By ERIC VICCARO
bnewssports@sbcglobal.net

Different strokes for different towns.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Warden Chase McAninch reported both Bowie access ramps to Amon G. Carter Lake – Selma Park and Big Sandy Creek – remain closed at this time.
Both ramps have been shut down since mid-May when heavy rains inundated Carter Lake and caused flooding conditions.
McAninch reported said this means the lake is closed to all types of boating traffic, and that includes canoes and kayaks.
The game warden said if you swim, it’s at your own risk. That’s because there’s no designated beach area right now and that could make conditions hazardous.
The turnaround at the end of Farm-to-Market 2583 is covered in water. The access road to the park is partially covered with water as well.
Pavilions are flooded, and the City of Bowie has placed a “Park Closed” sign at the entrance to the facility.
The level at Carter Lake was 925.32 feet above mean seal level, which is 5.32 feet above the conservation pool, as of Tuesday morning. One month ago, the same lake was 6.14 feet under, and Bowie was in Stage 2 water restrictions.
A better option for swimming would be the city-owned pool in Pelham Park, or even perhaps your neighbor’s spot.
Some have expressed concern since the rise in water, there would be an increase in snakes – including venomous ones.
However, McAninch said he hasn’t reported any issues with snakes.
“But, there are lots of high grass right now where they can be located,” the game warden said. “People should be cautious.”

The access road to the boat ramp at Selma Park was under water as of Monday evening. Both the Selma Park and Big Sandy Creek boat ramps serving Amon G. Carter Lake are closed at this time. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)