News Release

Afterbay Ramp Replacement Project Put on Hold

Drift Boats near Afterbay boat ramp.

NPS, Christy Flemming

News Release Date: October 17, 2019

Contact: Christy Flemming, 3075485406

The Afterbay ramp is a popular launch site on the Bighorn River. The end of the ramp has significant damage from water erosion. There is a jagged ramp edge and significant drop off to the river.  

 

On October 8, National Park crews and partners installed a coffer dam around the boat ramp. The coffer dam was to keep water off the ramp so the broken section could be taken out and new section poured. However, park employees were unable to seal the coffer dam tight enough to keep water from coming in. Weather also presented some challenges. The coffer dam was removed on October 16 and the ramp is open for boaters.  

 

“We are still committed to fixing the ramp and hope to have a project in place for the 2020 season,” said Bighorn Canyon Superintendent Mike Tranel. Superintendent Tranel continued by saying he was grateful for the way each of the partners are contributing to the project. Park staff will continue to collaborate with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MT FW&P), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and the Bighorn River Alliance.