Sumner Lake State Park reopened

Freedom New Mexico

State park officials have conditionally reopened boating at Sumner Lake State Park, effective 7 a.m. Friday.

Watercraft can only enter the lake through the main raft, and will require both a pre-launch inspection and a decontamination process upon removal. Officials estimate most inspections will take 10 minutes or less, and decontaminations 15 minutes.

“We understand that these procedures are an inconvenience to our visitors, but we are excited that they will allow us to open the lake for all to enjoy,” said John Bemis, cabinet secretary-designate for the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

The lake was first closed to boating May 27 due to concerns about Quagga mussels, which attach to watercraft and can live for weeks at a time out of water. The invasive species post little threat to people, but can damage machinery.