In 2012, the Cape Fear River Partnership announced plans to construct an ADA-compliant, 90-foot wide fishing pier, paved parking area, and other facilities at the Cape Fear River Lock and Dam No. 1, located 32 miles upriver from Wilmington, North Carolina.
The wooden pier extends 30 feet out and is 90 feet wide across the T-section. The pier was designed and constructed by staff with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Division of Engineering and Lands Management. The pier was completed in 2013.
The pier at Lock and Dam No. 1 is a fixed pier with driven pilings so that it can withstand high-water events typical on the Cape Fear River.
The pier is located near the recently completed rock arch fish passage ramp. The rock arch ramp is expected to improve passage of anadromous fish during their spring spawning migrations in the Cape Fear River.
The Cape Fear River provides important spawning habitat for a variety of anadromous fish species including striped bass, American shad, river herring, American eel, and endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.
Encompassing more than 9,000 square miles, the Cape Fear River basin is the largest watershed in North Carolina.
sources: Cape Fear River Partnership, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission