Jones Hole Creek has reopened to recreational access within Dinosaur National Monument. According to Monument Chief of Visitor Services Dan Johnson, no noticeable contamination of the stream inside the monument has taken place as a result of the septic line break at the Jones Hole Fish Hatchery which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Dinosaur National Monument learned about the break at the fish hatchery on August 23rd and closed Jones Hole Creek in order for the creek to be tested and monitored. Water samples were tested in multiple locations downstream from the hatchery and it was found that the fecal coliform bacteria was extremely low and well within acceptable levels for recreational access such as fishing and swimming. The closure to recreational access has therefore been lifted with the recommendation from the U.S. Public Health Service and TriCounty Health Department. The announcement also came with a reminder that, as always, backcountry campers and hikers are strongly advised to properly treat all water collected from streams or springs before drinking it. For more information, visit
www.nps.gov/dino
.
