PUEBLO, Colo. – Lake Pueblo State Park has seen an increase in floating debris and driftwood along the shoreline this summer, due to high reservoir and river flow levels.

Between July 24 and August 9, driftwood found in the North Picnic and South Marina shorelines ONLY may be taken for personal use by acquiring a free permit. No live or standing dead trees may be gathered.

“We are asking members of the public to assist the park in removing this driftwood, as it impedes our mowing operations on the road shoulders of the North Picnic day-use area,” said Park Operations Manager Brian Kerrigan.

“Additionally, a large, unsightly, pile of driftwood has accumulated at the South Marina shoreline, which could potentially be a public safety hazard, if left unmitigated,” he said.

A free permit, along with a parks pass, is required to collect driftwood inside the park. A limited number of driftwood gathering permits are available and can be obtained at the Lake Pueblo State Park Visitor Center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., seven days a week.

The permits will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be only 30 permits issued, so please call ahead to check availability. Each permit will include a map that shows where the wood may be gathered.

“We would like to give the members of the public a chance to obtain free driftwood before we dispose of it,” Kerrigan said.

Depending on the response, the park may extend the collection period, but this is yet to be determined.

For questions or further information, call the Lake Pueblo State Park Visitor Center at 719-561-9320. To learn more about Lake Pueblo State Park, visit http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/Parks/lakepueblo.