Ragged Island
 

Once the winds died down yesterday, we took a boat ride over to Ragged Island. When we got there I was devastated to see that two of the three public docks were completely wiped out over the winter.

This is a devastating blow for the Lakes Region Conservation Trust who owns the island as they just competed the repairs on these docks late last summer. Based on what I saw I doubt the trust will be able to repair the docks this year without coming up with some serious money. It's going to take a lot more than volunteer work to repair them, a barge and heavy equipment will be required. Truly a shame...



Dan

Dan, that is a shame. I sent LRCT an email with a link to your report.

Alan

Thanks Slick;

I did email Muriel Robinette who heads up the volunteer work for LRCT. Ragged Island has been her baby and she is going to be devastated with this news.

BTW...It's still windy as all hell out here!!

Dan

Lrct
 

Did you send a picture too? It is probable that they have insurance to cover the cost of repairs. A few years ago their dock on Rattlesnake got wiped out. I sent them an e-mail with a picture for which they were very appreciative and the dock was fixed super quick.

No unfortunately I didn't. I didn't have a camera at the time I was there. If the wind dies down today maybe I will go back and get some shots for them. Never thought of the insurance...

Thank R-Gal!

Dan

F.Y.I. - we have our homeowner's insurance with Amica and our dock is covered for damage by the policy, except that damage from ice is specifically excluded. So those of you who assume your dock is covered under your homeowner's insurance policy might want to check the "fine print" and make sure.

Some Pictures
 

Here are some pictures we took of the damaged docking at Ragged Island.

It is a shame, but can someone explain why they would build docks that are left in, knowing the damage that ice can do during the winter? Seems rather short-sighted.

They Tried
 

Looks like they had ice eaters going and did everything they could to prevent this from happening. This from the Lakes Region Conservation trust regarding the dock damage...

"….it was a very freak southerly wind that came up while the ice was just breaking up…our ice eater was useless to stop the flows from jamming up into the docks."

Dan

Don't forget, these docks were originally part of a boat house.

what is on Ragged for the public? Public beach? Picnic area? Hiking Trails?

That may be repairable, depending. I don't know what was underneath actually holding the dock up, but from the view in the picture, the wood on the main dock does not appear to have broken. It is obviously bent...

My safe dock was is much worse condition this spring, and I was actually able to fix it from above (so never had to get into the water), and without replacing any of the wooden frame. The dock was badly bent, and some of it was in the water.

But, this one may be worse than the pictures show.. hard to say without a close examination.

Back in the days before DES
 

One can build a rock cage under the docks with rocks along the shore line. This method really helps prevent ice damage.

My neighbor says it takes 'an act of congress' to create a rock cage today.

And even those docks can be damaged. The only way to really ensure no damage to your dock is to lift it out of the water. That nasty old ice can't get them then!!! Ours are all that way now!! :):)

Dock Repair
 

I believe the right side of the dock, as you are facing the shore, can be repaired. You can lift this dock with poles and a come-a-long. Have used this method before. You can then repair crib below or permanently put poles in place. It did not appear that the decking and framework on the right side was too damaged.

The left side, as you are facing the shore, needs complete replacement. It's rotten.

Have more pictures too.

Hope this info helps,
Bill

Tis is right. Our rock and cement wharf has finally sucumbed to ICE OUT. Major damage this time during ice out. Oh well, 120 years aint bad I guess. :laugh:

Dock Damage
 

Much of the damage to our dock on East Bear Island is caused by wind-driven pack ice at ice-out time. :(

I think this would be a GREAT CAUSE, for all the Island land owners to chip-in and fix it for them. What a wonderful thing you would be doing for Winnie and all her visitors.:cheers:

Good News!
 

Just heard that a contractor was hired to rebuild both docks!! This is great news for those that visit the island!

Dan

How about all slip renter/owners with no place to go take up a collection.:laugh:

I trailer my boat where ever I go. But I like your idea too. So when is everyone going to start sending their money in? What about everyone donating time to get it fixed? Or is it Out of Site Out of mind type of thing? :laugh: Like usual.