OCR Text |
Show Flaming Gorge use for 1979 slightly below 1978 Forestry Technician, Tim Clark, Ashley National Forest, reports usage in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for the 1979 season was down 6 percent from the 1978 season. A total of about 1,000,000 visitors came to Flaming Gorge between October 1, 1978, and September Sep-tember 30, 1979. Although out-of-state visitation was down, an increase in local, instate and neighboring states visitation resulted in a lower than expected decrease. The first naif of the summer found a 20 percent reduction in visitation, but a return to normal numbers in July and August brought visitation figures up. This was probably due to a reassurance in the latter part of the summer that fuel would be available. Areas showing increases from last year were group campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers. This indicates in-dicates an increased interest in pooling together and local, day trips. Areas showing marked decreased were campgrounds, with a 12 percent reduction. Currently, all campgrounds within the Flaming Gorge Area are closed, but camping is allowed at all boatramp parking areas. Roads at lower elevations are clear and dry. Dirt roads at higher elevations are muddy in spots, but passable. Smaller lakes above 7000 feet are thinly iced over but are not safe for ice fishing. Fishing pressure on the Reservoir is very low, with fair results from fishermen who are out. Success on the Green River is good, with limits in pan-size rainbows and cutthroats being brought home. |