June 27, 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 on Salmon Harbor Drive in Winchester Bay.

A county release said last week, a required joint permit application was successfully completed and submitted to the Department of State Lands. This marks a critical step forward in efforts to repair the crab dock to maintain the community’s recreation facilities. The submitted application will be posted on the ODSL website in early July for a mandatory 30-day public comment period. It is anticipated that an approved permit will be issued in August, contingent upon the successful completion of the review period.

Once the terms of the permit are known, staff will proceed with drafting a bid prospectus to solicit a vendor to facilitate the necessary dock repairs. This process will include a Request for Bids procurement process, which will add some additional time to the timeline.

The release said considering the necessary steps and potential adjustments, the best-case scenario is to have the project out for bid and awarded by mid-August. Depending on contractor availability, the hope is to begin dock repairs in late August or sometime in September.

During the closure, Dock 9 is recommended near the west boat launch in Salmon Harbor for crabbing without a boat. Some fishermen have reported success using fishing pole crab traps from jetties and riverbanks.

The Windy Cove Crab and Fishing Dock will remain closed until repairs are completed and the dock is no longer deemed unsafe and hazardous for public use. The surrounding parking lot, day-use area and beach access at Windy Cove County Park remain open.