Prepare to Set Sail

Fort Martin docks should be ready by weekend

Morgantown Dominion Post
20 July 2009
By Alex Lang
 
Fishing and boating enthusiasts only have a short wait until an expansive new boat dock opens at the Old Industrial Park, on Old Fort Martin Road.


District 1 Fishing Biologist for the Division of Natural Resources Frank Jernejcic said the parking lot around the pier is being paved and the docks should be ready for use Saturday — if not sooner.

"It’s going to be great,” Jernejcic said.

The pier will have about 60 parking spaces so boaters can park their cars and launch their vessels. Use of the piers will be free, Jernejcic said.

The major impact the dock will have for Monongalia County is that it will help increase the number of fishing tournaments and events held in the area, Jernejcic said.

One of the reasons organizers of such events have had trouble bringing in an exhibition is because there are only a few places to launch boats around the Monongahela River, he said.

“It will bring in more people because it is a major access site,” Jernejcic said.

Fishing enthusiasts will get their first chance to test out the new pier when the West Virginia Bass Federation Invitational Tournament is in town Saturday and Sunday.


Bringing in more fishing events, or even having more fishermen on the water, will help local businesses, said Dave Plevich, sports manager of the Greater Morgantown Visitors Bureau.

They will come in from out-of-town and will need a place to stay or eat while they fish the Monongahela River, he said.

“It’s a win-win for the community,” Plevich said.

But Plevich said, he also hopes locals take advantage of the new dock. When they see more people fishing the river, he hopes others become interested and find a way to get on the river.

Jernejcic agreed, saying he thinks when people see the increase in water traffic they will become curious and will want to find a way to do the same.

He added many walk along the river but it doesn’t register with them to boat on it. Seeing others boating could remind them of the opportunities the Monongahela provides.

Jernejcic said having the larger boating dock also will help improve the quality of life for local residents.

It will give them another chance to be outdoors and active. With the new dock, there are a few rules, Jernejcic said. There is no swimming, camping or open fires.
Since the docks were paid for by fishermen, it is supposed to be used by them and other boaters. The project was paid for by the fee on fishing licenses and by the federal excise tax on fishing equipment and gasoline.