The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is talking input from paddlers and other interested people on the project’s plans.
Ridgefield is a stop on the Lower Columbia River Water Trail and the Lewis River-Vancouver Lake Water Trail. It also enables access to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
In a news release about the issue, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Executive Director Debrah Marriott said her organization has a long working relationship with the city and looks forward to the project.
“We’re thrilled to be able to improve people’s access to these two great water trails,” she said. “We’re excited to see this all come to fruition.”
Project funding is being provided by REI, the city of Ridgefield, and the Estuary Partnership. The project is also the product of a partnership between the city of Ridgefield, the Port of Ridgefield, McCuddy’s Ridgefield Marina, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Clark County, and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe.
Chris Hathaway, deputy director of the Estuary Partnership, said project costs are not yet finalized.
“We’re hoping to get good feedback on the design and from there,” he said in an email. “Having said that, we think we can get this done, hopefully if necessary, with some community support, for something in the $10,000 to $20,000 range.”
If estimates come in higher than that, the design could be changed or some elements can be delayed, if additional money cannot be raised.
Ridgefield Mayor Ron Onslow said the city has embrace non-motorized boaters.
“Ridgefield is a prime spot for boaters,” he said in a news release. “Our annual Big Paddle has been a huge success and we’re excited to help make this nonmotorized boat launch a unique and special launch and landing spot.”
Members of the public are invited to fill out a survey and give their thoughts on the nonmotorized boat launch at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QMRQDHJ
Design plans are also available at the Estuary Partnership’s website: www.estuarypartnership.org
