New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
Media contact: Dan Williams, (505) 476-8004
Public contact: (505) 476-8000
dan.williams@state.nm.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, AUG. 17, 2012:

LAKE LEVELS PROMPT SUSPENSION OF BOATING AND BAG LIMIT LIFTING AT SANTA ROSA

SANTA ROSA -- Anticipating a 5-foot  drop in the water level at Santa Rosa Lake, the Department of Game and Fish announced an emergency fish salvage order in which all bag limits and size restrictions are to be lifted at the lake from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 17, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20.

Rules for legal fishing tackle and methods of taking fish will remain in place during the salvage period, and all anglers ages 12 and older are required to have a license.

The salvage order is issued to allow anglers to catch as many fish as possible to avoid potential spoilage while the lake is being drawn down.     

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers advised that low inflow of water combined with a planned, routine release of water from Santa Rosa will drawdown the reservoir to the point where boating will be suspended Aug. 21.  On that day, Santa Rosa park rangers will close access to all boat ramps and docks will not be accessible. The lake will remain open to the public for shoreline fishing and other recreation activities around the state park.

Santa Rosa Dam is the first major dam along the Pecos River, and its reservoir has a 2,434 square mile contributing drainage area.  According to the Corps, the reservoir is a main component in the Pecos River Basin comprehensive plan, providing irrigation storage, flood control and sediment retention.  Although the reservoir is a Corps' managed lake, the campgrounds and most recreation areas are managed by the New Mexico State Parks Division. 

For more information, please call Santa Rosa Lake State Park, (575) 472-3110, or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (505) 342-3171 or the Department of Game and Fish (505) 476-8000.

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