Kernville, CA, June 19, 2013 Boat docks around Lake Isabella have been removed by the Forest Service. The docks reached the end of their anchor wires, which keep them from floating away, and were left high and dry as a result. To prevent potential injury or vehicle collision with the grounded docks, the Forest Service has removed them from the boat ramps.

At Launch 19, boaters need to be aware of a sand bar at the end of the ramp. On Monday, the Forest Service will remove the sandbar and attempt to move the dock's anchor further from shore to get the dock back in the water.

In the meantime, boats can be launched from the South Fork ramp; but it also is affected by the low water. Only a few feet of concrete ramp still remain submerged at the South Fork launch before reaching a one-to-two feet drop to the mud/sand lake bottom. Please exercise caution when submerging your trailers for launch and pick-up at this location.

Please be prepared to launch your boat without a dock--either by bringing a second person or by planning a way to use multiple anchors near shore. Inspect the ramp before use to ensure that your watercraft will not run aground when approaching it. Water safety is just as important, even with the low water levels this year; remember to have a Coast Guard approved life vest when on the water!