Lake McClure
Sierra Sun Times file photo
April 27, 2020 - Residents within 10 miles of Lake McClure, as well asresidents within Coulterville and La Grange, will have access to limited recreation at Lakes McClure and McSwain, Merced Irrigation District announced on Sunday. This is in addition to the access provided to residents from Mariposa County and the Eastern Merced County communities of Snelling, Planada, Le Grand, Merced, Atwater, Winton, Cressey and Livingston.
Beginning Monday April 27, the lakes can be accessed by these residents for shore fishing, hiking and biking between dawn and dusk. No camping, boating or houseboating are permitted at this time.
The two reservoirs are located within Mariposa County. MID has been continuing to coordinate park operations with county health officials. County health departments are tasked with interpreting and implementing emergency health orders originating with the governor of California.
“What we are announcing right now are first steps – not the final steps – in restoring recreation at Lakes McClure and McSwain,” said MID Parks Director Brooke Gutierrez. “We appreciate the difficult task that local health officials with Mariposa County have during these unprecedented times and are grateful for their ongoing conversations with us about allowing access to the parks as they balance their duties to protect public health.”
As of Monday April 27, Park facilities will be open for day use at Lake McSwain, and at McClure Point and Barrett Cove on Lake McClure. The Exchequer Bike Park will also be open. Horseshoe Bend and Bagby recreation areas will remain closed until further notice.
Day-use visitors to the parks are required to continue social distancing and should bring their own soap and hand sanitizer.
No overnight camping will be permitted at this time, nor will any on-water recreation — including boating or houseboating. Playground and picnic areas will remain closed for the time being. MID intends to open more facilities in the coming weeks and will continue working with state and local agencies for clearance. We appreciate visitors continued support and patience in order to do so.
In early March, all facilities were closed in response to the coronavirus state of emergency declared in California. Since that time, MID has continually monitored orders, directives and recommendations from state and local health officials with an intent to restore recreation as quickly as possible, while protecting public and employee health.
For more information, please visit www.LakeMcClure.com or click here.
Source: MID
Related: MID Announces Limited Access Allowed for Shore Fishing, Walking and Biking at Lakes McClure and McSwain in Mariposa County Beginning Monday, April 27, 2020
