DWR improving Oroville recreation areas

OROVILLE – Enhancements to several Lake Oroville recreation areas are in the works this summer as the state Department of Water Resources makes good on its promise to improve lake access ahead of Oroville Dam relicensing.

Some means of getting more people out on the water include adding boat launch lanes and parking spots and providing free shuttle services. The start of several of these projects would be triggered by an a stamp of approval on the settlement agreement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, but the signatories are still waiting on that – 12 years later.

DWR is not contractually obligated to do all of the projects underway, however. In fact, it’s spending an additional $17 million on improvements outside of what’s required. For instance, the department is currently operating two shuttles at Bidwell Canyon, two shuttles at Lime Saddle and one shuttle at Loafer Creek.

This, of course, comes after reputational damage, for both the city as a place to visit and the department, following the Oroville Dam crisis.

In May, two new boat launch With the Loafer Creek Campground boat ramp open, many houseboats are seen on Lake Oroville on June 12. The Department of Water Resources plans to add boat lanes at Loafer Creek Point later this year.

lanes were added at Bidwell Canyon, and parking was expanded at Lime Saddle. The settlement agreement only called for the addition of one lane at Bidwell Canyon, said Erin Mellon, assistant director of public affairs for DWR.

The department plans to advertise for bids for a parking expansion at the Bidwell Canyon Marina in August and expects to finish the project by the end of the year.

Phase two of work at Bidwell Canyon Saddle Dam Trailhead should start in August. Improvements to the trailhead were included in the settlement agreement but a parking expansion is “above and beyond” the settlement agreement, Mellon said.

DWR is reviewing plans to add boat ramps at Loafer Creek Point. Construction on that project could start in the fall.

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We’ll have to wait and see. Only time will tell.