VISITORS HAPPY WITH LAKE AMISTAD CONDITIONS

Businesses and agencies at Amistad Reservoir, Del Rio, TX, have noted a high level of visitor enthusiasm for lake conditions and recreational opportunities. Joe Valdez, Dockmaster at Forever Resorts Lake Amistad Marina, commented, “Visitors are very happy with the water level and lake conditions. This week, in fact, anglers have been raving about the excellent fishing. Almost every first-time visitor to the lake is surprised how nice the lake is and tells me they’ll be coming back.”

The National Park Service, which manages Amistad National Recreation Area, has noted a favorable visitor reaction to current conditions. Alan Cox, Superintendent of Amistad NRA, explained, “We have been emphasizing how big the lake is instead of describing the water level as being ‘below normal.’ For instance, on March 25th, the lake was 188.37 feet deep at the dam. That’s a whopping 41,000 surface acres of water- plenty of room for any water-based recreation!”

Staff at the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the agency who operates Amistad Dam, commented on recent conditions. “I believe short-term trends should keep lake levels fairly constant. Both Falcon and Amistad Reservoirs are at their highest in about ten years. Amistad Reservoir has maintained its current level due to lower releases than in recent years. Rainfall downstream in the Rio Grande Valley has lowered demand,” said Ken Breiten, Amistad Dam Project Manager for the US Section of the IBWC.

Amistad National Recreation Area's visitor information center is located on US Highway 90W near Blackbrush boat ramp, Del Rio TX, and is open daily 8am-5pm, except Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. For more information, visitors may call 830-775-7491, tune in to AM 1540 near the lake, or visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/amis.

Press Releases
http://www.nps.gov/amis/lakeup.htm
Released 03-26-04
For more information regarding this press release, or for further information, contact the Park's Public Information Officer at 830-775-7491,
or write:  Amistad National Recreation Area . HCR 3, Box 5-J . Del Rio, TX 78840