The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir as the 2006 irrigation season draws to a close, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The recent years of drought have left the irrigation water supplies depleted resulting in irrigation deliveries ending earlier than normal again this year.

Based on the shutdown schedule provided by the Irrigation Districts, Guernsey Reservoir is expected to remain accessible for boating recreation through the weekend of August 26-27. Reclamation will begin drawing down Guernsey Reservoir on Monday, August 28. To avoid potential problems associated with declining reservoir levels, Reclamation advises that watercraft be removed from the reservoir by the evening of Sunday, August 27. Beginning on August 28, the reservoir will begin to decline rapidly as the irrigation season draws to a close. The reservoir will not be suitable for boating recreation until next year.

Boaters, recreationists, and irrigators should take proper precautions regarding changing river flows between Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs and the lowering of Guernsey Reservoir.