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Derelict docks continue to disappear

Abandoned docks along Mara to be removed this fall.

A combined effort by the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP) and three other partners saw the removal of 26 derelict, abandoned docks from the Salmon Arm portion of Shuswap Lake and the Sicamous area over the summer.

Up to 16 more derelict, abandoned docks are planned to be removed this fall from Mara Lake.

These structures can create safety issues for boaters, impede public access along the shoreline and reduce the esthetic values of the lake, and also may be damaging to fish habitat.

“Nobody wants to see these abandoned docks creating hazards to navigation and downgrading the esthetics of beautiful Shuswap Lake, so removing them is a big benefit to everyone,” says Paul Demenok, SLIPP steering committee chair and Electoral Area C director with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. “It’s also important to note that this is the only dock removal program involving SLIPP. The semi-waterfront dock issue raised in the summer has absolutely nothing to do with SLIPP.”

Residents and businesses around the Shuswap can report derelict, abandoned docks through the SLIPP website, www.slippbc.com.

Reported docks are included in the inventory, and if they are close to the site of other removal operations, they may be removed as well.

Two of the derelict, abandoned docks removed in August were reported by businesses in the Shuswap.

“The contractors came in and cleaned everything up nicely, with little disruption to our business,” says Kevin Wonacott of Captains Cove Marina.

Dennis Allen of Buena Vista Resort near Sicamous reported a concrete dock that washed ashore in late June, and appreciates the assistance in getting it removed by SLIPP and contractors.

Derelict and abandoned dock removal is part of the SLIPP shoreline restoration program. SLIPP member agencies have committed resources toward assessing potential abandoned docks to provide information on location, condition, potential ownership, and other information.

Docks that are in poor repair, deemed to be of little or no value and with no apparent claim of ownership are being removed and disposed of with no further notice.

Funding for the derelict, abandoned dock removal project is shared between the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, SLIPP funds, Old Town Bay court award funds, and the province.

For more information, contact Erin Vieira at 250-314-9660.