Boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders and swimmers will have a little more time to enjoy using Lacamas Lake, as its annual draw down will be delayed by two weeks.
The action by Georgia-Pacific officials came as a result of a request from city of Camas leaders. The additional time will allow recreational users of the lake to take advantage of what is traditionally relatively warm September weather.
“We always strive to be a good neighbor and we are pleased we could accommodate the City of Camas’ request,” said Mill Manager Joe Ertolacci, in a press release. “Each year we will need to evaluate this request based on the lake level and weather conditions.”
Historically, Georgia-Pacific begins drawing down the lake’s water levels after Labor Day to facilitate the annual mechanical and surficial inspections of the upper and lower dams, and provide time to conduct any necessary maintenance. This year, however, that effort will start Sept. 21.
“Georgia-Pacific’s Camas mill has always been a great corporate citizen and supporter of the City of Camas,” said Mayor Scott Higgins. “We appreciate their efforts to make Camas a great place to live.”
The change will mean the possibility of an extended season for Sweetwater SUP Rentals. As a non-motorized fixed-base watercraft concession contractor, the company pays the city $125 per week for the opportunity to provide stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals from Heritage Park.
“We are very pleased with the announcement of the two week delay,” said co-owner Rene’ Carroll. “We were disappointed last summer as we saw the water sport season for all users at the lake cut short by the draw down. There were so many nice weather days in September that were missed for recreation because of that timing.”
Sweetwater SUP’s current contract runs through Sept. 7.
With school resuming right around that time, how far beyond that date and to what extent it will remain open has not been determined.
“We hope to stay open into September, but likely on weekends only and perhaps only by appointment,” Carroll said. “We will need to talk to the city abut extending our contract, if we do that.”
With the unusually warm temperatures in June and July, business so far this summer has been booming.
“When the temperatures hit the 90s, people hit the water,” Carroll said. “We love being down at Heritage Park and we feel that people appreciate access to kayaks and standup paddleboards and are taking advantage of our service to enjoy the lake.”
The date annual Lacamas Lake Cleanup, organized by Underwriters Laboratories and other area businesses and non-profit organizations, has also been changed. Originally scheduled for Sept. 26, it will now be held Saturday, Oct. 3.
According to Rachel Cooper, UL administrative services supervisor, the website with details about this year’s event, www.lacamaslakecleanup.com, will be updated this week.
The Lacamas Lake Cleanup began as a grass roots effort by the Lacamas Shores Homeowners Association nearly 20 years ago.
