Environment DEC
From the July 2008 issue
Universally Accessible Fishing Pier Opens on Lake Champlain
Colleen Brooks-Legnard, daughter of John A. Brooks, speaks at the dedication. Others left to right: Robert Bullock, Director Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quad Comm.; Senator Elizabeth Little; Carol Fraser, NYSDEC Universal Access Coordinator and Dylan Walrath, NYSDEC Lands and Forests
Named the John A. Brooks Memorial Fishing Pier, the new facility for Lake Champlain's South Bay recognizes the lifelong efforts of the late environmental conservation officer (ECO). The pier, operated and maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), is located along NYS Route 22, just minutes north of the Village of Whitehall on land owned by Washington County.
ECO Brooks served from 1951 to 1976 as a caretaker of the environment and a friend of local sportsmen and women. The new, 300-foot, universally accessible pier replaces an old bridge that once provided access to the South Bay fishery. When the bridge burned down, it became an eyesore. Officer Brooks initiated the plan to clear away the debris and restore access across the old pilings. The pier was dedicated in recognition of his efforts to protect the environment and for his vision and enthusiasm toward restoration of fishing access at South Bay.
Universal Access
The design of this facility provides seniors, families, people with disabilities and others with barrier-free access from the parking area to the fishing rail. It ensures that all visitors will be able to choose from a variety of places to fish, sit or stand--from the shore, through shallow water and out toward the deepest channel of the bay. Benches line the pier, at the end of which is a covered pavilion to provide shade and shelter. The pier is located near an existing DEC boat-launch facility, which has additional parking and an accessible privy.
The Fishery
The South Bay is a very productive area of Lake Champlain, frequented by sport species such as northern pike, largemouth bass and both chain and grass pickerel. Yellow perch, white perch, white crappies, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown bullheads and catfish are also common. In the spring, large gar are abundant inshore, and large, common carp are abundant in the South Bay area as well. Old pilings have been left intact to provide sheltered fish habitat along the southern side of the pier, while the rest of the pier faces open water.
