Big Bear Lake, CA — April 1st marks the official launch of boating season on Big Bear Lake, and the Big Bear Municipal Water District will re-open both the boat launch ramps on the North Shore, which have been closed over the winter months in order to serve as an American Bald Eagle habitat area. As of Thursday, the Carol Morrison East Boat Launch Ramp (just west of Stanfield Cutoff) will be open from 6am to 6pm seven days a week, with hours to be extended later in the season; the Duane Boyer West Boat Launch Ramp (just west of Fawnskin) will be open from 6am to 2pm in the month of April. All vessels on the lake will need to have a permit, available from the MWD offices on Lakeview Drive, the launch ramps and marinas on Big Bear Lake. Per Lake Supervisor Travis Carroll, any vessel with a motor will be charged $90 for a seasonal permit, whereas the cost for a non-registered vessel, which includes non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes and rowboats, as well as float tubes and sailboards, is $45 per season. “One thing we did change with those,” adds Carroll, “is that the price has been reduced, per our Board of Directors, from $25 to $15 for a one-day use pass.” This year, non-registered vessels, like all other boats, will need to have a Quagga Mussel inspection prior to launch; free inspections are available where lake permits can be purchased. Explains Carroll, “We want to have a face-to-face with everyone at least one time.” Another change in this boating season is that, per the state’s Department of Boating and Waterways, children under age 13 must wear a life jacket when on a boat or vessel that is 26 feet or less in length, and every person on board a jet ski is also required to wear a life jacket. “Just remember to boat safely,” reminds Carroll, “and know that the water temperatures are still extremely cold. Lake Patrol is still on limited hours through the month of April, meaning only on the weekends. For emergencies, always remember to call 911 and the MWD at 866-5796.”
In other news from the MWD, their Board of Directors convene on Thursday, April 1 at 1pm, during which time they will vote on adoption of updated ordinances pertaining to commercial operations on the lake.
