ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE
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inaccuracies.
News release July 13, 2010
OLYMPIA—A decaying Puget Sound public-access and fishing pier at Luhr's Beach in Thurston County has been closed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to protect public safety.
WDFW land managers closed the 120-foot pier last week after an inspection detected rotten support beams, deteriorated concrete and noticeable swaying in the decades-old structure. Barricades were placed to warn people to stay off and away from the pier.
WDFW engineering staff will inspect the pier again to determine the extent of the structural defects and potential repair cost. The department is assessing funding options for the repairs, said WDFW Lands Manager Jennifer Quan.
"Unfortunately there are many aging structures in need of repair at state wildlife areas and water-access sites," Quan said. "While we can't meet all these needs, we are doing all we can to protect the safety of people recreating at these areas."
The pier, near the Nisqually Reach Nature Center, has been used for children's nature-education activities and by anglers. WDFW managers have advised center staff of the closure.
The nature center and a boat ramp near the pier both remain open.