Launch Ramp and Angler Access on Point Pleasant Canal gets Major Improvements
As stated in the original proposal, “The objective of this project is to improve the Point Pleasant Wildlife Management Area Fishing Access and Boat Ramp. This project scope includes repairing/replacing the fence along the canal, reclaiming upland area within the lagoon and enhancing fishing access, reinforcing a single-lane boat launch, creating a living shoreline, controlling erosion caused by runoff from onsite pond, and parking improvements in two locations.”
Specific goals of the project were as follows:
- Repair/Replace the fence and guiderail along the bulkhead of the canal
- Replace bulkhead return and timber bulkhead. Reclaim formerly filled area
- Build a new reinforced concrete boat ramp to replace the existing natural ramp
- Build a new A.D.A. accessible dock
- Enhance existing fishing areas for fishing in the canal
- Create a living shoreline
- Improve parking area adjacent to the canal
- Improve the parking area near Beach Boulevard
- Control erosion caused by overland runoff from the pond to the northwest of the boat ramp
The state was confined to the existing footprint at the site, and they had to maximize what they did to ensure a quality experience for boaters and fishing access. The boat ramp was designed to accommodate a 23–25-foot boat, and this was the maximum size boat that the engineers could design with the constraints of the existing property.
Before the work began, the ramp property had some real issues. The fence had fallen along the canal creating an unsafe condition, there were issues with runoff and erosion from the pond overflowing and the sand ramp had been eroding away from the wave action from the canal as well as the erosion on the banks across from the opening of the canal. The US Army Corps of Engineers owns the canal and a section of land on the border. The ADA compliant sidewalk is meant to be driven on as part of the access road and was a requirement to be part of the project. The material for the road surface was the only material allowed through the permitting process with regards to impervious surface and nowhere is it eroding into the lagoon. Non-native vegetation was removed, and a living shoreline was created to stop future erosion.
We encourage you to report any trash dumping at the spot as this has been common in the past. Please carry out what you carry in. It’s up to the local angling community to keep this area great. I have visited the site and the state really did a great job. The ramp and shoreline fishing areas will be ready for the 2023 spring fishing season!
