The Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division (CRD) and Jekyll Island Authority have announced that renovation of the Jekyll Island public boating access site is complete.  Improvements include a larger, resurfaced boat ramp, a larger boating service dock, and more parking area. This $400,000 renovation was one of four projects made possible by a $1.5 million CRD budget enhancement approved by the Georgia legislature in 2007.

The new ramp is 50-ft wide allowing three boaters to launch or load simultaneously.  It is 130 feet long and extends well below the low tide line making it possible for boaters to safely launch and recover their vessels at all stages of the tide. The service dock now provides 200 feet of perimeter providing space for several boats. Two acres of crushed-limestone-surface parking area was added to the site. The lot also includes handicapped parking and space of anglers fishing in the nearby lake, Ski Rixen Pond.

The boat ramp launches into Jekyll Creek, a popular area for fisherman seeking triple tail, redfish and trout. The ramp is also a favored launch site for kayakers looking to explore the vast salt marsh, creeks, and rivers adjacent to Jekyll Island.  These improvements and expansions will allow more fishermen and kayakers to enjoy Jekyll Island’s intrarcoastal waterways.

In addition to the boat ramp, Ski Rixen Pond is rich fishing location for anglers seeking redfish, speckled trout, and Atlantic croaker. For those visitors wishing to explore the area without fishing, Tidelands Nature Center is a wildlife educational facility and canoe/paddleboat rental location sponsored by the University of Georgia. Tidelands is located on the shore of Ski Rixen Pond and also offers guided kayak tours through the intracoastal waterways. These tours are individual lessons in kayaking and up-close encounters with the eco-systems that border Jekyll Island.

The above picture was taken at the December 15 ribbon cutting. Pictured are members of the Jekyll Island Authority Board; staff of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division; and Jekyll Island Authority Staff. Cutting the ribbon (left to right, holding scissors) are Shawn Jordan, DNR Boating Access Coordinator; Spud Woodward, DNR Asst. Director of Marine Fisheries; and Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board.

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Reprinted from Jacksonville.com, By Teresa Stepzinski

BRUNSWICK - The bigger, better Jekyll Island public boat ramp is now open to fishermen and boaters.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has completed a $441,265 project to renovate and expand the boat ramp on Jekyll Creek near Ski Rixen Pond. It was one of four public boat ramps in Coastal Georgia to undergo renovations with state funds approved by the General Assembly. Another is at Bellville in McIntosh County.

Beginning July 7, workers replaced the old 20-foot-wide concrete ramp with a 50-foot-wide one and added 80 feet of floating dock to the 20-foot long service dock, said Shawn Jordan, project coordinator with the department’s Coastal Resources Division.

The adjacent parking lot was upgraded and expanded by two acres, Jordan said.

The renovations will benefit both resident and non-resident anglers and the local economy, said Doug Haymans, the division’s constituent services program supervisor.

“The boat ramp is now big enough to accommodate regional and national fishing tournaments. There is plenty of water and room to launch three 30-foot boats at once during low tide from the ramp,” Haymans said.

Boats that size are common in kingfish and other tournaments.

Recreational and sportfishing generates millions of dollars for Georgia’s economy each year. The state’s best triple tail fishing is found off Jekyll Island. It also is a popular launching site for fishermen seeking redfish and trout in nearby waters, Haymans said.

Before the state’s budget crunch, the General Assembly approved spending $1.3 million to improve four Coastal Georgia public boat ramps. The Jekyll project was the largest.

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