The Wheatland Irrigation District Board is taking a stringent approach to ensure people adhere to the rules and regulations of Reservoir #1 following a recent incident.

On July 2, the Platte County Sheriff's Office was called out to Reservoir #1 due to a disagreement between two groups of people. Sheriff Steve Keigley said both groups were making accusations against the other and with no proof, the PCSO asked both groups to leave the Reservoir. No arrests were made during the incident.

However, damage to the Reservoir has caused the Wheatland Irrigation District Board to become strict in enforcing their rules. In other words - if you use it, don't abuse it, or you'll lose it.

"If this continues to be an increasing problem, the Board might consider closing the Reservoir to the public," Dan Melcher, Chairman of the Irrigation District Board, said.

Reservoir #1 is owned by the Wheatland Irrigation District and is considered private property. Although it's an irrigation lake, it's also used for recreation. It will only continue to be used for recreation, however, if the public follows the rules.

Melcher said that if people are asked to leave Reservoir #1 by the PCSO, they would have to approach the Irrigation District Board if they want to go back again.

Wheatland Irrigation District Manager Don Britton added that camping and cooking at the Reservoir should be a minimum of 200 feet from the restrooms to allow other campers to use the facilities.

The rules and regulations for Wheatland Reservoir #1 are as follows:

1. Quiet shall be maintained in all areas used for camping between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am.

2. Problem and viscous pets are prohibited unless they are crated, caged or on a leash at all times. Exceptions: The use of dogs by law enforcement officers or dogs used as seeing-eye dogs.

3. Fires shall be kindled in such a manner so as to prevent injury to shrubs, grasses or other combustible matter. When no longer needed, the fire shall be completely extinguished. Leaving a fire unattended is prohibited.

4. The use of firearms or other projectile weaponry is prohibited.

5. Discharge of noncommercial fireworks shall be done in a safe manner away from populated camp spots; all other explosives and commercial fireworks are prohibited. Projectile fireworks shall be discharged in a direction out over the lake/reservoir and shall be done in a safe manner.

6. The destroying, digging, cutting, removing or possession of any tree, shrub or plant is prohibited. Possession of dead wood found on the ground for use as fuel in campgrounds or picnic areas is permitted.

7. All garbage, papers, cans, bottles, waste materials and rubbish of any kind must be removed from the area.



For the complete article see the 07-21-2010 issue.

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