As the gales of November blow around the Door peninsula, the Door County Parks Department will begin seasonal removal of boat launch docks. By removing the temporary docks each fall, the lifespan of the equipment is extended. 

The work is completed by County Parks Department employees, said Marc Moore, County Parks Manager, who use heavy equipment owned by the county to complete the dock removal and secure equipment for next season.

In consideration of people who like to fish fall, spring, and hard water seasons, the County will leave a dock in at George K. Pinney, Robert M. Carmody, and Chaudoir’s Dock through mid- to late-December, weather permitting.

Forestville, Sugar Creek, Murphy Park, and Lily Bay dock removal is subcontracted from the County to Pier and Waterfront Solutions in Sturgeon Bay. The removal schedule is listed below.

Dredging and maintenance work at Chaudoir’s Dock has been completed, and is now deep enough to allow entry for commercial vessels like fishing tugs. Moore said bedrock did prevent the project from hitting full depth requirement in some areas, but the project met with County Parks’ expectations. 

The project, which began the second week of July and was completed the first week of September, included dredging of the harbor and harbor entrance, and resurfacing of the parking lot. Chaudoir's Dock gives boaters access to the bay of Green Bay for fishing and other water recreation activities via a 100-foot-long dock, three boat launches and an emergency refuge harbor. The park includes five acres of partially wooded land with 625 feet of shoreline and a picnic area.

The removal schedule is as follows: 

Week of November 16: 

Frank E. Murphy Park Boat Launch
Lily Bay Boat Launch
Forestville Dam Boat Launch and Fishing Pier 

Weather permitting, beginning the week of November 16, to be completed by November 25:

George K. Pinney (Stone Quarry) Boat Launch
Robert M. Carmody (Little Sturgeon Bay) Boat Launch
Chaudoir’s Dock Boat Launch