WILLISTON (AP) - A recreation area designed for shore fishing to the southeast of Williston along the Little Muddy River has been reopened to the public after about two decades.

The 1804 Recreation Area, named because of its location immediately off state Highway 1804, was closed because it was close to the city landfill, said Williams County Water Board member Hoot Gibbons.

The Environmental Protection Agency tested and monitored the area and found no reason to keep it closed, said Jeff Keller, natural resource manager in Williston for the Army Corps of Engineers.

"We've been pushing to get it back to the community," Gibbons said. "We've been complaining about (the closure) for 10, 15 years."

Once the EPA gave the go-ahead, the corps and water board came to an agreement under which the corps owns the land and the board will maintain it.

A local construction company has laid new gravel in a parking area that can hold about 20 vehicles. Gibbons said informational signs eventually will be posted in the area.

Fred Ryckman, northwest district fisheries supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, said the area is known for abundance of fish and also convenience.

"It's extremely handy," he said. "That's a nice spot there … just turn off the highway and get there virtually anytime year round."

Northern pike are the most abundant fish in the area, but it also has walleyes, crappie and catfish, Ryckman said. The area also is scenic.

"It's a beautiful area for shore fishing," Keller said.