The Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest will be closing the Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp for critical repairs at the end of the day on October 2, 2018. The improved ramp will reopen for public use in April, 2019.
This closing of the ramp effectively closes the lower Snake River Canyon for the 2018 season as there is no option for taking out below West Table Boat Ramp, which is the traditional starting point for whitewater outfitter 8-mile trips. “We scheduled this repair for the time after the water dropped,” said Wild and Scenic River Manager David Cernicek. “The contractor going to be on-site and beginning work right away to minimize the interruption to recreationists and outfitters,” said Cernicek.
Cernicek emphasized the limited window in which construction on the boat ramp facilities can occur. “We purposefully waited until after Labor Day, but must begin the repairs while the weather, and lower water levels are favorable,” he said. “There is never a good time to close a boat ramp on a popular stretch of river, but we do appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we work to get these much needed repairs underway.” Cernicek is aware of the effect that the scheduled repair work at the ramp at the end of the whitewater section has on users, especially as the weather has stayed warm. “This is a huge impact on everyone, and all cooperation is appreciated,” he said. The Snake River Canyon sees an average of 150,000 boaters annually during June, July, and August.
The Sheep Gulch Boat Ramp repairs consist of stabilizing, reinforcing and lengthening the ramps. “They have sustained significant damage from past high water events,” Cernicek said. Contributions toward the construction project have come in from: Lewis and Clark Expeditions, Dave Hansen Whitewater, Snake River Park, Barker Ewing River Trips, Jackson Hole Whitewater, Sands Whitewater, Mad River, The Grand Teton Association, Wyoming Game and Fish, Snake River Fund, Teton Conservation District, Jackson Hole One Fly, and Forest Service outfitter fee retention monies (FLUREA). For more information, contact the Bridger-Teton at 307-739-5500
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