The Big Springs Boat Launch

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit with Liz Davies of the Forest Service and the subject of the Big Springs boat launch came up. The road that loops past the river has cratered to the point of being almost impassable. The launch is used by Chad Bauer at Mack’s Inn for which he pays a substantial concession fee but three quarters of launch users are private individuals/vacationers. Liz advised during our meeting that funds were not available to fill the holes and grade the road to the ramp.

Last Friday, Liz informed me that the Forest Service in cooperation with Fremont County is applying for a grant to fix the boat launch road. She suggested that if the community can assist in hauling and spreading the road base, the Forest Service may be able to supply the rock and grade the road. I have visited with several individuals who have shown an interest in donating time and equipment to fix this problem.

There are several issues that need to be addressed by the Forest Service as primary landholder in the caldera. Liz Davies’ hope as well as mine is that more of these projects can be addressed as cooperative projects between local residents and the Forest Service.