Oconee’s priority is disaster relief, not opening boat ramps

Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-25 authorizing the managing or operational authority to open public boat landings to facilitate exercise and outdoor activities starting at noon today.

In Oconee County, priority will continue to be on disaster relief as a result of the EF-3 tornado that hit the community early Monday morning.

So as not to stretch emergency resources too thin with the ongoing relief and response efforts, Oconee County will phase in the opening of the boat ramps over the next week. Oconee County Parks will remain closed. Only the countymaintained ramps listed below will be opened for public use.

Oconee County urges citizens and residents to continue safety precautions to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, or the Coronavirus. All boaters should maintain a safe social distance of six (6) feet from others and limit groups to three or less.

Ramps that will be open by Saturday, April 18, 2020 are Seneca Creek, Fair Play and South Union (Lake Hartwell) and South Cove double ramp (Lake Keowee from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

Ramps that will be open by Tuesday, April 21, 2020 are Holders, Lawrence Bridge, Choestoea and Mullins Ford on Lake Hartwell.

Ramps that will be open by Saturday, April 25, 2020 are Timberlake, Lakeshore, Barton’s Mill and Port Bass on Lake Hartwell.

Any questions related to Oconee County Parks, Recreation & Tourism may be directed to (864) 882-5250. For more information, please visit the official COVID-19 information center for your Oconee County, SC Government at oconeesc.com/covid19. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China. Over the past few weeks, the disease has rapidly spread in multiple countries, including the United States. The virus mainly spreads from person-to-person through direct contact or respiratory droplets. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.