March 5 GRDA Police Weekly Update
Off Road Season Kicks Off
The popularity of the off-road trails and rock crawling areas below Pensacola Dam will soon be evident with the explosion of the population in the Disney area when the Big Meat Run kicks off March 22 & 23. As one of the largest events in the state, and recognized as one of the biggest rock crawling events in the country, we will see ten to fifteen thousand off-road enthusiasts in the area for the BMR weekend.
GRDA will again implement plans to ensure a safe and enjoyable weekend for everyone that visits the GRDA properties for the event. GRDA Police officers will be active in the area in four-wheel drive vehicles as well as on UTV’s and in aircraft patrolling and enforcing the regulations and state laws on the lands below Pensacola Dam.
Those visiting the state properties of GRDA are reminded that consumption of alcoholic beverages, beer and wine will not be tolerated while operating or riding in a vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV. Operating a vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will result in an arrest.
Helmets must be worn by all operators AND passengers who are under the age of eighteen (18) in any off-road vehicle, or vehicle being used for off-road activities, any motorcycles, and any ATV’s.
Children who are required by law to be in a properly installed and secured child seat based on age and size, and are in a vehicle with a ROPS, may be properly secured in the seat without a helmet.
Visitors are also reminded that a number of areas will be marked as No Parking in order to ensure vehicles can safely pass through the congestion in the area. There are also some areas of the GRDA properties that are restricted, such as immediately below the dam & spillways. Areas that are covered by Rip-Rap are also considered restricted areas, as well as areas marked by signs and barricades. DO NOT ENTER or attempt to drive in these areas. Patrons shall not cross the zones which are barricaded and marked off, or they will be subject to trespassing.
While we welcome everyone to enjoy the beauty and fun of the off-road areas of GRDA, please ensure that you understand and adhere to the below regulations for the recreation area to ensure the safety and pleasure of everyone attending.
Visitors to the GRDA properties can contact us in the case of an emergency by calling 911.
Trail Map Available
The GRDA recently published a new map of the trails and off-road areas below the Pensacola Dam for users of the trail area. This new brochure also includes the off-road regulations for the area and will be available at no cost at the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center located on the west side of the Pensacola Dam .
More Information
Adopting the Shoreline
As the thoughts of many are already turning to summer and days spent on the water, it’s also a good time to give some thought to shoreline cleanup. With that in mind, the Grand River Dam Authority is reminding the public of the Grand Lake “Adopt the Shoreline” program, established in 2017 to help keep the lake shore safe and scenic.
The program is the result of a coordinated effort among GRDA, Grand Lake Power Squadron, Grand Lake Association, “Grow with Grove” Steering Committee and community volunteers. It was patterned after a very successful program on Lake of the Ozarks and will generate success on Grand Lake because of the work of a dedicated team of volunteers.
According to GRDA Superintendent of Shoreline Enforcement Scott Horton, GRDA and other partners realized the need for the “Adopt the Shoreline” after routine aerial surveys of the lake shore. While the “Lend a Hand for Lady Grand” program has been successful for many years on Grand, the shoreline adoption effort is expected to expand both the reach and volunteer base for cleanup efforts.
As part of the program, the shoreline is divided into 10 zones, with a coordinator for each zone who organizes cleanup events. GRDA supplies trash bags for the effort and will also be paying the disposal costs for all approved program cleanups. GRDA is also staffing its own full-time shoreline cleanup crew, complete with a barge and the equipment necessary to remove large debris from the shore.
With summer boating season inching closer and closer, it is a good time for new volunteers to get involved in the effort. For more information, you can visit the program’s website at www.grda.com/adopt-the-shoreline, and select the “how to join” tab. You can also contact Horton at (918) 256-0894 for more information.
Online Payment Available
GRDA customers are now able to pay for any lake-related activities online via credit card by visiting
If you’d like to have a payment option added, contact GRDA Financial Utility Analyst Savannah Ellison at 918-256-5545 ext 40654 or sellison@grda.com.
Life Jackets Save Lives
Did You Know?
Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with the boating safety rules of operation. It's always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise, because only 14 percent of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local Boater Safety Course or online course to help educate yourself.
Boater Safety Class
Safety Education Programs
Updates on the Web
Did you not receive our latest GRDA Update? Do you have a friend that wants to see our Updates? You can now go to our website at GRDA.com to view the latest edition of GRDA Police Updates. Go to the Lakes/River tab, open the GRDA Police tab and click on the GRDA Police Update for the latest version of our email release.
Boating Tips From the GLPS
A side thrust from a propeller (Prop walk) mostly occurs with boats equipped with a single engine and a single prop. Propellers that rotate right in forward gear will move the stern slightly to starboard. This effect is more pronounced at slower speeds and becomes more concerning when there are fixed objects or boats to starboard. To maintain a course, steering slightly to starboard will help counteract the stern movement.
When turning the boat at slow speeds, the natural momentum of the boat will cause it to continue the turn even after the wheel is straightened. To counter this movement once the desired heading is reached, briefly turn the wheel in the opposite direction to stop the rotation, then return the wheel amidships (neutral) position. Another option is to return the wheel amidships before the desired heading is reached. Be careful to not overcorrect or the stern will swing too much the other way. Each boat behaves differently, go slowly and use a gentle touch to see how it reacts.
Interested in becoming more confident in your boating skills? Boat Smart from the start and take a course from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. For local information visit our website at: usps.org/grandlake or on Face Book at GLPS.
NAV TIME
A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips
That All Boat Operators Should Know
Required Equipment: Fire Extinguishers
All vessels using flammable liquid as fuel are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board.
Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the type and size symbols and the approval number.
Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area. Check extinguishers regularly to make sure they are charged, and be sure you know how to operate them.
Any vessel with a fixed fire extinguisher system must have a record of service on board which indicates that the carbon dioxide cylinders have been serviced and weighed within the past year.
Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required.
Fire Extinguisher Requirements:
*Refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system.
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Rush For The Brush
22nd Annual Grand Lake Boat Show
Upcoming Events
GRDA's 2019 Lake Events
