News Release Archive

Reclamation-managed recreation areas east of the continental divide in Montana are increasing access in phases

Media Contact: Jack Conner, 406-670-3778, jconner@usbr.gov

For Release: May 19, 2020

BILLINGS, MT – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities, Reclamation’s Montana Area Office- managed sites east of the continental divide are increasing recreational access. The Bureau of Reclamation is working across the 17 western states in close coordination with federal, state and local authorities to actively monitor the COVID-19 pandemic while using a phased approach to increase public access on a case by case basis.

As of May 18, 2020, the following are publicly accessible:

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

  • Day use areas
  • Some primitive campgrounds are open for overnight use including:
    • Confederate
    • Duck Creek
    • Dispersed camping near Goose Bay Marina
  • Boat launching ramps where accessible
  • Restroom facilities on a limited basis
  • Marinas
    • The public is encouraged to contact individual marinas directly for questions concerning specific services offered:
      • Goose Bay Marina: 406-266-3065
      • Yacht Basin Marina: 406-475-3440
      • Kim’s Marina, 406-475-3723
      • Silos Recreation Area: 406-266-3100

Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell)

  • Overnight camping
  • Group use shelters
  • Day use areas
  • Boat launching ramps where accessible
  • Restroom facilities

Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs

  • Overnight camping
  • Group use shelters
  • Day use areas
  • Boat launching ramps where accessible
  • Restroom facilities

Clark Canyon Reservoir

  • Overnight camping
  • Group use facilities
  • Day use areas
  • Boat launching ramps where accessible
  • Restroom facilities

While Reclamation is working diligently to open all sites as soon as possible, with public health in mind, the following remain inaccessible or closed at this time:

Canyon Ferry

  • All other developed campgrounds not listed above
  • Most restroom facilities
  • Group use sites

Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell)

  • Tiber Marina is scheduled to open May 23, 2020. The public is encouraged to contact Ru’s Tiber Marina at 406-759-5637 for specific questions.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners continues to be paramount. At recreation areas managed by Reclamation, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and be regularly monitored.

While these public areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to use a phased approach and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, including the regulations listed in the Montana Phased Approach Directive issued by Governor Steve Bullock for recreation facilities and services. In addition, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles and avoid crowding. Additionally, Reclamation wants to remind the recreating public of the 14 day stay camping limit and must not leave personal property unattended for more than 24 hours.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in recreation areas and open spaces to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on facilities and operations managed by the Montana Area Office will continue to be posted on our website.

For more information, visit https://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/. Learn more about CDC Guidance on staying safe while recreating at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.