The Kitchener-Waterloo Cambridge BASSMASTERS completed our conservation project in December 2005, by extending the Shades Mills Conservation Area boat ramp by an additional eight feet. We undertook this project to protect this body of water from more shoreline erosion. Every time a boat was launched, the trailer tires would drive off the existing ramp, and silt and dirt would be raised off the bottom of the lake bed. This extension will now prevent this from occurring.
This is the first part of the project, the excavation of the extension. A depth of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) was prepared.
A second view of the excavation.
Once the excavation was completed, a work crew from the GRCA (Grand River Conservation Authority) started the work of building the frame for the concrete. The project also included placing steel rebar into the concrete, which holds the structure together, and to prevent the concrete from cracking. The existing ramp had holes drilled into it, and the rebar was glued into these holes. By doing this, the new ramp extension would not separate from the existing ramp.A GRCA employee drilling into the existing boat ramp, then gluing and inserting the steel rebar for the new extension.
The framing and rebar is complete, and the concrete is about to be poured.
The concrete is being poured. Notice how the rebar will be centered in the concrete.
The poured slab is complete.
Grooves (and finally, a diamond pattern) are created in the concrete for several reasons. The indentations will allow water creatures to inhabit the slab. Minnows, crayfish, and other creatures will be able to move along the slab, and have hiding places from other predators (largemouth & smallmouth bass and pike). Water drainage will also occur with the diamond pattern. Traction for the vehicles loading and unloading their boats will also be available.
