New Bemus Point boat launch ramp complete
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BEMUS POINT – Another boat launch has been added to the roaming shores of Chautauqua Lake.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the completion of the Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site. The new launch point is located at the former fish hatchery site, and the project has received significant praise from the Mayor of Bemus Point.
"That site has a long and storied Chautauqua Lake history, serving as a fish hatchery from 1903 until 1973," said Jeff Molnar, Bemus Point mayor. "Today, with your recent improvement, it continues to serve our residents and visitors alike with boat access, parking, and an ADA accessible kayak launch. The DEC’s recent work and your continued commitment dovetail with our Village’s Strategic Plan’s goals. We work hard to maintain an environment that provides appropriate infrastructure while protecting our wonderful natural resources for all to enjoy. You certainly checked all of the boxes, including the kayak launch, which is in the middle of our Bemus Point-Ellery Blueway Paddle Trail."
The DEC press release said it recently celebrated the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by highlighting new investments that expand access to outdoor recreation and help ensure New York's public lands are welcoming to visitors of all abilities. As part of Governor Hochul's These Lands Are for Everyone initiative, DEC is also installing 40 adaptive color-enhancing viewfinders at 36 locations across New York State, providing new adaptive recreation equipment, investing in accessibility improvements, and providing more inclusive programming to make it easier for more people to enjoy the outdoors.
"The DEC is proud to support projects like the improvements at Bemus Point State Boat Launch and Fishing Access Site to provide free access for watercraft, anglers, and others who want to visit and recreate on Chautauqua Lake," said Chad Staniszewski, DEC Region 9 acting regional director. "Through Governor Hochul's 'These Lands Are For Everyone' initiative and other accessibility and inclusivity programs, we are committed to improving and upgrading our infrastructure to provide better recreational opportunities to everyone, including those who have historically had difficulties accessing public properties. We also appreciate the ongoing collaborations with local municipalities to help make projects like the Bemus Point upgrades possible."
The $685,000 project was funded through the NY Works Program, a capital funding initiative dedicated to repairing and maintaining state-owned environmental infrastructure, including state campgrounds and fishing access sites. In addition to the boat launch replacement, new boat docks and an anchored, floating kayak launch, ADA-compliant features include accessible parking spaces near the boat launch, improved sidewalks, and motion-sensor, solar-powered lights for the launch area and sidewalks. The concrete seawall was also removed and replaced with stone rip rap and a vegetated shoreline.
"The village of Bemus Point Board of Trustees joins me in appreciation for the recent upgrades to the DEC launch," Molnar said. "(We) appreciate everyone’s great work on this, from the design engineer to the contractor."
Since the ADA was signed into law in 1990, DEC has continued working to remove barriers to outdoor recreation by expanding accessible facilities, improving visitor services, and increasing opportunities for people of all abilities to connect with nature.
"I've been fishing these waters for many years," said Richard Dorsey, 63, of Lakewood. "Anytime we can add a boat launch or better public access to the lake, it becomes a win for all of us. I guess I'm going to have to mosey my way over to it soon -before winter hits."
Molnar said the village has invested in features like a 'Blue Water Trail' and other eco-friendly tourist attractions to attract more visitors to the lakeside village.
"This launch, our Blue Water Trail and overland trail all play a part in hopefully attracting tourists and locals to check out all the village has to offer," he said