FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE05-04
February
25, 2005
Contact:
Ian Michaels
(718) 595-6600
West
Branch Reservoir to be Closed to Ice Fishing Beginning March
3rd
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
announced today that the West Branch Reservoir in Putnam County
will be closed to ice fishing beginning Wednesday, March 3.
The restriction is required to protect anglers as water levels
in the reservoir are increased to accommodate nearby construction.
The water level changes will begin March 3 rd and will disturb
the existing ice pack. This may create unsafe weak spots in the
ice that will not be readily apparent to people walking on the
surface.
Regular fishing from the shoreline will not be affected and will
remain available to people who have a valid DEP Access Permit.
DEP has begun to post closure notices at all the main ice fishing
points at West Branch and is also contacting members of the fishing
community. DEP Police will have additional patrols at West Branch
beginning next week to help inform people of the restriction.