Renovations on Public Boating Access Areas

NC Wildlife Resources Commission installs floating docks at Lake Tillery - Temporarily Closes Bells Church Public Fishing Area.

March 17, 2008

STANLY COUNTY NC NEWS -- The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has closed the Bells Church Public Fishing Area (PFA), from March 13 through April 1, due to a potential safety hazard. An electric company is digging trenches to install underground cables for nighttime fishing lights on the pier. The public fishing area, which is located on Jordan Lake in Chatham County, North Carolina will reopen once the installation is complete and the site deemed safe for the public use by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Meanwhile, work crews have completed renovations on the Concord Church boating access area on the Yadkin River, in Davie County. The revamped access area at Concord Church located of NC801, features a longer handicapped-accessible ramp.

Piedmont Regional Supervisor for the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission's Division of Engineering Services, Dean Barbee said, "The old ramp was shorter, and we extended the ramp even farther to make it easier for boaters to access the water. It was a complete renovation from top to bottom, and we think boaters will be very excited."

On Lake Tillery, between Stanly and Montgomery Counties, floating piers are being installed in four places. So far, fixed docks at the Swift Island and Stony Mountain access areas have been replaced with floating docks. The new docks have handicapped-assist rails and cleats for easier boat tie-ups. The two remaining public accesses, Norwood and Lilly's Bridge, will be replaced later this spring with similar floating piers.