Hiring shortage affects boat ramps

Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir partially open in May

Boat ramps will remain only partially open due to hiring shortage at Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir.

According to a news release, Larimer County has not been able to hire enough Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) inspectors, so boat ramps at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake will be partially open this May.

“A lack of seasonal staff is impacting our ability to open all six ramps on May 1,” Dan Rieves, Horsetooth Reservoir district manager, said in the release. “We are working diligently to fill the gaps, and we ask the community for their patience as they arrive for a day on the water.”

Visitors should expect a wait when entering or exiting the water, the release stated.

Beginning May 1, at Carter Lake the North Pines ramp will be open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. every day, the South Shore ramp will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only, and the North Ramp/marina will remain closed.

At Horsetooth Reservoir, the South Bay and Inlet Bay ramps will be open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. every day, while the Satanka ramp will remain closed.

The Satanka Bay cove at Horsetooth Reservoir will convert to a non-motorized use zone (paddlecraft only) from May 27 through Sept. 5.

Ramps hours may be extended mid-may based on continued hiring, the release stated.

Ramps also could be closed for poor weather conditions, water level or staffing constraints.

Both reservoirs frequently reach capacity during the week and on weekends, especially during the summer, the release noted.

To avoid waiting, visitors can arrive early (before 9 a.m.) or late (after 4 p.m.), or they can check parking webcams before arrival. To view parking lot webcams, visit larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/webcams.

To learn about seasonal jobs available in the Department of Natural Resources, visit governmentjobs.com/careers/ colarimerco.

For the up-to-date schedule of boat ramp hours, visit larimer.org/boating.