I am a resident of Canyon Lake, TX, and like many others here, boating is not just a pastime but a way of life. Recently, the Comal County Road Department made modifications to Boat Ramp Six that have left us puzzled and frustrated. A large curb has been added at the end of the ramp which makes it virtually unusable for most boaters.

This change not only restricts our access to the lake but also poses potential damage risks to our boats and trailers, and most importantly people. Eminent personal injury risks lurk just below the waterline when the bulkhead that has been erected becomes invisible with rising water levels, serving as a trip hazard while passengers and boat operators board and recover their boats given ramp 6 is absent a courtesy dock. 

The lack of communication about this decision has left us feeling ignored and marginalized. We have initiated discussion with the Canyon Lake Boat Ramp Alliance as well as Comal County Engineering Department and Comal County Road Department who are responsible for the design and implementation of the changes at Boat Ramp Six. To our dismay, the answer to the concerns we have voiced is “let’s just hope we get rain and then it won’t be an issue if the lake is full.” That is simply not an acceptable answer, and we are hoping that we can unite as concerned boaters and citizens to demand further answers and consideration for a better design.

Canyon Lake is home to over 32,000 residents (U.S Census Bureau) and host to over 1.5M visitors annually (US Army Corps of Engineers), many of whom rely on these boat ramps for recreational activities or their livelihoods. This sudden modification without any apparent reason or prior notification is unacceptable.

We deserve transparency from our local government bodies regarding decisions that directly impact us. We demand an explanation from the Comal County Road Department and Comal County Commissioners and Judge as to why this curb was added at Boat Ramp 6 and how they plan on addressing our concerns about its usability.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair access to public amenities and transparency in local governance decisions affecting them.

Petition for information and discovery into county resources deployed in late 2023 for modifications made to the length and capabilities of Boat Ramp six as well as request for a new solution.

What we want to accomplish with this petition is the following:

1)    Answer questions related to engineering design decisions which resulted in: 

1. Shortening the length of the boat ramp
2. Addition of bulkhead at end of ramp
3. Installation of 8 1/2-inch curb at end of boat ramp

2)    Establish appropriate benchmarking guidelines and standards based on a collection of known third-party governmental resources as well as third-party published engineering and design guidelines for boat ramp construction.

3)    Establish a feedback system for locals and boaters to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the changes to the design at boat ramp six.

4)    Compare engineer designs and implementation with findings from benchmarking and feedback from boaters to identify areas for improvement, if any.

5)    Identify and suggest potential resolutions to restore full functionality of the use of boat ramp 6.

Photos of Ramp 6:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some links to resources I’ve found that are published best practices from government and municipalities that describe how to construct a safe and usable boat launch ramp. I’ve scoured all known sources and cannot find a single resource that mentions adding a curb or stop to the end of a boat launch ramp. I am hoping by gaining your support, we can gain access to information and urge a positive change in the design of the boat ramps at Canyon Lake, most urgently and specifically boat ramp six.

 

US Army Corps of Engineers Boat Launch Construction Guidelines:

https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Construction-Guidelines/

 

US Army Corps of Engineers’ RECREATION FACILITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICES STANDARDS:

https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_1110-1-400.pdf

US Customs and Border Patrol:

https://govtribe.com/file/government-file/70b01c21r00000008-boat-ramp-design-standards-dot-pdf

Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Boating Access Grants:

This grant can provide funding of up to 75% and $500,000 in funds to assist with improvements to the boat ramps.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/recreation-grants/boating-access

Example application to assist in receiving funding:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdforms/media/pwd_1068_p4000_boatramp_grant_application.pdf

Oregon’s Design Guides for Recreational Boating Facilities:

https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/forms-library/Documents/Facilities/DesignGuidelinesComplete.pdf

M.B. Marsh Marine Design:

https://marine.marsh-design.com/content/proper-dimensions-boat-launch-ramp

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Engineering Design Guidelines:

https://ohiodnr.gov/static/documents/engineering/designguidelines/doeboatramps.pdf

California Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Boating and Waterways:

https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/pages/28702/files/Layout%20And%20Design%20Guidelines%20For%20Boat%20Launching%20Facilities%202021.pdf

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources:

https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/building-boat-ramps/