The owner of a marina service at Vallecito Reservoir wants to relocate his business to Dolores and McPhee Reservoir.
Stan Folsom is working to open Doc's Outdoor Sports and Recreation on the House Creek arm of McPhee. Folsom owns a certified marina and dock system, and rents out a variety of non-motorized and motorized water craft, including 18 pontoon boats.
"House Creek is the perfect area for my marina because it's a scenic, secluded cove next to an established campground and boat launch," Folsom said during a presentation to the Dolores Town Board on Monday. "I appreciate the friendliness of Dolores and believe a marina would bring more visitors to the area."
Folsom envisions securing his floating marina in a cove just east of the House Creek boat ramp. It would include a convenience store, decks, boat slips, and rentals. But he must first secure a recreation permit from the forest service.
"I've been trying to work with the forest service, but they seem skeptical and say it needs an impact study," he said. "I'm ready to go and need the support of Dolores to help the project move forward."
The previous McPhee Marina at the main boat ramp on the reservoir's south side was locally popular, but failed due to lack of business. It burned down in 2002, and the fire destroyed the breakwater and docks. A new breakwater is slated for installation, but Folsom said the site is not ideal for a marina.
"It's the windiest spot on the reservoir," he said. "House Creek is more scenic and sheltered and has built-in customers at the campground."
Folsom said Dolores and McPhee are positioned well for the New Mexico market.
"A lot of my customers at Vallecito are from New Mexico," he said. "They love water and family outings on the lake. When they look at a map and see McPhee, they head this way. As a community we should accommodate more lake recreation."
Folsom is big on solar power, and much of his operation runs on it. He also plans to have local boat rentals in Dolores, including paddleboards and kayaks, as part of his business.
"I think a marina there would be used by campers, boaters and trail-users," said town trustee Ginger Black-Swope. "He's right about New Mexico, I get a lot of them staying in my hotel."
The town board agreed to write a letter of support for Folsom's business venture. Check out his website at www.docsmarina.com. He and Sierra Walters, of Ballantine Digital Media, have produced a promotional video of recreation at McPhee that will be released soon.
