PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites recreational boaters to prepare their boats for summer by hosting free vessel safety inspections at Columbia Hills State Park from 7 a.m. to noon April 27.

To help kick off the first day of trout fishing season, the Corps, along with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, will conduct voluntary boat safety inspections at the Horsethief Lake boat ramp. During the safety check agency representatives will ensure boaters have the proper marine equipment, clarify federal and state regulations, discuss safety precautions and answer any boating-related questions. Vessels passing the inspection will receive a 2013 US Coast Guard Auxiliary inspection sticker. No citations will be issued the day of the inspections.

Columbia Hills State Park is located off Washington State Highway 14 at Milepost 85, about two miles upriver from The Dalles Dam. For more information about Corps recreation areas and activities on the Columbia River, please contact The Dalles Lock and Dam Ranger Office at 541-506-7857 or visit http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.aspx