Several years ago, Tom Hesseldenz, along with MSTA and the MS Rotary, began an effort to build a launch ramp for kayaks, rafts, paddleboards, etc. Daunting challenges included selecting an optimal location, raising funds, engineering the project, convincing the County (which owns the property) to cooperate, and completing a very complex set of environmental permitting and compliance issues.
For a while, it looked like it would never happen. But Tom Hesseldenz, through sheer doggedness, hopefulness, persuasion, and donation of many hours of his amazing expertise, managed to raise the money and get the job done. Rotary was instrumental in supporting and financing much of the process. The work was completed about a week ago, and it looks terrific. It’s located just north and west of the bathroom in the parking lot just north of the Lake Siskiyou Dam. See attached photos.
Thanks to Mike Peters, Inc. for doing the heavy construction work at what I’m sure was a discounted rate, and to Joy Hall and other County employees for allowing this to go forward.
I want to reemphasize that this never would have happened without persistence and determination by Tom Hesseldenz, whose fingerprints are on many/most of the fine outdoor recreational projects in this county.
