Came across this the other day and was curious if anyone at the other lakes had experienced similar projects. The gist is that they are planning some type of breakwater project to protect diablo east during bad winds out of the north. They are planning to build either a jetty type, floating, or combination of both. Amistad is a pretty pristine lake and I would hate to see something go south with the construction. I understand the problem, but at the same time to me reponsible boating is checking the weather and knowing when to get off the lake. Just looking for thoughts and also the public has the ability to make comments at this website

http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=24&projectID=24213&documentID=38741

I've seen storms blow up on Amistad making it impossible to use the Diablo East ramp. Boats have been sunk and thrown up onto the concrete ramp. I believe any kind of breakwater for this ramp is long overdue.

As many times as they have had to repair Black Brush after windstorms you would have thought they would consider the same for that oft used ramp.

Have them contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Branch. Even though it is not a Corps Lake, it is within Ft. Worth District and all waters of the U.S. may require a permit under the Section 404 program.

they need one

what they are doing is a great idea, and one they eventually may due to blackbrush after they measure the success vrs cost. as far as the permit,I dont think they need one. I think they answer to departments like the enviromental agency. This lake is a national park run by the national park service which is a goverment agency. I have a friend who works for them and has been assigned to assist with this project. They are taking every pre-caution to protect this resource.

Dubbs, I agree with your statement about it being the boaters responsibility, to be aware of the weather, however they do miss and it can come early so it will be nice for the visitors to be able to get off the lake or tie to the dock without sinking the boat. You also have to think that diablo east boat dock and north winds have sunk over 5 house boats in 4 years, as well as houses most of the game wardens,park rangers, and border patrol boats are stored there as well. That was most likly the main focus for the breakwater.


respectfully,

Jc Gwynne

In my opinion, it is about time for this. I agree there should be something at Blackbrush also. I would think there is a solution that looks acceptable and allows boaters an opportunity to safely load their boats when caught in an unexpected high North wind.

It has always been difficult to forecast winds at Amistad and the rule of thumb has always been to add 5-10 mph on any forecast......

I have seen it at Diablo when storms blow up and everyone is trying to get off the lake and it's raining.......all the lanes are full with trucks spining out and can't get up the ramp! Parks serv. will not pull anyone out. They say it's a liability and will not give anybody a tow. Boats are waiting to load up while trucks are stuck on the ramp and the wind is blowing in to the ramp. Parks serv. sitting at the top of the ramp watching boats sink!

This is long overdue and badly needed. I have been caught up in strong north winds that suddenly hit. I nearly lost my boat several years ago when a strong cold front hit two days early. I was by myself and you guys are correct the Park Rangers just watched. As an LEO myself I would try to assist boaters liability or not its just the right thing to do.

it is long overdue, and blackbrush may eventually get something like it as well although it will most likly be like the tire reefs at airforce since there are no stored boats to protect.

As far as the Park service, you cannot fault them for not pulling you up a ramp it is not there responsibility, anymore than its the DPS resposibility to tow you out if you get stuck in the medien on the highway. I personally have seen and assisted the park serv. in helping recover boats that were sunk and sinking when it was safe to do so. They will help and assist you on the water as some visitors found out the last couple of years when there boats sank.