Seasonal Changes Coming At New Melones

Sonora, CA — The Bureau of Reclamation reports that several recreation areas at New Melones will soon close for the season so that necessary maintenance tasks can be performed and natural resources can recover. Many areas that will remain open will have reduced hours. Annual recreational closures will run from October 1 through March 31.

·  Closures in the Tuttletown Recreation Area as listed: Chamise and Manzanita Campgrounds and Oak Knoll Group Camp. The Tuttletown Boat Launch remains closed due to the low water level. All other locations in Tuttletown will remain open year-round.

·  Closures in the Glory Hole Recreation Area as listed: Big Oak Campground, Ironhorse Campground sites 8-22, 45-59, and 70-89, and Osprey Point Day Use Area. All other locations in Glory Hole remain open year-round.

·  Beginning Sept. 15, 2016, gates for both recreation areas will be closed one hour earlier, at 10 p.m.

·  Beginning Oct. 15, 2016, through March 31, 2017, gates for both recreation areas will be closed at 9 p.m.

·  Beginning Sept. 15, 2016, the New Melones Lake Visitor Center & Museum will be open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as staffing allows, and closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Visitors should be aware that accessing the shoreline by foot can be difficult in areas due to the low water level. The water level at the lake fluctuates frequently, and Reclamation encourages all boaters to use caution while navigating the lake. Some existing and new hazards may emerge as the lake’s surface elevation gradually drops.