The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will temporarily close the Bay Watch Boat Ramp facility in Baldwin County for renovations on May 5, 2025. The facility is adjacent to the U.S. Highway 98 bridge at the mouth of the Fish River. The project is expected to be completed by early August 2025, weather permitting.

“The Bay Watch parking area renovation is part of a series of boating access improvement projects currently in progress throughout the state,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Recent projects in south Alabama include improvements to the Mount Vernon Public Boat Ramp, Chocolatta Boat Ramp on the Causeway and the Billy Goat Hole Boat Ramp on Dauphin Island. We’re also working with Mobile County to build a new ramp at Cedar Point. These projects will provide our boaters and anglers with improved access to outdoor recreation for many decades.”

During the closure, the parking area will be paved and parking will be marked for visitors, boats and trailers and boat tie down areas. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking will also be created. The project is designed to improve visitor parking and access to the Bay Watch Boat Ramp and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Resource Center. The project was funded by ADCNR from GOMESA funds.

Public access to the site, including the boat ramp, kayak launch and ADCNR State Lands Division Weeks Bay Resource Center, will not be permitted throughout the renovation process. The View Point Launch located at the southern end of Baldwin County Road 1 will remain open for local access to the Fish River, Mobile Bay and Bon Secour Bay. More information about boating access locations in coastal Alabama is available at www.outdooralabama.com/boating/coastal-alabama-boating-access.

ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.