Sheep Creek headwaters to close for four days

MANILA, Daggett County — The headwaters of the Middle Fork of Sheep Creek will be closed four days in September for removal of unwanted fish.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be using a helicopter to treat waters in the area with rotenone to poison the fish. The closure is a precaution to ensure the safety of those working on the project and anyone else who might be in the area.

The area will be closed Sept. 5-6 and Sept. 12-13.

The closed area includes the headwater streams and lakes above Spirit Lake. It will reopen as soon as the treatment project is completed.

Division regional supervisor Boyde Blackwell said the area below Spirit Lake will be open, but parking will be limited. Also, those working on the project will create a lot of traffic in the area.

After the treatment, the public will be allowed to re-enter the closed area. However, biologists are asking that people do not approach or use the lakes, streams, springs and pools for three days, while chemicals in the treatment process break down. That means no drinking, wading, swimming or washing hands until three days after the various areas are treated.

For more information, call 435-781-9543.