OAKDALE – You better get that boat out of storage now.
Last week the South San Joaquin Irrigation District officially raised the level of Woodward Reservoir to the point where bodily contact was allowed, and within two weeks the boat ramps at one of the most popular water sports areas in the region will be up and running for what should be a full summer session.
But that all depends, however, on the litany of state and federal government organizations that oversee California’s water operations.
According to SSJID General Manager Jeff Shields, the district, contrary to what was previously expected, plans on keeping Woodward operational for boating and recreation through the middle of September as long as the Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Water Resources, and the National Fisheries Service don’t muddy the water as the long dry summer that many believe may leave the Stanislaus River bone dry drives on.
“We started with bodily contact last week and right now we’re going to keep it there through Sept. 14 as long as those agencies don’t take our water away from us,” Shields said. “Right now, under our agreement with the Bureau, we have 450,000 acre-feet of water to split between us and Oakdale Irrigation District. That’s 150,000 acre-feet below our water rights, but we can make it on that.
“If they take it we’ll fight that and we can’t guarantee what’ll happen with Woodward and the ability for the public to boat or swim in it – that’s when things will start to get a little bit unpredictable.”
So you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy Woodward Reservoir while you still have the chance.
Located just outside of Oakdale, the small man-made reservoir built in the 1910s as a holding facility for irrigation water has become popular with anglers, hunters and summer water sports enthusiasts that want to enjoy all of the benefits of a lake without having to make the long drive to get to some of the more popular foothill destinations.
And unlike some of the larger lakes within a two-hour drive, Woodward Reservoir, because of its place as a temporary holding station for irrigation water, maintains its level – a far cry from the plummeting shorelines of places like Lake Don Pedro or New Melones that are expected to be mere bathtubs by the end of the summer thanks to the fourth straight year of a non-existent snowpack.
Looking for a place to camp? Woodward has that. Want to hike out in an area and scout winged wildlife aplenty? You can definitely do that out at the base of the Sierra foothills.
You don’t have to break the bank to do it either.
With park facilities operated by Stanislaus County, patrons are asked to pay $10-per-vehicle for day use and $7-per-vessel launched on the water. An additional $5 holiday fee is assessed on busy weekends. Camping is $20 per vehicle at an undeveloped site and $25 per vehicle at a site with hookups – a bargain compared to some of the steep fees that can approach the century mark and not offer nearly as much in return.
“When you can’t get out of town and you just want to spend a day or two, it’s a great compromise,” said Oakdale’s Mariana Tavares. “Hopefully the water will still be there for my kids to enjoy when school gets out this year.”
To get to Woodward Reservoir take Highway 120 East through Escalon, and just before making the right bend and heading into Oakdale, turn left onto 26-Mile Road. Follow the signs into the park.
To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call209.249.3544.
