While the ongoing drought will not keep Don Pedro Reservoir from being open for recreational purposes this summer, officials say to expect operational changes to the reservoir due to low water conditions.
According to the Don Pedro Recreation Agency, all camping areas of Fleming Meadows will be operated as usual, in addition to the swimming lagoon, Trading Post and Snack Shop.
At Blue Oaks, the group camp facility will be fully open alongside the partial hook up campsites, with the tent only areas opening on holiday weekends and as needed for over-flow camping. Additionally, the full hook up campsites and two of the four tent camping areas at Moccasin Point are set to be fully open.
For those out on the water, the Moccasin Point marina is projected to move its floating facility and associated houseboat moorings to the west end of the lake, near Blue Oak and Fleming Meadows, in mid-May or early-June. However, a land based store will continue to provide ice, firewood, drinks, and fishing gear at Moccasin Point.
Although the reservoir will be open for business during the summer months, the Don Pedro Recreation Agency has announced some operational changes to the reservoir due to low water conditions, including:
• The Fleming Meadows boat launch will be reduced from five to two lanes in mid-June.
• The Blue Oaks launch ramp is projected for closure in mid-May due to low water conditions; unimproved shoreline access is projected to be available all year.
• The Moccasin Point launch ramp is projected for closure at the end of May due to low water conditions. Unimproved launch for shallow hulled boats is projected to be available until July 1.
• Several 5 MPH zones and floating restroom facilities will be moved and reconfigured with the dropping lake elevations; and, the area from Fleming Meadows west to the dam will become a 5 MPH zone due to a temporary presence of boat moorings.
While many local families have enjoyed watching the Fourth of July fireworks show at Don Pedro Reservoir in previous years, the agency says that there will not be a fireworks show in 2014 due to the diminished available surface acreage on the water in the fireworks fall-out zone.
For more information on the changes to operations during the summer months at the Don Pedro Reservoir, call the Don Pedro Recreation Agency at 852-2396.