Six of the San Diego region’s most popular lakes will reopen for boating, fishing and other recreation over the next two months, officials announced Friday.
El Capitan Reservoir and Upper Otay Reservoir are scheduled to reopen for public use this Saturday, followed by San Vicente Reservoir the following Saturday, June 13.
Lake Hodges, Sutherland and Barret reservoirs will end lockdown restrictions on July 1, 3 and 8, respectively, according to local leaders.
Miramar, Murray and Lower Otay reservoirs have been open since May. The first two of those lakes are largely used by bikers and walkers, not boaters.
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The decision was made by San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer after a number of elected officials called for the change. The city owns and operates the reservoirs for drinking water.
For weeks, the recreational fishing community had complained of a double standard as restrictions on beaches and parks eased. They argued that boating poses little risk for transmission, especially when compared with other outdoor activities.
Faulconer’s team issued a statement on Friday explaining the decision on the lakes:
“As San Diegans continue to flatten the curve by doing the right thing, we are able to begin reopening many of our recreational spaces like our lakes in a safe and responsible manner. A lot of San Diegans have a passion for fishing and boating, and we’ve been able to partner with the county to reopen all of our lakes and reservoirs to the public.”
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The city is now considering raising fees at the lakes to ensure that there’s enough funding to pay for increased staff related to maintaining public health guidelines. The San Diego City Council and the county Board of Supervisors will need to approve any changes.
“These lakes are regional treasures and, thanks to Mayor Faulconer, (Poway) Mayor (Steve) Vaus and others, I think we’ve come up with a funding proposal that will float,” said county Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “By focusing on the COVID-19 related costs, I think the county can play a role in opening the lakes back up.”
Those using the lakes will be required to wear face mask and bathrooms will be cleaned regularly, city officials said.
Ocean sportfishing remains closed in San Diego, despite a number of other regions around the state allowing the business to resume. Advocates hope the decision to reopen will come down from county health officials within days.
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“I’m sitting literally on the edge of my seat waiting to hear from them right now,” said Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California, which is based in San Diego.
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June 06, 2020 at 07:11AM
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Six San Diego Lakes will reopen from coronavirus shutdown for boating, fishing - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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