VERNAL — With the growing popularity of Flaming Gorge Reservoir, user conflicts have been identified pertaining to public safety.

Providing for the safety of all visitors is a priority for the Ashley National Forest.

The first issue is the conflict of use and safety concerns at boat ramps in both Utah and Wyoming. Fisherman and those trying to launch boats at the boat ramps have come into conflict at these locations.  The primary purpose of the boat ramps is to allow the launching and retrieval of boats from Flaming Gorge Reservoir.  Fishing on the ramps has caused a safety concern for those trying to launch and retrieve boats and docks.

The Ashley National Forest has issued a closure order for fishing at boat ramps in Utah and Wyoming to retain the primary purpose of these areas, the launching and retrieval of boats and docks. Boat Ramps affected by this order include: Firehole Boat Ramp, Buckboard Marina Boat Ramp, Brinnegar Ferry Boat Ramp, Anvil Draw Boat Ramp, Lucerne Marina Boat Ramp, Cedar Springs Boat Ramp, Mustang Boat Ramp, Antelope Boat Ramp and Sheep Creek Boat Ramp.

The second issue addressed is fishing within designated swimming areas at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.  Swimming areas were designated at Flaming Gorge Reservoir to allow swimmers areas free from hazards such as boat traffic.  The primary purpose of swimming areas is to allow swimming; fishing in these areas is dangerous for swimmers.  To address this issue the Ashley National Forest has issued a closure order for fishing within designated swimming areas on the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. These designated swim areas include Swim Beach swim area within the Lucerne Marina Recreation Complex, and the Sunny Cove swim area within the Mustang Ridge Recreation Complex.

–From a press release