IDFG replaces boat ramp at Roberts access near Weiser

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game replaced the boat ramp and leveled the gravel parking lot at Roberts access on the Snake River south of Weiser.

 The site is a popular state-owned and IDFG-managed sportsmen access located about three miles from Weiser at the end of River Dock Road. 

 Over the years the cement boat ramp was gradually undercut and broken up by the river flows. It actually began slipping into the river and was not considered safe for boat launching, IDFG officials said. 

 IDFG regional fisheries manager Joe Kozflay said it was not possible to repair once large sections of the old boat ramp began to separate. 

 The IDFG decided to replace the entire cement ramp with a new one. The boat ramp was closed to the public while the construction was underway.

 The old boat ramp was removed and the base materials were replaced. A new cement boat ramp and apron were poured and then pushed into place after the cement dried. The work was done immediately prior to the waterfowl season and completed at the end of October.

 The IDFG also did some fencing to keep vehicles from driving on adjacent private property and along the river bank. The gravel parking lot was smoothed out as well because people were getting stuck, Kozflay said.

 The Roberts Access site sees lots of use in late summer from fishermen launching boats in the river to go after catfish and bass. It also is a popular place for duck hunters to put in boats in the fall.

 Kozflay said the total cost of the project was about $44,000. The work was contracted out and the new ramp should last 20-25 years. The funds came from exise taxes on fishing equipment, fish finders, motorboat fuels, small engine fuels, and import duties under the federal Dingell-Johnson Act. 

 State agencies that sell fishing licenses are the only entities eligible to receive grant funds. Each state’s share is based 60 percent on the number of its licensed anglers (fishermen) and 40 percent on the size of its land and water area. 

 Program funds are used by state fish and wildlife agencies for sport fish management, boating access, and aquatic education projects.