3,2,1 Launch

(L-R) Jake Davis, National Sales Director for All Pro Rods, Hank Lowrie and AEDC Commander Col. Art Huber sit onboard a boat being launched at Morris Ferry Dock commemorating the official re-opening of the ramp to the public Friday. Lowrie, the son of David Lowrie and grandson of Jim Lowrie, all of whom attended Friday’s ceremony, is the fourth generation of fishermen who have fished on Woods Reservoir. Jim’s father, Harold, began the legacy in the 1950s. (Photo by Rick Goodfriend)

Working together

All Pro Rods National Sales Director Jake Davis, Franklin County Mayor Richard Stewart, AEDC Commander Col. Art Huber and TWRA Regional Manager Steve Patrick take questions during a ceremony today commemorating the re-opening of the Morris Ferry Dock boat ramp to the public. Also pictured, from left to right, are Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller, fishermen David, Hank and Jim Lowrie, Franklin County Road Commissioner Clyde Hill, County Commissioner Barbara Finney and State Senator Eric Stewart. (Photo by Rick Goodfriend)

Morris Ferry Dock boat ramp open to the public

Published Feb. 6, 2009
By Joel Fortner
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The Morris Ferry Dock boat ramp re-opened to the public today.

A ceremony was held commemorating the re-opening and was attended by Air Force, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and Franklin County officials and representatives from several local fishing clubs.

Air Force, TWRA and Franklin County officials signed a memorandum of understanding this week to solidify the agreement between the three parties to cooperatively open and maintain the Morris Ferry Dock area for recreational purposes.

With re-opening, a few rules have been set for safety reasons. All structures on the grounds, including the docks and boat slips, are not available for use. However, the two courtesy docks at the boat ramp can be used.

Also, the area to the east of the peninsula where the current boat ramp is located has been blocked off for public safety.

Security patrols and trash pick-up and disposal will be provided.

In the meantime, a working committee comprised of Air Force, TWRA and county representatives will study whether to demolish, reconstitute or leave in place abandoned facilities to include docks, covered boat slips, restrooms, store, telephone and power poles and concrete slabs, and address who will handle mowing.

The committee will also continue to work on details pertaining to the creation of a day-use picnic facility.

For more information, contact AEDC Public Affairs at (931) 454-4204.