Elk Creek Boat Ramp and Forest Road 120A closed

Citing public safety concerns, officials with the Boise National Forest issued an order last week that temporarily closed the Elk Creek Boat Ramp and Forest Service Road 120A on the west side of Anderson Ranch Reservoir.

The order prohibits all public entry to the area, including pedestrians, street vehicles, bicycles as well as off-road vehicles, through Oct. 19.

In 2013, the boat ramp and surrounding area, located 10 miles south of Pine, sustained extensive storm damage, which affected the cement boat ramp and wooden docks, forest service officials said. Temporary repairs allowed the dock to reopen until a follow-up project could begin to make permanent repairs.

Starting Sept. 9, construction crews began work to remove the damaged facilities and to build a new boat ramp, dock anchors and abutment. The closure is for public safety due to hazards associated with the construction project, forest service officials said.

Those who violate the closure restriction could have a maximum fine of $5,000 and up to six months in jail. For more information on the closure, call the Mountain Home Ranger District at 373-4100.