SYC has received notice from the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission that planned improvements at both Sucia and Jones Islands will likely begin this summer. "The proposed improvements are focused on achieving ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliance by reducing the slope of the gangway at [both] docks, hardening key trail segments, and providing new ADA accessible amenities."

On Sucia Island, The main element of this project is the removal and replacement of the entire pier/ramp/float system. In a recent telephone interview with Vice Commodore Churchward , Tom Murley, NW Region Environmental Specialist with Parks and Recreation, said he thought the dock work at Sucia would begin on or around August 15^th of this year. There are two docks in Fossil Bay so there will be less of an impact on boaters at this island. Work on the Jones Island dock will be held off until after the Labor Day weekend.

Upland work at both sites will probably begin earlier. This includes one new Adirondack shelter on Sucia and two on Jones. Both islands will get new ADA camp sites and other improvements. For a complete description of these projects please click the link at the top of this page.

Tom Murley also wants us to know that environmental and marine life restrictions narrow the window of time that work can be done to a few months out of the year. These limitations apply to projects all over the area so the actual work dates have to be negotiated with busy contractors.

While these projects are underway this summer, we can expect to hear construction noise during week days and have limited dock access. We hope most of you will agree that this temporary inconvenience will be well worth the improvements we will be able to enjoy next year.

If you are concerned about a planned visit to either island, Tom has asked you to call him or email him and he will be happy to advise you on the status of the project for the dates you have in mind. You can reach him at: