Recreation Construction Scheduled for Beardsley Reservoir

photo courtesy of USFS

   According to the US Forest Service, the Stanislaus National Forest and the Tri-Dam Project (A Joint venture
of the Oakdale and South San Joaquin Irrigation Districts) have teamed up to improve existing recreational opportunities and facilities, and build a new campground in the Beardsley Reservoir area of the Forest.

    Beginning in April, 2013 and continuing through May of 2014, construction and area closures will be scheduled to avoid heavy impact to most Forest visitors during the 2013 recreation season.

   Upgrades will consist of constructing improvements in the Day Use Area in the Beardsley Reservoir after-bay know as China Flat, according to USFS, including accessible trails, a fishing platform and a wildlife viewing platform; Beardsley Campground renovations, including reconfigured and defined campsites and spurs, access to potable water, and a trail to the lake; rebuild and extend the Beardsley boat launch by 250 feet, replace the existing courtesy docks with a new dock in the center of the ramp; improve the Beardsley Day Use Area by creating an accessible parking spur and moving closer to accessibility standards with better access from the Day Use Area to the ramp and parking lot, construct new restrooms and picnic sites to meet accessibility standards, build an interpretive platform and trail; construct a new 19 space campground adjacent to Beardsley Road off of State Hwy 108 with two of the spaces designated for small groups and spur lengths that accommodate trailers.

    The opening of contractor bids is scheduled for March 26 and the selection of a construction contractor is tentatively scheduled for April 4, 2013.

   Scheduled closures and limited access periods for construction are:

    Beardsley Campground; closed from April 1 to May 23, 2013

    Beardsley boat ramp; closed from Aprils 15 to May 23 and Sept. 3 to Dec. 1, 2013

    Beardsley Day Use Area:  closed from September 16, 2013 through May 15, 2014.

     Beardsley after-bay at China Flat; limited access to the river from April 1 to October 1, 2013.

    Black Oak Flat Campground; construction is scheduled from May 1 to October 1, 2013

    Forest visitors should expect heavy equipent and construction traffic on Beardsley Road during the specified periods.

    Interested parties cam find additional information and monitor the projects progress at www.tridamproject.com