Contact: Steve Caromile, (360) 481-4319

OLYMPIA – A public access site on Black Lake near Olympia will be closed four days later this month for boat safety training for Washington Department Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) staff.

The boat launch access site located on Fairview Road will be closed at the following times:

The closures will not affect private property access or other recreational activities on the lake. Alternative launch facilities are available, for a fee, at two private boat launches on the opposite side of Black Lake.

WDFW is conducting its Motorboat Operation Certification Course (MOCC) for employees who operate department boats. The required course will take place monthly through next April at different sites in Washington.

The course requires use of the boat ramp for training in launching, maneuvering and retrieving boats, said Bill Jarmon, deputy chief of WDFW enforcement. He said the department considered renting the private launch facilities across the lake, but they were too small for the training exercise.