April 1, 2024 3:30 a.m.  

The Douglas County Parks Department has an update on the temporary closure of the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock, located on Salmon Harbor Drive in Winchester Bay.

A County release said the department had to temporarily close the facility on February 1st, due to structural damage that occurred during a high-water event in January. At the time of the closure, it was hoped that the assessment of damages and repair work would be a quick process, but unfortunately that is not the case.

As with any repair project involving a public use facility, there are numerous steps that are required before the location can safely reopen to the public. In this case, based on the initial assessment a thorough evaluation of damage both above and below the waterline must be completed before a repair plan can be put together by an engineering firm.

The Parks Department has already assessed the damage above the waterline, and currently has a diver scheduled to do the underwater assessment on Monday. As soon as the repair plan is completed, the Parks Department can then apply for an emergency permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the repair work outside the established in-water work period for the Umpqua River Estuary. That is November 1st through January 31st. Once the repair plan and permit are in hand, a solicitation for contractors to make the needed repairs can begin. Additionally, a log was discovered trapped under the dock, but attempts to remove the log have not been successful. The Parks Department hopes to get the log removed this week before it can cause additional damage.

While the Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, those looking for a place to crab in Winchester Bay without a boat, should check out Dock 9 near the west boat launch in Salmon Harbor. Some fisherman have even reported success catching crab off the banks with a fishing pole crab trap.

This repair project is a priority for the Parks Department and staff are working diligently to complete the repairs and safely reopen the dock as soon as possible. Unless any unforeseen complications arise, it is their goal to reopen the dock this summer. Public use of the facility is not permitted during the closure.

The parking lot, day-use area and beach access continue to remain open for public use.

More information on the Douglas County Parks Department is available at: https://douglascountyor.gov/802/Parks