Morgantown Dominion Post
11 November 2005
By Dave Milne
After a recent visit with Frank Jernejcic, DNR district fisheries biologist, I can tell you that Vernon Lloyd's prayers may be answered when it comes to fishing on the Monongahela River.
If the proposed plans come to fruition, more than just the fishermen will benefit.
In order to grow the use of the river to its optimum, access has to be improved. At this time, the only boat ramps are at Star City, in the Point Marion pool, and Pricketts Fort and Fairmont, in the Opekiska pool. There is no public access in the Hildebrand pool.
The DNR ramp at Uffington is silted in and unusable by most boat trailers. The ramp at the bottom of Walnut Street in Morgantown has no parking and the Star City ramp has room only for about 15 trailers.
The access site at Uffington consists of two parcels totaling 6.5 acres. Since the ramp cannot be maintained, the DNR is willing to trade this land to another public entity for another access site in the Morgantown pool.
Since the hiking trail goes right by there, this would be a great place to park. One site that has been targeted as excellent for a new boat ramp is at the mouth of Cobun Creek near South-U Plaza.
The DNR is looking at a piece of property owned by the Monongalia County Development Authority in the Point Marion pool that would allow parking for 50 to 100 trailers. This facility would be built by the DNR under a long-term lease with the development authority. This would significantly improve the use of the river for fishing and recreation.
There are up to 35 bass tournaments each year in the Opekiska pool since there is adequate parking at the Pricketts Fort access site. A new ramp access in the Point Marion pool would open this 11-mile stretch of river for tournaments and recreation.
Even better news may be in store for those who love to fish but not from a boat. Again, access is an issue for these fishermen.
The mile of shoreline between the Morgantown lock and the mouth of Decker's Creek would be a great place for a river-walk that would be built between the existing trail and the river. It would provide great access for shore fishing.
This walk could be built 5 to 10 feet above normal pool level with short piers extending out over the water every 50 yards. Grouted paths would lead down to this walk from the trail and would be placed every 200 to 300 yards. Handicapped access would be available at either end of the walk.
Platinum Properties is planning a marina next to the Radisson Hotel that will be suitable for a large excursion boat. This marina project could be the focal point of a river-walk development.
With the severely limited use of the Morgantown lock due to lack of funds available to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, it's now time to consider allowing access to the downstream approach lock wall on the Westover side of the river.
Excellent shore fishing opportunities exist here when there is high water because the fish concentrate in this area.
The previous commander of the Corps in Pittsburgh indicated a willingness to consider this. It would require the relocation of the security fence.
Jernejcic feels that the DNR and a partner should try to get an agreement with the Corps to allow this public access and begin to search for funding. He thinks the fence relocation will cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The Corps will not pay for this.
Grouted paths would be needed from the access road to the water. Several would have to be built at an estimated cost of $5,000 each.
A Boating Infrastructure Grant dock at the mouth of Decker's Creek could be used by anglers when boats weren't using it.
According to Jernejcic, the shoreline next to Ruby McQuain Park is pretty much an eyesore. It's unsafe and not usable by shoreline fishermen. He said grading and riprap should be considered for this area.
Last, but not least, an unprecedented use of a Corps of Engineers facility would be to have an observation tower on top of the Morgantown dam. An access stairway could be built from the trail. Jernejcic indicated that studies in other parts of the country show some people just like to go to the river and look at the water.
If most or all of this could be accomplished, usage of this great resource will increase exponentially.
Dave Milne serves on the state Natural Resources Commission.