High Plains Environmental Center

Boating Rules & Regulations

Boating is now OPEN!

About Boating: Houts Reservoir is HPEC property. We own the surface rights and trails around the water. The dock is owned by the Centerra Metro District, who is in the process of transferring it to HPEC. HPEC is not obligated to allow access to boating on the lake. After the Lakes HOA announced that they were terminating their management contract for the lake, HPEC elected to take on the role of allowing resident kayaking (preventing boating from disappearing completely). Our regulations are designed to 1) Protect wildlife habitat, 2) Help you safely enjoy nature, 3) Ensure that the Lakes at Centerra residents have a private, safe, and beautiful place to enjoy some time outdoors.

We hope that the community will adhere to our rules and respect the needs of wildlife so that we can continue to offer this activity.

How to reserve a kayak and time slot:

1. Fill out the agreement and registration form, and select a rental date/time

2. Come collect your gear (PFD, whistle, paddle, and keys) from HPEC. Put your life jacket on before entering dock!

3. Sign in online via Sign Up Genius (before boarding kayak)

4. Take your kayak out for your reserved date/time

5. Sign out via Sign Up Genius (after de-boarding boat)

Hours

Houts Reservoir is open for boating from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily, seasonally.

Closures

HPEC reserves without condition the right to change boating hours or close boating for inclement weather conditions; conditions of wildlife sensitivity, breeding, migration; or special events.

Two blasts of an air horn will indicate all boats must return to shore immediately.

HPEC will endeavor to inform the public of changes in normal boating hours via social media and signage at the dock.

Step 1: Register, Agree to Regulations, Pick a Time Slot

Read and agree to the HPEC Boating Regulations Agreement (Google form)

Step 2: Sign In Procedure

Collect gear (keys, PFDs, safety whistle, and paddles) from HPEC.

Personal flotation device and safety whistle must be firmly attached before stepping onto the dock! (all ages)

Unlock the gate and enter the dock. Close the gate behind you.

Unlock your kayak(s) using the key attached to your personal flotation device.

Inspect your boat and gear. Inform HPEC of any existing damages.

Enjoy your time on the lake!

Step 3: Sign Out Procedure

At the end of your 2 hour time slot (or before, if finished early) return your gear and sign out via SignUpGenius (This is so we know that you are safely off the water).

If you do not return your gear and sign-out (online) at the end of your reservation time, we will assume you are missing and call Search and Rescue/Police. If Authorities come and you were not in need of a rescue, your household’s boating privileges will be revoked permanently.

Kayaks, paddles, flotation devices, safety whistles, keys and locks, and any other rented gear must be returned to their original locations at the end of your rental period, in the same condition they were found.

Kayaks must be locked to the dock.