FORT PECK, Montana -- Recreationists accessing Fort Peck Lake, Montana, and the Dredge Cuts this winter are reminded that motorized vehicle use is only permitted on public roads, numbered roads, boat ramps or designated ice access routes within U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Recreation Areas. Properly licensed or registered motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and off-highway vehicle (OHVs), are limited to operation on these identified roads and trails. All other off-road travel is prohibited on USACE lands. This prohibition includes driving along the shoreline of Fort Peck Lake or the Dredge Cuts between the frozen lake and the high water mark except for the purpose of navigating around an ice pressure ridge or open water by the shortest route, not to exceed 1/8 mile.
Once on the ice, recreationists may travel safely at their discretion; however, the US Army Corps of Engineers does not encourage or recommend driving on the ice at any time. Thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges and conditions change throughout the winter.
In addition to recreation area boat ramps, the following routes are designated for ice access in the Fort Peck area: the road behind the Shaft Buildings; First Dredge access road south west of the Park Grove Bridge; Second Dredge North parking lot immediately south of the vault toilet.
Recreationist wanting to access the river or plunge pool at the base of the Fort Peck Spillway are welcome to park at the gate and walk in on Road Number 361. No vehicles are allowed beyond the fence.
For more information, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Peck Project Natural Resources staff at (406) 526-3411.
Release no. 19-002