The city of Durango announced a four-day delay in the start of motorized boating on Lake Nighthorse.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is repairing the parking lot where the boat ramp is located, and work won’t be finished by the previously announced date of May 15. Instead, residents will have to wait until May 19 to launch large and motorized craft from the boat ramp.

Lake Nighthorse will still be open daily for paddling and non-motorized, hand-launched watercraft from 8 a.m. to 6 a.m.

During the delay, there will be a complimentary inspection to obtain a certified seal to enter the lake. The inspection runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 15 through May 18 at the Lake Nighthorse entrance station.

Boats that don’t have an exit inspection document and white receipt from another area reservoir will need an inspection to visit Lake Nighthorse to ensure invasive species aren’t allowed in.

Boats that have recently visited Navajo Lake will be required to have their motor flushed to decontaminate the vessel before entering the lake.

Out-of-state motorized watercraft are permitted at Lake Nighthorse but will undergo a high-risk inspection and possibly delayed entry depending on the findings of the inspection.

asemadeni@durangoherald.com