|
Harboring Change
Thanks to some last minute, although pleasantly
surprising, additional funding, the Bessemer District is
excited to announce pending repairs to several Black
River Harbor facilities. A contract was recently awarded
to a local contractor. The work is expected to be done
by late-June 2012; the exact work schedule won’t be set
until we’ve had a chance to meet with the operator
on-site. Depending on weather, it is possible some tasks
may be started yet this fall.
A Better Boat Ramp
To the (hopefully) great joy of many users, the most
noticed improvement is probably going to be a better
boat ramp. Building the new launch includes pulling up
the old one where it extends into the water. For those
that might be dreaming of a gradual, gentle slope,
however, it is important to remember that this launch is
into a river, with a fast, strong current. The current
limits our ability to extend the launch much further
than it is now, due to an abrupt drop-off and continuous
undercutting of the river’s edge. Still, we think most
boaters will be happy with a better, albeit imperfect,
boat ramp.
Metal safety rails will also be added at the corner of
the boat ramp and dock. This should make it easier for
folks launching boats, and for their friends or other
on-lookers who tend to linger along both sides of the
boat ramp.
A Path Most Traveled
Another repair will be re-paving of the asphalt paths in
the picnic area. Where they join the Pavilion, the
portal step will be replaced with a same-elevation
access through the door. This will eliminate a potential
tripping hazard and improve accessibility for everyone.
We had hoped to replace some Pavilion windows, fix
various electrical problems, patch holes in the stone
foundation, and replace the entry doors. Unfortunately,
those were not funded last year and are unlikely to be
covered in the near future.
A reminder: the Pavilion is now closed for the season;
it will reopen, as usual, in mid-May. The pit toilet
located near the bridge will stay open a few more
weeks/until it snows. Reservations for ‘exclusive’ use
of the pavilion (weddings, family reunions, etc.) can be
made at
www.recreation.gov
at a cost of $40. Otherwise, the pavilion is available
at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sewage Suite
Several sewage-related repairs have also been ordered.
This includes replacing sewer lines at the boat pump-out
station at the dock and upgrades to the wastewater
treatment facility, tucked behind the campground. The
boat pump-out will be closed during repairs, with a
portable boat pump if needed. The major improvement at
the sewage treatment facility is new spray irrigation
pumps.
Across the country, the vast majority of National Forest
campgrounds and picnic areas have primitive,
latrine-type restrooms, not flush toilets (the presence
of “modern” toilets at the Black River Harbor pavilion
and campground is due to former ownership of the
facility by the County). As a result, few Forest Service
employees are certified wastewater treatment operators.
We’re fortunate in Bessemer to have Harbor Master Mike
Jacobson. For more than 30 years, he has kept the
facilities at the Harbor and campground in excellent
condition. With our climate, that’s no easy task. So the
next time you see him, don’t forget to say thanks!
Happy Campers
The last batch of repairs and upgrades will occur at the
campground restrooms. This includes building a new
privacy fence just outside the doors; replacing old,
frost-heaved sidewalks; removing tripping hazards;
creating a wider turn upon entering the doors; and other
minor repairs.
With two restroom buildings in the campground, we expect
that one would remain open during construction if the
work happens during the camping season (generally
mid-May to Oct. 1).
For More Information
For more information about any of the pending repairs
mentioned above, feel free to contact Ottawa Facilities
Engineer Eric Johnson at 932-1330 x322 or Mike Jacobson
at x512.
Otherwise, I’ll see YOU in the woods!
|
