BOATING -- The public boat access site at Rose Lake, a popular North Idaho panfish and catfish lake southeast of Fourth of July Pass, will be closed for for about 60 days starting Saturday, May 5.

Fish and Game Department officials say major improvements to the boating-fishing site require the closure for public safety during construction.

The project involves converting the Rose Lake boat launch from a primitive site to a modern facility with expanded and closer parking, a new access road to the ramp, and a larger boat loading area, says department spokesman Phil Cooper. 

New, paved ADA accessible parking will be built near the docks and ramps. Boaters will benefit from a new double lane launch surface, a new boarding dock system, and a boat preparation area.

For temporary small boat launching, the old gravel ramp at the Watson Road fishing access site will be open.