News Release Archive

The Bureau of Reclamation is increasing access to Scooteney Park and Summer Falls Recreation Area

Both areas will be accessible for day-use only

Media Contact: Michael Coffey, 208-378-5020, mcoffey@usbr.gov

For Release: June 15, 2020

EPHRATA, Wash. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities, access will be increased at Scooteney Park and Summer Falls Recreation Area, beginning June 15. The Bureau of Reclamation is working across the 17 western states in close coordination with federal, state, and local public health authorities to actively monitor the COVID-19 pandemic while using a phased approach to increase public access on a case-by-case basis.

Day-use-only recreation will be available, and single-stall restrooms will be open at both locations. Scooteney Park is located 36 miles south of Moses Lake on State Highway 17. Summer Falls Recreation Area is located 36 miles north of Moses Lake on the north end of Billy Clapp Lake near State Highway 28 in Grant County. Both facilities are located in Washington State.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders continues to be paramount. Our operational approach at both areas will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands 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.

While these public areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, the public is expected to follow local area health orders for the State of Washington, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and practice social distancing.

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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.

Relevant Link:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html

https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm