Safety First is the Motto for Campers This Month

The Southwest District Health Department added Hells Canyon Reservoir to the list of regional water bodies with potentially hazardous levels of toxins from cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae). Brownlee and C.J. Strike reservoirs are also on that list. Visitors should use caution in or near the water. More info on algal blooms, which are common in our area in the summer, can be found on Idaho Power’s website under Water Quality. Remember, when in doubt, stay out.

Campers also need to be careful with fire. All campfires and charcoal grills are currently banned at Woodhead Park in Hells Canyon and at Cottonwood Campground at C.J. Strike due to high wildfire danger. Visitors to other Idaho Power parks or campgrounds should use extreme caution and ensure all campfires are kept in designated fire rings or fire pits.

Idaho Power urges anyone recreating on or near the water to use a Coast Guard-approved flotation device. Life jackets are available to borrow at several Idaho Power boat launches. For a complete list of Idaho Power recreation facilities, visit idahopower.com/recreation.