Folk,
Several local groups, individuals, & the city of Castle Rock are trying to get a new boat launch built on the Cowlitz just above the bridge by the fairgrounds in Castle Rock. A grant for 67% ($46,900) of engineering & design costs has been approved by WA IAC. The remaining 33% needs to be located for a match ($23,000). Our local Cowlitz Game & Anglers Club has pledged $3,000 contingent on being able to locate the remaining $20,000. We are not having much success. We need to find this $20K by the end of March 2004.

There is no safe & viable PUBLIC launch site from the mouth at Gerhart Gardens to the WDFW launch at I-5 - THIRTY RIVER MILES. Olequa is rudimentary, very unsafe during high flows. I do not count it as a "safe & viable" launch. Hog Island is worse - a total joke.

Last fall a guy died & his wife & 2 kids were lucky to be rescued following a boating accident just upstream of the mouth of the Toutle. Search & Rescue folks were delayed for much too long a time trying to locate a private citizen's launch ramp. Guy's body wasn't found for almost a month. Another tragedy is just waiting to happen.

If any of you know of organizations willing to donate to the cause, or of where we might apply for grant money, please sing out. Send me an email, or post info on this forum.

Recreational boaters, sports fishers, waterfowl hunters, Search & Rescue all need this public ramp. WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! We're running out of time. Boat manufacturers, tackle manufacturers, businesses that sell these items will all benefit monetarily from this endeavor. If boat makers alone pledged $500 each, we could make our goal.

wawazat