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By Miriam Raftery
March 3, 2023 (Alpine) – Loveland Reservoir near Alpine remains closed to public access for fishing, hiking and recreation since storms in January destroyed the floating fishing dock and caused severe erosion. The damage occurred after Sweetwater Water Authority drained the lake to an unprecedented dead pool status, killing off fish and destroying habitat. Even after January’s heavy rains, Sweetwater again drained the reservoir – angering recreational enthusiasts and environmentalists.
On Thursday, March 23 at 6 p.m., the Alpine Community Planning Group will hear a presentation by Sweetwater on the current and future state of Loveland Reservoir.
Friends of Loveland Reservoir, a group formed to advocate for restoring the lake, states, “We desperately need community members to show up and calmly and professionally share the importance of the Reservoir. If Sweetwater does not hear from us, they will understandably believe this matter is not important to us and will continue down their chosen path.”
Friends of Loveland Reservoir note that the U.S. Forest Service established a partnership with Sweetwater to “provide public fishing access,” according to a sign still posted at the closed reservoir. In exchange for a land parcel previously owned by the USFS near the reservoir, Sweetwater provided land near Descanso to he National Forest System to increase habitat in Cleveland National Forest, while Sweetwater improved public fishing access at Loveland to benefit the community.
Residents are asking Sweetwater, federal and local officials to make sure those promises to the community are honored, not broken.
The ACPG Meeting will be held at The Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard in Alpine.
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