New Docks at Walnut

Good deal!!  Launch ramp docks now 10 ft longer...
 
Finally some improvements!

ORIGINAL: indsguiz

I heard they were going to install a trebuchet to help launch the boats faster.

 
Should be able to toss a 17 footer to the first trench on the fly.

How's the channel at Walnut? Last I heard, they weren't going to be dredging it anymore.

ORIGINAL: Carpet Bagger

ORIGINAL: Brad1

How's the channel at Walnut? Last I heard, they weren't going to be dredging it anymore.

If that is the case...those new docks will be pretty useless with no boats launching there

 
That's why I was surprised to read about the new docks. I had read a notification last year that they were going to cease future dredging of the channel. Perhaps people fought it and they decided to continue dredging. I don't know. We can't get enough good access here in PA in my opinion so I really hope they do continue dredging and I'm glad to hear about the new docks.

You're probably refering to the hoopla last year over them not dredging ALL THE WAY across the channel.  I had heard a roumor last year that the fish cops were looking at updating walnut in a much larger way.  Of corse this probably won't happen for decades with the way the state works.

ORIGINAL: Trap Jaw

You're probably refering to the hoopla last year over them not dredging ALL THE WAY across the channel.  I had heard a roumor last year that the fish cops were looking at updating walnut in a much larger way.  Of corse this probably won't happen for decades with the way the state works.

 
It was about a year ago, but remember seeing what appeared to be an official notice that they were no longer going to dredge in Walnut Creek. From what I recall, it was on paper and it was tacked up on a bulletin board. I think it might have been in the boat house at Lampes marina where I saw it. I definately remember not liking what I read. But either way, I'm glad they are dredging it and keeping it open.
 
I would really like to see future improvements at Walnut. Myself, I don't launch there because I don't like the channel. It's bad enough when your trying to negotiate a narrow channel with boats passing when conditions are calm. But with as rough as the water gets in that channel, well, I'm just too worried about ending up on rocks. They need a breaker wall to protect the channel better IMO.
 
Admittedly, I have a low opinion of Pennsylvania with regards to boat access. But I think I'm tainted because of the ramps down here in the Pittsburgh area. With exception of the Southside ramp, the ramps are lousy down here, and 1/2 the time they don't have a dock. That, and I think I got spoiled launching at Geneva-on-the-lake Ohio for about 10 years.

ORIGINAL: MuskyMastr

Personally I would rather see more parking, so that when I get there at 6 am there isn't someone telling me "Sorry we're full"  I can get up early enough to get a spot, but I have a better chance of catching a 39 inch walleye than dragging the kids out of bed at 4 am!!!!!!!

However anything they do is progress I guess. 

 
You never launch at walnut at 6am on the weekend...lol NEVER!
 
As far as parking goes...i dont think they can handle much more there...its nuts as it is when the seaon is in and good.  PA just needs another access, if not a larger access, on the west side and it would divert away some of that heavy traffic.  I know elk creek has appeal to some of the smaller boaters...but neither access is too great if the weather gets nasty...

Elk creek has been talked about being developed into a large marina for about the past 10 years.....
 
and when in my previous post did i say lets build one on private ground...i i simply stated that PA needs another one if not LARGER one on the west side...and that it would divert some of that heavy boat traffic away from walnut creek....that is all...i wasnt reaching for my shovel just yet...
 
 
 
 

"and when in my previous post did i say lets build one on private ground..."
 
I never said you did, I just pointed out that most of the Penna. shoreline IS private property. Even in the case of Elk creek, for most of those ten years all they COULD do was talk. As they didn't own the land. When the park property was acquired, they held pulblic meetings to develope a plan for the park. Most who attended, were in favor of keeping it as pristine, and undeveloped as possible. How many showed up to support building a marina, or harbor?

Used the new docks last Monday and they are really great save one thing.  They are way too high, a solid 3 feet out of the water with nothing but nasty looking stuff between the deck and water.  The area under the deck that is open is easily 2 feet high and easily sucks the entire rear 1/3 of my boat under it.  I know most of you will gripe about my boat but I think the boat cops could have thought a little bit before they built these darn things.  It'd be one thing if I had to carry a bumper to keep from damaging my boat, but what am I supposed to do???  Mount a pole on each corner of the stern????????????????????????