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OGDEN — Historically low water levels have been blamed for the early shutdown of one boating dock at Pineview Reservoir.
Managers said it was too dangerous to keep the dock at Anderson Cove open. According to the U.S. Forest Service, it's the earliest the ramp has closed.
The change has made an impact on many people's plans.
The beach at Anderson Cove makes a nice getaway with the campground just above. This year, however, there is a lot more sand to trudge through.
"(We're) walking a lot more," said Shae Francom, who camped at Anderson Cove.
"Trying to get down to the beach with all the stuff has been kind of a joke," said Kailee Day.
If you're trying to get a boat in the water, expect some changes.
"The idea is we camp at this campground and there's a boat ramp you can use at the campground. It's super slick," said boater Patrick Lowder.
Lowder has learned it's not quite the same this year.
"So you have to go about five miles around the lake to launch at one of the other two boat ramps that they have left," he said.
That means launching at one of the other ramps, coming back to the Anderson Cove area to pick up your group, then bringing the boat back in on the opposite side of the lake again.
Managers at Anderson Cove said at the end of the ramp is a steep drop-off, which could severely damage boats going in.
Lowder said his group still had fun, but he was concerned about the low water level.
"From what we've seen in the past, this is the lowest I've ever seen it," he said.
The clear signs of drought are enough to concern most people.
"We were here about four years ago for camping and the water was all the way up to the tree line, so it's kind of sad seeing how low it was," said Tasha Walker who was camping in the area.
Walker comes from a big farming family. She said sacrificing our lawns is a start, but not enough to prevent future droughts.
"Honestly, what I've seen is that the car washes and like big companies, that's more so where I'd like to see the water cut back. Like let's be smart in other areas," she said.
It was a stark reminder of how important conservation really is.
"I'd take more water over a beach for sure," Walker said with a laugh.
The other two boating ramps are expected to stay open.
Pineview Water Systems said current levels are 24 feet below full, which is about 46% capacity.
Typically in June, the reservoir has been around 90%.
