BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOVELY — With the increased interest in river-related tourism activity in the Tug Valley area, kayakers who frequent the area and kayak rental businesses face a difficult situation: There is no safe boat access between Warfield and South Williamson.
Martin County Fiscal Court created two boat access ramps on Route 292 south of Lovely in 2020 that, according to Bill Vanover of Vanover Kayak Rentals, enthusiasts put to use. However, the ramps did not include concrete structures or supports and soon succumbed to erosion from river flooding. The high water left mud, debris, large ruts and holes behind.
Vanover’s business started strong but declined with the deterioration of the ramps.
“The ramp at the Huntleyville Park, although in rough shape, is still in better condition than the one at Mount Sterling,” Vanover said. “The county owns the park, so I’m hopeful the issues will be addressed soon.”
Vanover says he would love to see the ramps constructed like the Warfield Boat Ramp, which is concrete. Until the county can manage that, he believes “one day of work” on the two ramps would make a difference.
Martin County Road & Bridge supervisor Titus Marcum agrees it would not require much work to clean up the two boat ramps. He says the work order must come from the county government center.
Oppy resident Vicky Evans, who serves as an officer of Friends of the Tug Fork River, avidly supports river-related tourism. She says river access ramps are a must for attracting kayakers.
“One of the greatest assets we have here in the Tug Valley is our beautiful river,” Evans relayed. “Recreation along the Tug has escalated in the past few years with kayaking, tubing, swimming and fishing.”
Evans says the lack of water rescue access points along the Tug River in Martin County is even more concerning.
“It is my hope that funding can be found to enable us to complete and maintain the ones we have and possibly add others in the future,” said Evans.
Martin County Judge/Executive Colby Kirk told the Mountain Citizen that he would speak with Marcum and find out what would be required. He says the county must obtain required permits and comply with the legal process.
“I would love to see these sites, or others for that matter, become a source of pride for the county and serve as a way to promote and expand river-related activities,” Kirk said. “This is something I’ll definitely be looking into and will keep the public informed of what we find.”
The Mountain Citizen questioned Marcum about large loads of dirt dumped in 2021 at a water access location on Emily Creek. Marcum said he was not aware of the situation but would investigate.
“I assure you if the county workers are responsible, the problem will be corrected,” said Marcum. “If a private individual or business did it, we will also address that.”