Colorado’s Stagecoach State Park Opens to Boating
OutdoorHub 05.03.13
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has opened Stagecoach State Park to boaters, with the Marina Boat Ramp now open and the Morrison Cove Boat Ramp scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. The Stagecoach Marina store will be open Friday, May 24 and will offer basic camping supplies, boating needs and boat or canoe rentals.
Due to early season conditions, Colorado Parks and Wildlife cautions boaters to be on the lookout for floating debris and unmarked hazards.
“When it comes to boating, safety is our main priority,” said Craig Preston, Park Manager at Stagecoach State Park. “Before you head out on the water, we recommend you physically inspect your required safety equipment left in the boat the previous year.”
Preston says that a thorough inspection will reveal required items inadvertently removed from the vessel or that are in non-functioning condition, including torn life jackets and fire extinguishers that have expired over the winter.
“Boaters are responsible for identifying and replacing any missing items before launching,” he said. “You don’t want to learn that your flotation device is missing or will not function as intended as a severe storm rolls in.”
Boaters can ask a Park Ranger for a safety inspection anytime at any water based state park.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges the public to wear their personal floatation device at all times, keep an eye on the weather, avoid alcohol and follow all boating rules and regulations. In addition, youth 12 years and younger are required to wear a personal flotation device at all times while boating.
Park personnel remind boaters that all trailered or motorized vessels must go through an aquatic nuisance species inspection prior to launching, however inspection stations are not staffed until mid-May. Boaters visiting Stagecoach State Park must obtain the required inspection at the park’s office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Citations will be issued to boaters who launch without the required inspection.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds the public to help prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species by always cleaning, draining and drying your vessel.
