To the Editor:
The 7000-plus registered watercraft owners in Chesterfield have tolerated a dangerous, antiquated open river ramp at Dutch Gap for too many years! Plans for a replacement ramp, per Chesterfield County Parks and Rec supervisor Stuart Connock, are for the Falling Creek entrance on the James River directly on the open water of the James. Most Chesterfield boaters desire a safer downriver location, away from the Osborne ramp, closer to Hopewell. We also want an off-main-river loading ramp like Osborne. The Capitol Region Land Conservancy and Chesterfield Parks and Rec have 153 acres on the James at the old Brown and Williamson Tobacco site (Bermuda Hundred Road). We would like to discuss the possibility of locating a ramp on this site or just below Dutch Gap in the cut to the Barge Pits. We already have met with Dr. Worsley and Stuart Connock. The county and state should consult with the Chesterfield watercraft owners before proceeding with the replacement ramp for Dutch Gap.
Phil Lohr
Chesterfield Citizens United
