We would like to thank state Sen. Patty Ritchie for her interest in and dedication to the residents, tourists, boating and fishing interests of the Henderson Harbor area.

A passage between Henderson Harbor and Lake Ontario known as “The Cut” has been a concern for years, filling in with gravel making passage through it difficult or forcing boats to go around Association Island. Going around Association Island adds as much as six miles of travel, which in the event of a medical or weather emergency could have serious consequences.

The current configuration of “The Cut” causes gravel to fill in to such an extent that it should be removed every year or two. There have been funding problems in recent years that have prevented the regular removal.

To alleviate the problem, the Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition hired Bernier, Carr and Associates, local engineers, to investigate and suggest solutions. They recommended a 30-foot extension of the existing berm. This will not completely eliminate the backfilling by Mother Nature, but will substantially extend the time interval for dredging by a number of years.

Mrs. Ritchie personally took the time to observe the situation. She then obtained a grant to complete the 30-foot extension for the berm. As a result of Mrs. Ritchie’s efforts, “The Cut” was cleaned out this spring and the berm will be extended this fall. The end will be enhanced safety for boaters and a long-term cost saving.

Without the dedication of Mrs. Ritchie, the project would not have moved forward. Thank you from the boating community and Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition.

Franklin D. Cean

Henderson

The writer is president of Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition.

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