The Eagle Lake Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest is looking for community feedback on a new proposal designed to keep boaters on the water, even as Eagle Lake’s levels continue to fluctuate. The Gallatin Marina Low Water Boat Ramp Enhancement Project aims to address long-standing access issues at the south end of the lake, located about 15 miles northwest of Susanville.
Boaters and local anglers are likely familiar with the challenges at Gallatin. Although a low-water ramp was originally constructed in 2011 to combat dropping lake levels, the water has continued to recede over the years. On particularly dry years, the existing “low water” ramp has become nearly non-functional for recreationists and has made it increasingly difficult for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to stock the lake’s famous trout.
This latest proposal follows a shift in direction from the Forest Service. In 2023, officials originally looked at Pike’s Point for a new launch site, but after extensive public scoping and feedback from the Lassen County Board of Supervisors, the Environmental Assessment for that location was cancelled this past September. Instead, the Forest Service has decided to pivot back to Gallatin Marina with a plan that focuses on enhancing the infrastructure already in place.
The current plan includes extending the existing Gallatin low-water ramp and removing accumulated sediment to create enough depth for boats to launch safely. Additionally, the project includes the construction of a maintenance-level road at Pike’s Point, though this would be reserved for administrative use only.
Throughout the planning process, the Forest Service has coordinated with several local tribal groups, including the Maidu Consortium, Pit River Tribe, and the Susanville and Greenville rancherias. Preliminary analysis indicates the project will likely be categorically excluded from more complex environmental impact statements, as the work is specifically aimed at enhancing a developed recreation site.
How to Have Your Say
The Forest Service is inviting the public to weigh in on the proposed action and any potential effects it might have. Comments must be submitted by April 14th, 2026, to be fully considered before a final decision is made, which is expected by May 2026.
Written or oral comments can be directed to District Ranger Bobette Jones at the Eagle Lake Ranger District Office, located at 477-050 Eagle Lake Road in Susanville. The office is open for walk-in comments Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Electronic comments are also being accepted via email at [email protected]. When emailing, please use the subject line: Gallatin Marina Low Water Boat Ramp Enhancement Project.
For those seeking more technical details or maps of the 13-acre project area, information is available on the Lassen National Forest website. You can also reach out to Project Team Leader Brian Newman at 1.530.338.8745 or via email at [email protected] for further clarification on the proposal.
