idea on the dock placements- 476-1258. Thank You!

  
  
• Paul Pence will be starting the fourth working group, Land-based Recreation recommendations. This group will focus on potential future recreation developments around the reservoir and make recommendations for the master plan. It was decided that this fourth group was needed to compliment the recommendations already made by the Land Access, Water Access and Land Management working groups. All those interested in participating should contact Mr. Pence at 208-476-1258. The first meeting is planned to be at the IDFG Myrtle building at 6:00 PM on September 13th.
  
  
• Contract for six additional large boat moorage buoys is in the process of being awarded with expected installation to be completed by 15 November.
  
  
• Dent Acres Phase two electrical upgrade of the campsites is tentatively beginning in September.
  
  
• Work should proceed this fall on the dam tailrace access steps at the fishing wall. The steps will provide a much safer access down the rip-rap to net fish caught above.
  
  
• The COE received notice of an Off-Highway-Motorized-Vehicle, OHMV, grant award from the State of Idaho to help fund the construction of the Little Meadow Creek campsite(s). The COE and P.L.A.Y. are working together to design and build the new pilot project campsite. The site is planned to accommodate 4-wheeler size and smaller vehicles as well as boat access and will contain a vault toilet and 8 – 10 campsites. Cleanup of the old log dump has begun. Little Meadow Creek is located just off the Silver Creek Road several miles downstream from the Grandad Bridge. The site will make a nice stop over point for potential future trail systems in the area as well as a nice new campsite at the lake.
  
  
• Fall 2005 and summer 2006 positions are open for volunteers at the Dworshak Visitor Center. Duties entail greeting visitors, stocking brochures, answering questions, giving tours (summer only), showing movies, answering the telephone. In return for volunteering, a full service campsite (within walking distance of the Visitor Center) will be provided. Contact Deb Norton at 208-476-1279.
  
  
• The COE is very interested in working with individuals or groups that are interested in developing some type of summer low-water community event on the reservoir. August seems like the ideal month. Our goal is to get folks back out on the water during the late summer to enjoy the warm water of the reservoir. If interested, please contact Paul Pence at 476-1258.
  
  
• Will you be traveling Highway 12 in the near future? If so, stop at the Visitor Center and pick up a set of informative audio tapes about Idaho’s Northwest Passage along Highways 12 and 13. Key sites along these highways are identified and described with the tapes and the accompanying journal. The tapes are free to use and must be dropped off or mailed back to participating agencies along the route.
  
  
• Volunteer camp hosts are needed for Dent Acres, in exchange for a full service campsite, volunteers are needed to greet guests, answer questions and track visitation. Contact Brian Buttazoni at 208-476-1274
  

JULY

DRA NOTES: (7/25)

• Lights have been installed on the Merry's Bay buoys.

• The Corps is looking into the possibility of adding two more large destination docks.
  
  

• Clearwater County Waterways is working with Latah County Waterways on the possibility of purchasing and providing tables on the destination docks. Layah County has agreed and this project is in motion.
  

  Summer time and the living is easy....

• The marina lift project design indicated that there are insufficient funds to complete the construction at this time. The limited funds will most likely be used to add the remaining six large boat buoys in Merry's Bay as identified in the original buoy plan.

• There is a possibility that a number of houseboats may be available for rent on the reservoir in the near future moored to some of the new buoys.

• The reservoir water level is beginning to drop as it does every year at this time. You can read the details on the current operating plan and the justification on the Corps web site.
  

JUNE

CORPS of ENGINEERS NOTES: (6/29)

• Fireworks of any kind are prohibited in all the Corps' parks and on its lands across the District.
  
  Restrictions aren't intended to limit visitors' ability to celebrate but rather to help all visitors have an incident-free occasion.
  
  The Corps and law enforcement officials will be out patrolling facilities all weekend and through the holiday,
  
  With the reservoir full, all mini-camp sites are available. They have all been recently cleaned and are ready for campers. The reserving of mini-camp sites along the Dworshak Reservoir shoreline is prohibited. The early placement of camping equipment at mini-camp sites to ensure a spot for the July 4th weekend can result in the removal of the camping equipment or a citation.
  

• Lights for the large boat tie off buoys have been received and will be installed as soon as time allows.

DRA NOTES: (6/22)

• The Corps of Engineers hosted a Clearwater County Development meeting and tour of the lake on Tuesday, 6/21. The probable marina sights and the lower end of the reservoir were toured. Attending the meeting were Paul Pence / COE, Chris Kuykendall / Clearwater County, Mitch Silvers Senator Crapo's Office, Kristi Stephens /Dworshak State Park, Sandy Clay Orofino Chamber of Commerce and Gord and Brenda Bushell from Three Buoys Houseboats in Sicamous, B.C. The meeting was a discussion on what facilities, infrastructure, amenities are in place or would need to be developed to facilitate the development of a large houseboat concession / marina on the lake. The Bushell's who manage a large concession / marina were offering their expertise to aid in the research and feasibility studies underway. The meeting lunch was on top of Ed and Annie Lozar's houseboat.

  
  
  

  Kristi, Sandy, Brenda, Gord, Chris, Mitch, Paul

DRA NOTES: (6/4)

• Chris Kuykendall, Clearwater County Economic Development, informed me that on March 24, 2005 the City of Orofino submitted two grant proposals for a large marina feasibility study. Proposals went to USDA Rural Development – Rural Business Enterprise Grants fund and ID Commerce & Labor GEM Community Implementation grant program. They should know by mid September if awarded.
  
  
• The corps has relocated the Merry's Bay dock slightly, moving it away from the day use area where it was tempting swimmers. The dock is about a half mile up reservoir on the east shore. Looking from the marina, it is across the lake and off to the right along the far shore about half way to Merry's Bay.
  

MAY

CORPS of ENGINEERS NOTES: (5/24)

• Another success story for wildlife at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir. A pair of nesting bald eagles have been observed near the Merry’s Bay trail. This is the third eagles nest observed along the reservoir, with the other two located near Cold Springs and Benton Creek. The Corps of Engineers is required to implement actions to minimize disturbances to the nest area and has posted the Merry’s Bay trail closed to all activities. (View a Map) We regret having to close the trail and request the public’s help for the “prospective” parents by respecting the temporary closures and reporting any violations to the Corps of Engineers office, Mike Deitrick, Park Manager, at 208-476-1256. THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY, THE EAGLES HAVE FLEDGED AND THE AREAS ARE NOW OPEN TO PUBLIC USE.
  
  
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir have received notification of grant funding from the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department for two projects. A grant for $69,770 was awarded for the completion of an upgrade to the electrical system at Dent Acres Campground. This improvement will ensure the facilities at Dent meet recreation vehicle needs today and in the future.
  
  In addition, a grant for $11, 184 was awarded for the purchase of a bathroom, picnic tables and campfire rings for a new Off Road Motor Vehicle campsite at the Little Meadow Creek log dump area located just downstream from the Grandad Bridge. This campsite will allow ORMV users a camping and meeting place with access to the reservoir via a designated ORMV trail from the Silver Creek Road.
  
  
• The new large boat buoys have been installed in the Merry’s Bay area. Currently, personnel are working through the final details of the state lease agreement.
  
  
• On May 19th regular season camping started at Dent Acres . Full hook-up sites are available for $16 per night. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 444-6777, or by visiting the website at www.ReserveUSA.com. Golden Age and Golden Access passports are accepted at Dent Acres.
  
  The campground at Dworshak State Park is open and taking reservations for the summer season. To make a reservation please call (208) 476-3132. Gas sales at Big Eddy Marina will be available beginning on Memorial Day weekend.
  Those seeking a more primitive camping experience can visit Dam View, Canyon Creek, Grandad campgrounds, or at one of over 100 mini-camps along the reservoir where primitive camping is available at no charge.
  For more information about the dam and reservoir contact (208) 476-1261 or (208) 476-1255. For up-to-date recorded information on reservoir levels and recreation opportunities call 1-800-321-3198.
  
  
• An inmate crew from the Department of Corrections, under the leadership of Officer Joe Turner, reconditioned and cleared the Big Eddy trail all the way to Freeman Creek. Brush was cleared, trees were trimmed back and washouts were repaired making the trail more enjoyable and accessible for the public. In addition, the crew is helping to clean up debris at Bruce’s Eddy.
  
  

  •Phillip Morin completed his Eagle Scout project by replacing a foot bridge on the Cold Springs trail approximately 1 mile from the trail head near Dent Bridge. Phillip is a member of Troop 536 (Scoutmaster- John Elsbury). Norm Steadman, U.S. Forest Service, helped Phillip with plans and designs for the foot bridge and helped figure the materials and supplies list. Ben Perkins, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, helped get the supplies and materials to the site and gave guidance and advice regarding installation of the bridge. Many thanks to Phillip, all of his helpers, scouts, kids and parents from Troop 536.

  Cold Springs Bridge

DRA Notes (5/5)

More pictures of the anchors and equipment are on the photo gallery page.

The Corps barge with a Grove portable crane on board. The orange buoy is the one that holds the anchor chain off the bottom. The anchor is about 35 feet down in the water. This picture is seconds before the equipment failure sent the anchor to the bottom.

APRIL

CORPS of ENGINEERS NOTES: (4/13)

• The eagles have landed at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, and they are under the influence of spring. A pair of nesting bald eagles has been observed near the Cold Springs Group Camp. To help them become Mom and Dad, and to give them privacy, Cold Springs Group Camp will be temporarily closed, along with approximately ½ mile of the trail to the camp. Areas posted include: the trailhead at Dent Bridge, the trail just west of minicamp 14.1, on the trail approx. 1/4 mile east of the Cold Springs Campground, on the trail east of minicamp 12.4, and on the shoreline surrounding these areas. The area is also closed to boat traffic and maps of these closures are posted at all boat ramps.

The area is now posted as closed, and we request the public’s help for the “prospective” parents by respecting the temporary closures and reporting any violations to the Corps of Engineers office, Russ Davis, Wildlife Biologist, at 208-476-1203.

• Early season camping has begun at Dent Acres Campground. Site fees are $10 per day by self-deposit registration. Regular season camping will start May 19th with full hook-up sites available for $16 per night. Reservations for the regular season can be made by calling (877) 444-6777, or by visiting the website at www.ReserveUSA.com.

The campground at Dworshak State Park is now open and taking reservations for the summer season. To make a reservation please call (208) 476-5994 before May 15th. Beginning May 15th the reservation number will be (208) 476-3132. Gas sales at Big Eddy Marina will be available beginning on Memorial Day weekend.

Those seeking a more primitive camping experience can visit Dam View, Canyon Creek and Grandad campgrounds, where primitive camping is available at no charge.

The day use area Big Eddy offers attractions to young and old. Big Eddy amenities include a swim beach, playground, picnic shelters and barbecue grills. The Big Eddy hiking trail is open all the way to Dworshak State Park. Take a hike along the Big Eddy trail and have a picnic at one of several minicamps along the way. The Merry’s Bay day use area offers secluded picnicking and fishing opportunities.

Turkey hunting season is here! Hunting is allowed on all Corps property around the reservoir except in developed recreation areas.

Be aware that ATV operation is prohibited off of designated roads, and behind gates or fences.

• The remaining log booms and other debris in the Bruce’s Eddy/Merry’s Bay area have been removed to the furthest buoy for storage.

• Anchors for the new houseboat buoys have been ordered and should be arriving this week. Knight Construction will begin assembly as soon as the products arrive.

• Noxious weed spraying will begin April 11 - 15, 2005 in the area of: "A" Road, "Q" Road, Big Eddy boat launch, Bruces Eddy boat launch, Powerhouse Road, View Point Road, Visitors Center, Garco Road and building, Maintenance building, Merrys Bay, Canyon Creek Campground, Dent Acres and Dent Acres Group Camp.

The spraying of ground-sterilizing chemicals around the guardrails and rock barriers will help prevent the spread of noxious weeds and eliminate weeds in areas with high potential for seed dispersal.

MARCH

VISITOR CENTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: (3/18/05) Work has begun on the construction of two full service campsites on the Visitor's Center Road. Individuals volunteering to work at the Visitor's Center during the recreation season will use these sites. Those interested in volunteering please contact Deb Norton at 476-1279.

WATER and the WEATHER: (3/8/05).... here is a quote from the folks that watch over the water...

"we have a pretty high likelihood of refilling Dworshak despite the current low water supply forecast. We have near a 90% chance (based on the current Water Supply Forecast (WSF) of 1.42 Million Acre Feet (MAF) of hitting full by 30 June. I also looked at the latest Extended Streamflow Prediction (ESP) forecast (that was the 44 years of weather and current conditions) and we filled to within 2 feet of full in all 44 scenarios and to within 1 foot of full in 38 of the 44 years. The ESP volumes we looked at ranged from 1.1 - 2.0 MAF."

MOORAGE: Large Boat Buoys (3/8): Bids were considered, and a contract has been awarded to Knight Construction out of Deer Park, WA. Award was $88,044.00 for 6 buoys and $12, 000 each for additional buoys. The project was a lot more expensive than first envisioned due to the size of the anchors required based on safety and design costs. Knight Construction, working with the Corps of Engineers, plan to install 6 individual buoys before May.

FEBRUARY

LARGER MARINA: (2/05) Chris Kuykendall, Economic Development Specialist, continues to work with the Corps and State on the scope of Marina. An economic analysis is needed and securing expertise for that is taking longer than anticipated.

CORPS of ENGINEERS NOTES: (2/05)

• Swim beach at Big Eddy has been cleared of rocks, drainage pipe reburied and extended, and new sand and sand holding devices are installed.
• Dent boat ramp opened early, 2/18.
• Planning underway to purchase rock to armor Grand Dad ramp and low water parking lot.
  
• Although the water/snow pack is down, ~50% for basin, if precipitation is average this spring the water should be get to full or very close. A few late season snowstorms would help.
  
• Off Highway Vehicle Pilot project at Little Meadow Creek is going forward, applied or a grant for supplies and materials. Call the Corps for more information.
  
• Dent campground electrical upgrades will be complete for 17 sites by end of March. A second grant has been applied for to complete the project at Dent in the 05-06 year.
  
• Parts are on site to refurbish the floating toilets but will take a while as the maintenance staff is spread thin.
• Design is proceeding on a mechanized lift for the Big Eddy Marina steps and for tailrace access steps at the base of the dam
  Hopefully the tail race steps can be constructed this year.
  

MOORAGE: (2/05) Contract proposals for the large boat buoys have been submitted to the Corps from contractors, they plan to award a contract for buoy installation hopefully Friday 2/18 pending some final paperwork. If things go well, buoys may be in place by April.

DECEMBER

DOCKS: (12/04) The summer and fall of 2004 marked the arrival of additional recreation docks. These are floating platforms