Big Bar Put In on the Mokelumne is Open

A new Mokelumne River access point along Highway 49 is open for business.

The Big Bar “put-in/take-out” facility for boaters opened to the public Sept. 5 with 18 parking spaces, rest rooms and an interpretive kiosk.

Jim Eicher, an associate manager in the Bureau of Land Management’s Mother Lode field office, said the agency began exploring the idea for a recreation facility at the site about 25 years ago.

“This opens up more recreation opportunities, is safer, and avoids trespass on private property,” said Eicher. “The parking lot can be reached with a right turn from either direction on State Route 49.”

For more information,  contact the Mother Lode field office at (916) 941-3101 or visit http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsbytes/2011/496xtra_mokelumne_river_access.html.