Griffy Lake Boat Ramp Open 24-7 Beginning May 26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2007   For more information contact [Steve Cotter|mailto:cotters@bloomington.in.gov], Natural Resources Manager, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, (812) 349-3736   BLOOMINGTON, IN - The City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department announced today the boat ramp at Griffy Lake will be open 24 hours a day beginning this Saturday, May 26. Boats leaving the lake will no longer need to be inspected for plant material. Electric trolling motors are allowed on the lake; however, the use of gasoline-powered motors is still prohibited.   Griffy Lake was closed to private watercraft in June 2005 after Brazilian elodea, an invasive aquatic plant, was found. State and city officials closed the lake to prevent the plant from spreading to other bodies of water.   Acccording to an April 27 press release by the DNR, the treatment at Griffy Lake was so successful at reducing the growth of Brazilian elodea that boating restrictions can now be eased.   The gate at the boat ramp will remain open 24 hours a day. Boaters will be able to stay on the lake overnight for the purpose of fishing; the park itself is closed to all other uses between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.   Boaters who launch onto Griffy Lake must purchase a $4 daily launch permit, or a $40 annual launch permit; both are available at the boathouse.   "Last year's treatment greatly reduced the Brazilian elodea population and we're hopeful that this year's treatment will completely eliminate the plant, but there is still potential for reinfestation by any number of invasive plants and animals," said Steve Cotter, Natural Resources Manager with the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. "All lake users should take special care not to bring or take any plants or animals into or out of Griffy Lake on boats, trailers, in bait buckets or on other equipment."   The Griffy Lake boathouse is open daily through September, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Rowboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the boathouse for $5 per hour. For more information, call the boathouse during operating hours at (812) 349-3732.   ###