For more than 10 years, McPhee Reservoir has lacked a marina, but that's about to change.
Stan Folsom, a boatman and former marina operator, will be awarded a recreation permit from the San Juan National Forest to operate a floating marina off the main McPhee boat ramp. He also owns Doc's Outdoor Sports and Recreation in Dolores and the Rico Motel, which he is restoring. He was the only applicant for the marina.
"We're moving forward with an operating plan and getting him a permit," said forest recreation planner Tom Rice. "He has the experience and infrastructure needed to accomplish what everybody wants to see done out there."
Details are being worked out, and the marina is expected to open this summer.
"This has been a dream of mine for years, I'm thrilled and ready to get up and running by July 4," Folsom said. "This lake has been under-served and under-utilized for too long. This community deserves marina services, and I am proud to offer it to them."
The marina will have 40 slips, buoy and mooring facilities, boat and water ski rentals, a public dock, a supply store and an eatery. The marina at McPhee, the state's second-largest lake, will be open daily in spring, summer and fall.
"There will be a deli and store stocked with lake and fishing supplies," Folsom said. "I want to make the marina as nice as it was before."
The permit will allow Folsom to provide a boat-fueling station, which he plans to have up and running by August.
Regulations and safety protocols for the fuel station are rigorous, Rice said, to ensure that the region's source for drinking water isn't contaminated.
"The fueling facility will be to the standards of the Colorado Department of Health and Environment for containment systems and response protocols in case of a spill," Rice said.
A long-stalled breakwater project at the boat ramp also is expected to be completed and installed this summer. The 400-foot system of tires, cables and anchors will be anchored beyond the marina and help create a cove for boats and dock users.
Noncommercial facilities such as the boat ramp, picnic sites, forest service docks, toilets, drinking water, parking areas and access road will continue to be open at no charge.
The marina permit will be reviewed every 10 years. Folsom will be required to follow protocols for invasive aquatic species and cooperate with on-site boat inspectors.
Folsom owned a marina at Vallecito Lake for several seasons.
"A marina will serve locals and attract more boaters and visitors from out of the area. It's a shot in the arm for the local economy," Folsom said. "At Vallecito, many of my customers were from New Mexico. When they look at the map and see McPhee, they will head this way, and we will be ready to serve them. "
