Kentucky Dam Marina Boat Ramp And Courtesy Dock

Hey guys and gals. Any of y'all know who is responsible for maintaining the boat ramp and courtesy dock at Kentucky Dam Marina?

I've just about had my belly full of try'n to stuff rocks in the jagged holes in the ramp and the poor, unsafe condition of the courtesy dock.

I've busted a trailer tire launch'n a boat and am afraid to even walk on the dock anymore!

The dock has nails and screws sticking out of the rub rails and just scratches the heck out of your boat, half the tie off cleats are pulled off the dock, the walkway has broken loose from the bank, the last 25' of the dock has broken loose and is only attached by a 120v wire. I could go on and on.

I'm fix'n to make somebody's life miserable for a little while. This has got'n ridiculous!:mad:

270-362-8386 & 8oo-648-2628 are the # on their website .Don't say who is overseer. But owned by state parks.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
113 Administration Dr.
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
Phone: (270) 362-4271
Email: [email protected]
Park Manager: Scot Ratzlaff

Kentucky State Parks Management

Commissioner
Elaine Walker

Deputy Commissioner
Barbara Atwood

Department Directors

Thomas Brown
Food Services Director
Sam Devine
Assistant Director
Rec Parks & Historic Sites
Tony Henderson
Technology Director
Joe West
Park Rangers Director
Monica Conrad
Regional Director
Resort Parks
Kevin Main
Assistant Director
Resort Parks
David Thacker
Assistant Director
Resort Parks
Christy Combs
Assistant Director
Rec Parks
Historic Sites, Eastern Region
Shirley Dexter
Regional Director
Rec Parks
Historic Sites, Western Region
Lisa Deavers
Assistant Director
Rec Parks
Historic Sites, Western Region
Diane Bonfert
Recreation Director
LaDonna Miller
Director
Marketing & Sales
Jennifer Portmann
Purchasing Director
Rob Richards
Director
Financial Operations
Laurie Googe
Director
Human Resources

Seems like with all the Bass Tournaments their they would keep it in better shape. I put in their sometimes and like you said Terry it is an accident waiting to happen. It took 2 senators and Fish and Wildlife to get the one fixed below Ky. Dam. Good luck getting anything done in Ky.

I'm still trying to figure out why they've ripped the ramp out of Blood River. There was absolutley nothing wrong with that ramp. They're going back with the same size ramp so it makes absolutely no sense. I'd also like to know who the rocket scientist was that decided this time of year would be a good time to tear it out. They've had 4 months where nobody was using it but wait until the crappie fishermen start swarming the area.

The only work that place needed was a parking area about 4 times bigger. I'm hearing the new campground leasee is a real peach and is writing people tickets for parking anywhere other than the parking lot. Not sure how that works, but it's what I've heard.

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Originally Posted by Quackrstackr

I'm still trying to figure out why they've ripped the ramp out of Blood River. There was absolutley nothing wrong with that ramp. They're going back with the same size ramp so it makes absolutely no sense. I'd also like to know who the rocket scientist was that decided this time of year would be a good time to tear it out. They've had 4 months where nobody was using it but wait until the crappie fishermen start swarming the area.

The only work that place needed was a parking area about 4 times bigger. I'm hearing the new campground leasee is a real peach and is writing people tickets for parking anywhere other than the parking lot. Not sure how that works, but it's what I've heard.

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That is a shame, I don't get down that way much but always used that ramp when I go down there.

How can a campground write you a ticket? Sounds kinda funny doesn't it? Lol.

Check with Walter Taylor at KDM, he and 3 other guys actually own KDM slips and marina store and lease the surrounding area. I have mentioned it to them but they showed little interest. they actually plan to add a dry stack for boats, similar to Green Turtle in the parking lot. I have heard rumor every year that they would just remove the dock..It was them that turned off the water to it last year.....They don't seem to empathetic to fisherman

Somebody writes me a ticket for parking along the road, I will first laugh in their face then spit in their face. No way that campground owner can limit access or parking along the road to the ramp. Campground, yes. Road to Wildcat ramp, no. These folks who are leasing up ground the WE PAID FOR then trying to stop us from using it need to be taught a serious lesson.

As for the ramp and dock at KY Dam Village, the folks who lease that place see fishermen as a big pain in their butts who don't spend $$ there like the slip renters or boat/jet ski renters do. They would just as soon see the ramp strictly there for the use of those who rent slips and the fishermen can take their launching somewhere else. Just like the marina operators who raise cane with folks fishing near the marinas, the leasers at KY Dam Village need to be shown that those facilities were bought and paid for with OUR TAX $$ and we will continue to use them.

I have used the boat ramp at wildcat many times and camped at wildcat creek. Never had any problems. When I broke a piece on my motor toter. The guy at the campground went and got me bolts and did not charge. Very nice people to me. I know they stopped the public from using the beach because of drinking and litter it is for campers only now.

When there is no power out on the dock check the breaker on the pole. It will kick out esp when the pump is running and there are many elec. knives running. Someone said that the pump was out last year. I know that many fishermen (esp guides) did much of the work to keep that place maintained, don't know how much of their own money they spent. I know when they were adding boat slips a large work boat was tied up to the dock. After some very high winds it (dock) broke loose and hasn't been the same since. It was closed and taped off many times one year in the past.

I agree the KDM dock needs to be upgraded….I bet if enough interest was gathered, and folks at FLW and JetaMarina and maybe even KDM. money could be raised to build a good one with safe tie-ups, fish cleaning capability etc…..Maybe even a fundraiser to pay for it…?Tournament, collections? ……but if left to the owners doubt much will happen… I would be supportive and willing to help as I am sure others would be…I have a slip at KDM and have mentioned it to the owners a few times, and as MRdux said they know the fisherman does not spend much cash there so no incentive to provide funds for it…Dead fish and carcass blow up under the slips and stink and the slip renters don't like that aspect of the dock…...

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Originally Posted by Quackrstackr

I'm still trying to figure out why they've ripped the ramp out of Blood River. There was absolutley nothing wrong with that ramp. They're going back with the same size ramp so it makes absolutely no sense. I'd also like to know who the rocket scientist was that decided this time of year would be a good time to tear it out. They've had 4 months where nobody was using it but wait until the crappie fishermen start swarming the area.

The only work that place needed was a parking area about 4 times bigger. I'm hearing the new campground leasee is a real peach and is writing people tickets for parking anywhere other than the parking lot. Not sure how that works, but it's what I've heard.

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Does this mean the ramp at wildcat will be closed when I come down from Indiana next week?

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Originally Posted by Fishinfred

Does this mean the ramp at wildcat will be closed when I come down from Indiana next week?

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All the way from Hwy 280 back there are signs saying "Boat Ramp Closed"... That said, when I was over there about a week ago, they had the left half of the ramp still open, and there were probably 20 trucks there that had launched that day. YMMV, and I don't know what (if anything) they've done in the last week with all the ice and such.

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Originally Posted by mrdux

Somebody writes me a ticket for parking along the road, I will first laugh in their face then spit in their face. No way that campground owner can limit access or parking along the road to the ramp. Campground, yes. Road to Wildcat ramp, no. These folks who are leasing up ground the WE PAID FOR then trying to stop us from using it need to be taught a serious lesson.

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From what I was told, their lease extends all the way to the pavement as a way for TVA to keep from having to mow it. That gives them the authority from keeping people from parking on the shoulder. I know the management of the campground has changed hands in the not too distant past. Not sure how long ago this newest guy took over. I do know that they put up posted signs at all access points from the road to the TVA ground behind it last year to keep people from parking there and hunting the TVA ground, which is pretty sorry in and of itself.

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Originally Posted by westkybanded

All the way from Hwy 280 back there are signs saying "Boat Ramp Closed"... That said, when I was over there about a week ago, they had the left half of the ramp still open, and there were probably 20 trucks there that had launched that day. YMMV, and I don't know what (if anything) they've done in the last week with all the ice and such.

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You were there two weeks ago. The ramp was completely torn out last Saturday because I drove right up to it.

I am new to the forum but have looked at the post several times. I just never took the time to register. After reading this post I thought it was time to join. I am glad Whiskers brought up the KDV issue up. I am a avid crappie fisherman....at least when I have time with two teenage girls who are into every sport. I work for the Kentucky Department of Parks in Frankfort and was suprised to hear the ramp and dock were in such bad shape. I have instructed our Risk Manager to inspect the dock and ramp. She will be onsite 3/11/2014 to assess the damage. In the mean time we have also contacted the dock construction team at Fish and Wildlife to evaluate the damage and give a time line for repair. I am not for sure where the breakdown in communication was but Park Central Office should have been notified by either the Park or the leasee that there had been damage. Just wanted to let everyone know that we are aware of the issue now and are working to get it repaired. I will let you know as soon as I have an estimated time of repair from F&W.

Thank you for helping to get ramp and dock repaired. Just remember the ramp situation becomes much worse at winter pool of 354.
thanks again for getting the ball rolling.

I will pass that info along to F&W...Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Hillbilly62

I am new to the forum but have looked at the post several times. I just never took the time to register. After reading this post I thought it was time to join. I am glad Whiskers brought up the KDV issue up. I am a avid crappie fisherman....at least when I have time with two teenage girls who are into every sport. I work for the Kentucky Department of Parks in Frankfort and was suprised to hear the ramp and dock were in such bad shape. I have instructed our Risk Manager to inspect the dock and ramp. She will be onsite 3/11/2014 to assess the damage. In the mean time we have also contacted the dock construction team at Fish and Wildlife to evaluate the damage and give a time line for repair. I am not for sure where the breakdown in communication was but Park Central Office should have been notified by either the Park or the leasee that there had been damage. Just wanted to let everyone know that we are aware of the issue now and are working to get it repaired. I will let you know as soon as I have an estimated time of repair from F&W.

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Son you got a fish'n trip wait'n on you!!!:ThumbsUp

Did the risk Manager come out to KDM courtesy dock yesterday? curious to know what they will do and how fast....please keep us informed Hillbilly62! and Thank you for starting the ball rolling

Well yesterday I put in at KDM. Looks like they have made some temporary repairs and the dock may hold together for a few weeks. Best repair was the catwalk hinge. That was a long step on a bum knee.

There still needs to be something done about the nails and screws that stick out and gouge your boat. Even if you have fenders out, sometimes you'll get gouged. There also needs to be some new tie off cleats put on.

I'll take what we got for now. I know money is tight.

Hey... I've got an idea for funding though. If you promise to put a big Billboard advertising Obamacare on it I BET you can get federal funding to build 1 heck of a dock! I figure if they'll pay 2.2 Mil. for an Infomercial with Richard Simmons in it, they'll pump up a couple hundred Thou. for a Billboard. Worth a try.:biggrin

I bet your right!

F&W was down there on Monday and patched the dock to the best of their ability. They recommended it be replaced because it is in very bad shape. They are getting an estimate together to let us know the total cost of replacement. From that point it will be up to Parks management to make a determination on where to get the funding. One major issue that was observed by F&W while on site was a large cruiser tied up there on Monday. That dock was not built to withstant that kind of pressure, especially in high wind conditions. While the dock is in bad shape, this is surely a contributing factor. We are recommending to Management that they place signage up restricting the size of boats that can tie up. I will keep everyone informed on the progress as I get more info.

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Originally Posted by Hillbilly62

F&W was down there on Monday and patched the dock to the best of their ability. They recommended it be replaced because it is in very bad shape. They are getting an estimate together to let us know the total cost of replacement. From that point it will be up to Parks management to make a determination on where to get the funding. One major issue that was observed by F&W while on site was a large cruiser tied up there on Monday. That dock was not built to withstant that kind of pressure, especially in high wind conditions. While the dock is in bad shape, this is surely a contributing factor. We are recommending to Management that they place signage up restricting the size of boats that can tie up. I will keep everyone informed on the progress as I get more info.

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Hillbilly you are exactly right about the big boats on the dock. I saw 1 two years ago pull one of the cleats off and darn near rip the dock out. The guy running the boat had NO clue how to run a boat and had neglected to turn one of his line loose when he departed the dock 4 or 5 people were yelling at him to stop and he just ignored us. He had absolutely no business in anything bigger than a canoe! I have seen people in pontoons just shove into the side of the dock to pick up and put people off. That's what chews up the rub rails and rips the hinge loose.

Start charging a fine for boats caught acting like idiots. Paid for in a week!

And a round of applause to hillbilly and wiskers. Squeaky wheel...

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

Hillbilly you are exactly right about the big boats on the dock. I saw 1 two years ago pull one of the cleats off and darn near rip the dock out. The guy running the boat had NO clue how to run a boat and had neglected to turn one of his line loose when he departed the dock 4 or 5 people were yelling at him to stop and he just ignored us. He had absolutely no business in anything bigger than a canoe! I have seen people in pontoons just shove into the side of the dock to pick up and put people off. That's what chews up the rub rails and rips the hinge loose.

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That pontoon quote was NOT about me!!!!

I noticed yesterday the new dock at Sledd has half of one of the rubber guards hanging into the water.

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Originally Posted by BIGBADDAD

That pontoon quote was NOT about me!!!!

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No Rich... I'm talk'n bout people that shove into it and stick it at half throttle.

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Originally Posted by Wiskers

Well yesterday I put in at KDM. Looks like they have made some temporary repairs and the dock may hold together for a few weeks. Best repair was the catwalk hinge. That was a long step on a bum knee.

There still needs to be something done about the nails and screws that stick out and gouge your boat. Even if you have fenders out, sometimes you'll get gouged. There also needs to be some new tie off cleats put on.

I'll take what we got for now. I know money is tight.

Hey... I've got an idea for funding though. If you promise to put a big Billboard advertising Obamacare on it I BET you can get federal funding to build 1 heck of a dock! I figure if they'll pay 2.2 Mil. for an Infomercial with Richard Simmons in it, they'll pump up a couple hundred Thou. for a Billboard. Worth a try.:biggrin

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That's ok as long as they don't put Obama's picture on the billboard. Too many people would spend all day ramming the dock with their boats. If dock is in that bad of shape they would sink it all together.

You won't keep those big boats off of the dock unless you keep an LEO there 24/7. That's the primary place most of them launch during the summer and they go straight to the courtesy dock.