NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

April 7, 1999

CONTACT: Lt. Dewey Weaver (904) 758-0525

HINTON LANDING BOAT RAMP DEDICATION

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in cooperation with the Dixie County Board of Commissioners invites the public to the dedication ceremony for the newly rebuilt Hinton Landing boat ramp (map) located at the Hinton Canal Park. The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. on April 16, 1999.

Hinton Landing boat ramp was originally built in 1972 and over the years has suffered from erosion, siltation and shallow water levels in the canal. The FWC recognized the problem and began the process four years ago for a major rebuilding of the ramp.

"The process was a long one and the FWC thanks our constituents and the Dixie County Commissioners for their patience, but the end product was worth the wait," said Jerry Krummrich, regional fisheries administrator for the FWC. "The FWC contracted the $63,000 job to a private contractor who began work in February and completed the work at the end of March."

"This ramp is situated on the middle section of the Suwannee River which is an outstanding fishing area for redbreast sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass and Suwannee bass," said Krummrich.

"Our partnership with the county will continue into the future to provide better facilities for the people of Florida," Krummrich concluded.

Hinton Landing boat ramp is located off US 98 at the end of CR 317 or take CR 349 south of Old Town to CR 346 and turn left and follow to "T" intersection, turn right to Hinton Canal Park.