During this year’s transition of management at Lake Berryessa’s recreational facilities, boaters are left with very limited access to the lake.

And those who enjoy the northern parts of the lake will have a long boat ride to reach them.

In past years, boaters could launch at one of the seven resorts for a fee or use the free public launch ramp at Capell Cove.

But the 50-year leases at several resorts expired in 2008, and the Bureau of Reclamation has still not finalized contracts with a new management company for most of them.

These former resorts are now closed and the facilities are locked down.

The resorts at Pleasure Cove, Steele Park and Markley Cove are open this year, as is the Capell Cove public launch ramp.

However, all of these facilities are located at the southern end of the lake.

Anglers who wish to reach favorite fishing areas at the north end of the lake will face a journey of up to 20 miles on the water.

For the big high-powered bass boats, this is merely an inconvenience of 15 to 20 minutes.

But for smaller boats, this jaunt could take an hour or more. And on windy days, such a trip could be dangerous for any craft.

Another concern is the fact that there will now only be four launch facilities available to accommodate the summer traffic, as opposed to the eight launch ramps in past years.

This will make the remaining four facilities twice as crowded this year.

Parking at the public launch was already inadequate on many weekend days, as cars with boat trailers were often forced onto the narrow shoulder of the highway by late morning.

This will become even worse with fewer alternative launch sites available to boaters this summer.

For these reasons, a petition has been formed to compel the Bureau of Reclamation to re-open the launch ramp at the former Putah Creek Resort.

As the northernmost of the facilities, this launch ramp would provide much-needed access to parts of the lake that are not reasonably reachable from the currently-available launch sites.

This could be another free public launch, like Capell Cove, or a nominal fee could be collected to help cover maintenance costs.

The petition is available online at www.gopetition.com/petitions/putah-creek-launch-ramp-access.html.

Visit this Web site to sign the petition and demand reasonable access to one of the largest public lakes in California.

Waters are rising

The recent late-winter storms have done wonders for the water levels in our local reservoirs. Lake Berryessa has risen by 10 feet in the last month, with about 20 more feet to go from being full. The overall capacity is now at 75 percent.

Lake Hennessey is at 86 percent capacity, and is only six feet from the spillway.

Additional runoff from the latest storms will help fill the lakes further, but we still need a couple more heavy rainstorms to get them up to the top.

But as positive as this all sounds, on a statewide basis the drought is still a long way from over.

Major water storage reservoirs such as Shasta and Oroville have risen significantly, but are still not even half of capacity.

Turkey hunt application deadline nears

The Lake Sonoma Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunt will be held April 18-19, the Department of Fish and Game announced.

The application deadline is March 20.

Apprentice hunters (under 16 years old) must possess a valid California Junior Hunting License and may take one guest, either another licensed apprentice hunter or a licensed adult hunter (18 years or older).

Fifteen hunters will be drawn for each two-day hunt. Apprentice hunters must be accompanied by an adult.

Only permit holders will be allowed to hunt.

There will also be a special hunt for adult hunters on April 25-26. This application deadline is also March 20.

To apply for these special hunt events, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/uplandgame/gamebird/.

Hunters are encouraged to fill out the online application, or you may print out the application and mail it to: Department of Fish and Game, GBH Special Hunts, 1812 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811.

Draw results will be available online shortly after the drawing is held.

Successful applicants will be notified by mail.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com).

Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.