Several emails have been exchanged through the Sailing on Sundays google group message board regarding an invisible wing dam that has become a hazard. Gary Bruner, past OCSA Commodore, has been spearheading efforts to replace the missing dolphin, located near the Gleason Street boat ramp on the Columbia River, between the I-5 and I-205 bridges. His most recent email update, sent 2/13/18, is below.
Friends,
I have finally been able to get some response from the Army Corps of Engineers about the missing dolphin at the end of the ‘invisible in winter’ wing dam that several sailboats have hit during the SOS season. I’m convinced it’s a dangerous hazard for anyone not boating with a nose in a chartplotter!
It’s the wing dam just East of the Wm Gleason boat ramp. The ACE is aware of the problem, but claims that it’s a FUNDING issue. They’ve suggested that the more emails (with their trail) they get on this issue, the more weight they will have in acquiring the necessary funds to get this danger addressed before someone is hurt or killed there.
The proper email to send to is: cenwp-pa@usace.army.mil
Just refer to the danger present and which wing dam you are referring to, please. The more email they get, the more likely something will be done. I’ve contacted the president of the Columbia River Yachting Association, too, in hopes some power boat folks will join in this mission. They have more at risk than we do, probably, since they travel at much higher speeds, most often.
Thanks for considering this. Many voices just might get heard! It’ll only take a couple minutes, and might save a boat…or a life!
Gary Bruner
s/v Molika
If you would like to help, a sample letter is below:
To Whom it May Concern:
I want to lend my name to the letter sent to you by Gary Bruner regarding the invisible wing dam lying just east of the Wm Gleason boat ramp, located about halfway between the I-5 and 205 bridges, on the Columbia River. Several boats have run into it each winter and it needs to be marked. Sooner or later someone is going to be hurt or worse, especially given the strength of the river’s current in early spring.
Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Your name
s/v (or m/v) Boat Name, if applicable
