7401 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3.35 Fork Valley. Studies have shown that a large number of residents as well as summer visitors to this area recreate at Ruedi and along the Fryingpan River, and consider it a valuable recreation resource (USDA Forest Service, 1982; Brown and Rose, 1981; Goeldner and Fellhauer, 1975). This recreation benefits the valley economy, especially the adjacent communities of Basalt, Meredith, and Thomasville, at which Ruedi visitors purchase goods and services (Fuller, 1982; and Gliden, 1982). 3.5.1 Recreational Facilities The USDA Forest Service (FS) has constructed and maintains 4 developed campgrounds, 1 day-use area, and the Ruedi Marina on the shores of Ruedi Reservoir. The Mollie B, Little Maud and Little Mattie campgrounds are located adjacent to the marina, as shown in Figure 3.3, and contain 68 camp sites. These facilities contain toilets, picnic tables and a dump station. There are no utility hookups. The camp site nightly use fee is $8.00 for the first 2 campgrounds and $6.00 for the Little Mattie area. The Mollie B Campground is particularly popular with boaters because it is adjacent to the confluence of Ruedi Creek and the reservoir, which is a flat grassy area where boats can be docked and seen from camp sites. Dearhamer Campground, located at the east end of the reservoir, is less developed than the other areas and contains 14 camp sites. It has a gravel boat ramp, pit toilets, and picnic tables. The Ruedi Marina contains a boat ramp, large paved parking lot, and floating dock. Fuel or boat rentals are not available, and everything must be brought in by boaters. The closest services and supplies are available in Thomasville or Meredith, at the eastern end of the reservoir, or down valley, in Basalt. Freeman Mesa is a day use/picnic area that has become very popular with windsurfers. A graded gravel road, pit toilet, picnic tables, and parking lot are the only improvements. The Aspen Yacht Club is a privately owned facility on the reservoir north shore which has a special use permit from the FS. Although its facilities are \ for club members, the Club sponsors sailing classes through the City of Aspen Recreation Department, and annual regattas which are open to the public. Club facilities include a small boat house, boat ramp, and boat dock. Like the FS dock at the Ruedi Marina, the Club's dock is floating and must be adjusted if