Announcing First Ever Splash-in at a Colorado State Park
Taking advantage of a loophole in Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) prohibition against seaplanes, Colorado Seaplane Initiative (CSI) will host a splash-in and picnic at Navajo Reservoir on September 21, 2024. This opportunity could only happen with the hard work and determination of all those involved.
The loophole in the regulation is that it is prohibited “To land or take off with any type of aircraft” on any state park lands or waters. With Navajo Reservoir being “happily situated” on the Colorado-New Mexico border, a unique opportunity became available when the Acting Director of CPW stated that seaplanes would be allowed on state parks waters as long as they do not take off or land. Navajo Reservoir solves that issue by allowing seaplanes to land south of the CO-NM border and then taxi to CPW’s Navajo State Park.
For well over a decade the CSI has been battling with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) for fair and equal access for the seaplane community to enjoy the wonderful facilities at Colorado’s state parks. CSI has scored a trifecta by obtaining the cooperation and approval of the State of Colorado, the State of New Mexico, and the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).
Pilots that wish to participate must contact CSI and register with their aircraft registration number by September 19, 2024. Contact information can be found on the Contact Us page or by calling 303-710-2497.
Aircraft Landing Area
Arriving aircraft must land south of and within 1 nautical mile of the Colorado state line.
Two Rivers Marina
Aircraft should taxi to the Two Rivers Marina. Monitor 122.9 MHz for docking/beaching instructions.
CAUTION: breakwaters
The schedule of events are as follows:
September 21, 2024
10:00 am – participating aircraft will meet at DRO to verify/inspect the aircraft for invasive species,
10:30 – 11:00 am – Aircraft may depart DRO.
11:00 am – Aircraft may begin landing on Navajo Reservoir south of the CO-NM state line. While operating within 5 miles of the park, aircraft are requested to monitor/broadcast on 122.9 MHz.
11:00 – 11:30 am – Aircraft will dock/beach at the Two Rivers Marina.
11:30 am – Pilots will pay a state park enter fee of $4 at the Visitor’s Center
12:00 – The Picnic will begin at the Visitor’s Center Pavilion
The picnic is open and free to the public
The menu includes hamburgers and pulled pork with sides.
2:00 – 4:00 pm – Aircraft may departure
Navajo State Park Visitor’s Center Complex
The Visitor’s Center Pavilion is circled in RED. The Visitor’s Center is pictured on the right.
