Bureau to close bays to motorized boats on Lake Roosevelt

The Bureau of Reclamation will install wooden log booms across Moonbeam Bay and the bay at Redford Canyon beginning in late October, the agency announced Tuesday.

During construction, and upon completion of the project, motorized watercraft will be prohibited in each of these areas. Non-motorized activities will continue to be allowed in both bays, the bureau press release said.

The log booms are being placed to reduce shoreline erosion from wave action to protect critical resources in these areas. The log booms will span approximately 675 linear feet at Moonbeam Bay and 645 linear feet at Redford Canyon.

Both bays are located upstream of Grand Coulee Dam on the north shoreline of Lake Roosevelt. Moonbeam Bay is located about 15 miles from the dam and Redford Canyon is located about 24 miles from the dam.

The agency, which has noted in a draft environmental assessment that the sites were popular with locals and visitors, said it made the decision after taking public comment on the idea last winter.

"Visitors who currently use Moonbeam Bay for camping, anchoring boats, and/or day-use picnics will find nearby alternate sites at China Bay, Covington Cove, Swawilla Basin, and unnamed bays and beaches on both the south and north side of the reservoir," the document states.

Those who want more information about the project can download the Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/shoreline/index.html.