Everglades National Park (ENP) Superintendent Dan Kimball delivered long-awaited good news this week that Park officials have determined that there is sufficient depth in the silted-in Flamingo bayside ramp basin and access channel to allow for boat launching starting Saturday, February 4th.

Though the “inside” ramp leading to Whitewater Bay has been opened since December, the outside ramp has remained closed since Hurricane Wilma’s 8-foot storm surge deposited mud and silt in the boat basin and adjacent grounds. It was originally determined that the ramp would remain closed until early summer, when dredging may be completed.

Anglers protested, and to their credit, ENP officials reconsidered the situation, and have enlisted volunteers to place temporary stakes along the

deepest route from the launch to the main access channel to the Bay.

Signage will be posted to warn boaters of the decreased depths, and close attention to tide levels is encouraged. Be aware that the marina store, gas pumps and Flamingo Lodge are closed until further notice.

FS