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Swanson Reservoir SRA/WMA (Hitchcock County)
Swanson Reservoir, and the surrounding land, is owned by the Bureau of Reclamation and is
susceptible to severe summer drawdowns. At lower elevations, Macklin Bay and Spring
Canyon Bay become disconnected, leaving boat ramps unusable and campgrounds and fish
cleaning stations inconveniently located. A cove connectivity project would help to maintain
access with the main reservoir and provide an important habitat type utilized by many
sportfish species while additionally addressing the long-standing issue of a lack of available
boat ramps.
Goals: Habitat, Access, Prevention, Evaluation
Tasks:
a. Evaluate both Macklin and Spring Canyon Bay for improvements.
b. Improve depths near boat ramps by removal of accumulated sediment from the
mouth of the cove to maintain the connection to the main reservoir at lower
lake elevations.
c. Improve shoreline access with bump outs, jetties and docks.
d. Enhance in-lake fish habitat using cedar trees and artificial structures.
e. Explore feasibility of treating Eurasian watermilfoil within the reservoir.
Ownership: Bureau of Reclamation
Potential Partners: Bureau of Reclamation, NGPC Parks and Wildlife Divisions
