News Release

Anacapa Island Wharf Construction Set to Begin

Date: February 17, 2022
Contact: Mark Hnat, 805-658-5717

Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley announced today the beginning of construction on February 22, 2022, to replace the existing deteriorating dock at Anacapa Island, which improve visitor access and safety.

To improve safety, the new wharf will have a vertical lifting platform that will allow visitors and park staff to easily move from vessels to the landing dock. This new lift system requires widening the dock footprint by approximately six feet.

The project is managed by the National Park Service Denver Service Center, the agency's centralized planning, design, and construction project management office.  The work will be completed by JMG Constructors, LLC., located in Keyport, WA.  The $4 million project is funded by fees collected on federal public lands. 

The new dock, designed to last 50 years, will be about two feet higher than the existing landing with the ability to later be raised an additional three feet in the event of sea level rise. The dock replacement project will also enhance visitor experience, improve passenger and cargo operations, preserve cultural landscape characteristics, increase sustainability, and ensure the protection of marine and terrestrial environments.

To ensure the safety of park visitors, Anacapa Island will be temporarily closed to the public while construction takes place. This includes the campground and the Landing Cove.  Construction is estimated to last approximately three months. Updates on the project schedule will be posted on the park website at www.nps.gov/chis.