Ramp Closure Dec. 3

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Dave I. said:
This makes me think of 3 things:
1. The current launch ramps are nearing the channels edge and they just can't maintain the current ramp. But, the houseboats are still able to launch for a few more days which means there is still enough slope under the water for smaller crafts.
2. The show of unwillingness to maintain what is there because it's becoming a pain in the butt.
3. Or the fact that they are so short staffed that they don't have anyone to actually do the maintaining. Maybe it's not an issue if they want to or not, Maybe they just can't.

I want to hear what the Barney's at Bullfrog will do when someone goes to launch their boat and they were told it's "closed". It may not be a pretty picture, sad to say.

The closing of these ramps is going to be detrimental to small communities such as Hanksville that depends on the tourism. Me included.
I still thank my lucky stars that I live in such a beautiful place that still attracts tourism in many different ways. Offroad rescues are constantly on the rise, but I'm still doing my rain/snow dances as much as I can.
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My thoughts exactly. With the wording of on unmaintained banks at your own risk, it seems to convey the message they are yanking the plates so it’s not maintained in anyway, and at you own risk should/could negate the Barney problem. If they have an official closure I can imagine a problem with those who are in the law enforcement branch. If they do indeed take the steel plates away, it will make it harder and riskier to launch. It is pretty soft there. Hoping for the best.
 
Dave I. said:
I can't see having the services on one side of the lake and the ramp on th eother side.
To me, that just wouldn't make any sense.
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Yeah, it doesn't make any sense, but it might be the best option if Bullfrog Bay gets too shallow to have the marina facilities anywhere near the current location. The Halls location has deep enough water to maintain a marina down to minimum reserve pool, and has the type of terrain that could support lake access and ramps also down to that level. Bullfrog gets landlocked below about 3,500' elevation.
 
drewsxmi said:
The problem on the main spur ramp might be that the bottom is getting too soft for even plates to work. There is also a problem with lack of gradient. They probably don't want to have launch vehicles getting stuck frame-deep in muck, although it's better to have the vehicles getting stuck near the main ramp then many miles down some 4wd road.
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This goes back to people asking if they can launch over by the houseboat beaches/Hobie Cat. There are still a few solid places but there are several that are just feet deep black, stinky muck that will require pull out if you get 2 tires into it.

I have no doubt there are at least 1/2 dozen variables that come into play regarding the launch ramp usability that we aren't even aware of. Like I said before though, why make the rescues that much harder by putting the only option in a hard to get to spot? (Just verifying what you said , also. ;) )

Anyone know the reasoning why the executive ramp isn't being utilized? It was much steeper, but much less parking. Is it high and dry now or did they just shut it down because of spite again?
 
drewsxmi said:
The problem on the main spur ramp might be that the bottom is getting too soft for even plates to work. There is also a problem with lack of gradient. They probably don't want to have launch vehicles getting stuck frame-deep in muck, although it's better to have the vehicles getting stuck near the main ramp then many miles down some 4wd road.
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I agree, I think the mud will be the issue more than slope and water depth. If only there was a gravel pit close it would be a pretty easy way to keep the North end open. I also agree it will be a pain to split services between Halls and Bullfrog, that would make boarding a house boat a real challenge, plus you can't unload the small boats anywhere North. Its going to be an interesting year for us Northern folks. We may be going back to the days of having a chain in the vehicle and helping people out more often. @Dave I. may have to sit at the ramp and charge us all to get us back out! :) It would be great peace of mind knowing he was there to help.
 
Dave I. said:
This goes back to people asking if they can launch over by the houseboat beaches/Hobie Cat. There are still a few solid places but there are several that are just feet deep black, stinky muck that will require pull out if you get 2 tires into it.

I have no doubt there are at least 1/2 dozen variables that come into play regarding the launch ramp usability that we aren't even aware of. Like I said before though, why make the rescues that much harder by putting the only option in a hard to get to spot? (Just verifying what you said , also. ;) )

Anyone know the reasoning why the executive ramp isn't being utilized? It was much steeper, but much less parking. Is it high and dry now or did they just shut it down because of spite again?
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My understanding was that it shut down once the end of the concrete was reached since they didn't have any boiler plate to place down to prevent people from getting stuck. The stated intention is to build that ramp all the way down to allow launches at 3520', but who knows when that will get done.
 
There are plates at the spur ramp but it sounds like they are going to remove them? There are solutions to keep us launching in my opinion. I agree with @Dave I. in that they probably don't have the man power to get things done there, it is a little remote! But there are several ways to keep access if they had the resources and it is a shame to shut it down.
 
One thing that hasn’t been mentioned, but they probably don’t mind shutting it down to save on the AIS labor expense. I am sure someone is like ”hey we can save $3500 a month by closing the ramps. It is now required by law that you have to be inspected before you leave the recreation area. So, why would they want to keep the north end open until the spring for sporadic and minimal traffic. I am generally it every year during January and February. While I am not very happy about it, I will throw an extra fifty gallons of gas in five gallon cans to go where I want.
 
I know at Lake McConaughy they use huge tractors to launch on the sand beaches and it works well. Not sure how well boat trailers would hold up though hitting unseen rocks and being drug through silt.

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