C.J. Strike Spillway Update - BAD NEWS!

[StacyR]

I made a thread a few days ago asking about the status of the spillway, but I figured it was important enough to make a new thread. I contacted Idaho Power through their web site feedback form asking about the closure. Here's the response I received today:

Thank you for contacting us about the spillway access at Idaho Power’s C.J. Strike Dam. Access was restricted last year initially due to sturgeon population monitoring, and later because of repairs being made to a spill gate. Sturgeon monitoring required placement of sensitive instruments and the spill gate maintenance required heavy equipment operation and concrete work, which created an area unsuitable for recreation access.

For some time, federal regulatory agencies as well as our own personnel, have expressed concern for public safety and facility security at C.J. Strike. The decision was made to permanently close off access to the hydroelectric facility. This position is in alignment with regulations at other facilities nationwide. We understand this area has been popular with anglers for many years. However, we are confident that extensive improvements made to the parks, boating facilities, and the C.J. Strike Wildlife Management Area will continue to provide ample opportunities for angling.

We intend to install signs and update our website to reflect the change.

I hope this helps

Basically, shore anglers are going to lose their only access point to deeper water. The other public access points are either on shallow flats or have dropoffs beyond casting distance.

What really cheeses me off is the fact they didn't even make an announcement or ask for public input beforehand. I have written back requesting contact information for whoever we can contact to protest the decision.
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