The Lassen National Forest has announced that in response to public input, the Canyon Dam boat launch area will be kept open for the remainder of the winter season to allow access to the shoreline area for fishing.

  Although access to the area will be plowed, boaters are reminded that there is no boarding float at the Canyon Dam launch. The float was removed last month due to safety concerns.

  The forest had originally planned to keep the Almanor boat launch area open and plowed to provide a full-service launch facility complete with boarding float. However, the extremely cold and icy conditions at the Almanor launch ramp made the decision to provide service at Canyon Dam more reasonable.

  The Almanor boat launch was plowed Jan. 9 to provide an option for boaters who require a boarding float. As spring approaches, the Almanor launch will be plowed on an as-needed basis. However, because funding is limited, the current priority is to keep the Canyon Dam ramp open throughout the winter.

  For information regarding snow removal for these areas, contact Jane Goodwin, Almanor Ranger District resource officer, at 258-2141. Questions regarding the boarding float at Canyon Dam should be directed to Heather Blevins, assistant forest engineer, at 257-2151.