06-24-2009, 11:10 AM
MOUNT OLIVE - Renovations on a White River access point in Mount Olive, a small community in Izard County, were completed Monday as part of a river-wide effort to repair access ramps and parking lots.
"Everybody around uses that ramp," said Charles Stevens, a trout fishing guide who has lived on the White River most of his life. "They've [AGFC] done a wonderful job. We appreciate it."
Mike Armstrong, AGFC chief of fisheries, said the portion of the White River flowing through Mount Olive is a popular recreation area stocked with trout, a major reason for making the Mount Olive access point a renovations priority. Furthermore, renovations were needed to accommodate modern boats.
"The project was to replace an existing structure that was worn out," said Mike Cantrell, AGFC regional maintenance coordinator who oversaw the access point's construction. "The boats are getting bigger, and people want a better ramp to launch from."
Built in the 1960s, the access ramp was neither properly sloped nor wide enough for easy boat use in recent years before the renovations, which cost $29,103. The five-week-long renovation process entailed installing rocks for a sub-grade, or structure stabilization; setting a 20 x 83-foot concrete slap; and adding large rocks for bank stabilization. Additionally, a mobility-impaired parking space was added adjacent to the ramp.
The Mount Olive renovations were originally planned for 2008 but delayed due to excessive flooding. These renovations are one of many such projects planned along the White River to better serve fisherman and other river users.
"Everybody around uses that ramp," said Charles Stevens, a trout fishing guide who has lived on the White River most of his life. "They've [AGFC] done a wonderful job. We appreciate it."
Mike Armstrong, AGFC chief of fisheries, said the portion of the White River flowing through Mount Olive is a popular recreation area stocked with trout, a major reason for making the Mount Olive access point a renovations priority. Furthermore, renovations were needed to accommodate modern boats.
"The project was to replace an existing structure that was worn out," said Mike Cantrell, AGFC regional maintenance coordinator who oversaw the access point's construction. "The boats are getting bigger, and people want a better ramp to launch from."
Built in the 1960s, the access ramp was neither properly sloped nor wide enough for easy boat use in recent years before the renovations, which cost $29,103. The five-week-long renovation process entailed installing rocks for a sub-grade, or structure stabilization; setting a 20 x 83-foot concrete slap; and adding large rocks for bank stabilization. Additionally, a mobility-impaired parking space was added adjacent to the ramp.
The Mount Olive renovations were originally planned for 2008 but delayed due to excessive flooding. These renovations are one of many such projects planned along the White River to better serve fisherman and other river users.