Tell us what you think! Take the Ridgefield Non-Motorized Boat Launch Survey.
With funding from REI, and in partnership with the City of Ridgefield, the Port of Ridgefield, McCuddy’s Ridgefield Marina, Alder Creek, and others, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is spearheading a non-motorized boating improvement project at the Ridgefield Boat Ramp.
The Ridgefield Non-Motorized Boat Launch Improvement Project will transform a derelict area between the Ridgefield Boat Ramp and McCuddy’s Ridgefield Marina into a new launch site specifically designed and built for launching non-motorized boats. Greenworks PC has developed a draft design with input and feedback from project stakeholders.
Why Here? Currently paddlers in Ridgefield have the option to launch into Lake River from Division street. As Ridgefield redevelops its Lake River waterfront, that launch site will go away. The targeted location takes advantage of existing facilities (parking, restrooms, etc.) and attempts to improve access and safety for non-motorized boaters, while creating a measure of separation between motorized and non-motorized uses.
(click the pic for a larger view)
Key aspects include large boulders separating the motorized launch and the non-motorized launch; grading to create a more gentle slope to the water; improved surfaces at the entry, in the loading area, and at the land/water interface; kayak racks to facilitate staging and loading; a large staging area for group paddles; a defined entryway to the site and the marina with interpretive signage; and floating buoys to keep motorized boats from beaching at the site.
Whether you paddle from Ridgefield or not, the Estuary Partnership and our project partners want to hear what non-motorized boaters think of the proposed design. Please take the Ridgefield Non-Motorized Boat Launch Survey and tell us what you think!
Want to review the design more closely? Download a PDF version.
Not familiar with this location? Check out these photos of current site conditions.