News Release
NPS, Todd Johnson
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Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406
Lovell, WY – Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is notifying the public that the lake level has reached 3617 feet. The National Park Service (NPS) has installed the boat launch ramp at Horseshoe Bend. However, the NPS recommends launching only non-motorized boats and small fishing boats until lake levels are higher. Larger boats should use the ramp at Barry’s Landing.
Boaters launching at Horseshoe Bend should stay within the river channel and areas to the north of Horseshoe Bend. Caution is required in the Horseshoe Bend, south narrows, and causeway areas of the lake as large islands of mud remain exposed or are present just below the water’s surface. There is also some additional maintenance that the NPS needs to complete when lake levels are higher, such as reattaching the log boom that is currently blocking parts of the channel.
Barry’s Landing and Kane boat ramps remain open. Trail Creek and Horseshoe Bend Campgrounds are open (campground fees apply) and all south district trails remain open to provide healthy outdoor options for the public. These areas continue to be monitored daily.
Fort Smith, MT – Following guidance from state and local public health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in consultation with the Crow Tribe, Bighorn Canyon is planning to increase recreational access on the North District, near Fort Smith, MT.
On June 3, 2020, Bighorn Canyon will reopen access to:
• Afterbay Lake access near Government Camp
• Ok-A-Beh launch ramp
• Ok-A-Beh Public Restrooms
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
• Government Camp
• The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, near Fort Smith, MT, and the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center, near Lovell, WY.
• Ok-A-Beh Marina, slips, and fuel docks.
During the week of June 1, the NPS will consult with the Crow Tribe and monitor conditions to determine whether to reopen the following facilities near Fort Smith:
• The Afterbay Campground (campground fees apply)
• Headgate Trail
• Beaver Pond Trail
• MK Hill Picnic Area
Please keep in mind that the Crow Tribe has issued a directive requiring any individual coming into their reservation for non-work related purposes to self-quarantine for 14 days. This directive is to discourage out-of-state visitation, reduce strain on resources, protect health care workers during the pandemic and reduce the spread of COVID 19.
Park Wide - The maintenance staff strives to clean restroom facilities in the park to the highest standards and keep them stocked, however, visitors should be advised that frequently used restroom facilities do pose a risk to the spread of COVID-19 and visitors should bring their own hand sanitizer.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. At Bighorn Canyon our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
The park’s interpretive staff have been developing and sharing virtual tours of Bighorn Canyon on the park’s social media platforms for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time. You can find those tours and updates to phased opening at:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BighornCanyonNRA/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bighorncanynps/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BighornCanyNPS
Last updated: May 29, 2020