09/15/2026
Further to the previous communication on the closure of the boat launch at 40 Mile Park at noon, September 29, the County wishes to clarify that guarding the 40 Mile Park reservoir and St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) lands and works against aquatic invasive species is not new direction from SMRID that was specifically provided this year.
In response to noncompliance, SMRID, in November 2022, communicated, as a reminder, to the County its obligation to comply with the SMRID Watercraft Policy and the Boating Recreation Policy. As a courtesy, required compliance with SMRID policies was merely reiterated this year to the County. Once again, the direction from SMRID is not new. Any resulting confusion or misunderstanding was not intended and is regretted.
Going forward, the County shall enforce all applicable SMRID policies and procedures pertaining to recreational boating in the 40 Mile Park reservoir, which partly include but are not limited to:
- Every watercraft entering the Park will be questioned if they are from out of province. If they are from out of province, they must have a valid government boat inspection form.
- Every watercraft inside the Park will have a corresponding valid Watercraft Commitment Form.
- Every watercraft inside the Park will have a valid boat program sticker on the windshield or front bow. Stickers on the trailer are not acceptable nor are uninstalled stickers.
- Park leaseholders must participate in the watercraft program. The required compliance will be strictly enforced.
As communicated previously, the boat launch will be closed off at noon, September 29. Please ensure all boats and docks are removed from the reservoir before then.
Further, the boat launch will be gated and locked outside of gatehouse hours in 2027, for which the installation of a heavy-duty gate that cannot be forced open or vandalized may be necessary. The County will take measures before Park opening next year to ensure compliance and provide timely communication on the developments.
These measures are necessary to protect SMRID infrastructure from aquatic invasive species and allow for ongoing recreational use of the 40 Mile Park reservoir. Thank you for your cooperation.