Motorboat testing allowed May 17 on Lake Elmo

Print

BILLINGS — Lake Elmo State Park in Billings Heights will open for motorboat testing on Saturday, May 17, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days, Lake Elmo is open only to boats that are hand-paddled or have small electric trolling motors.

On May 17, boaters will be allowed to take short test runs on the lake to make minor adjustments to their gasoline motors and crafts. Extended excursions are not allowed.

All boats and boaters must be in compliance with Montana law. Provisions include:

n       Boats and trailers must be properly inspected and licensed.

n       Boats must include at least one wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on the boat.

n       Children under age 12 must wear their PFD any time they are in the boat.

n       Youths 14 and younger must observe restrictions, including adult supervision, when driving a boat.

n       All motorboats must carry a fire extinguisher.

Motorboat testing is free. A voluntary $4 fee on licensed vehicles, paid at registration, covers admission to state parks for Montanans.

 

-FWP-