New docks are to be installed at Raspberry Island in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore are expected to last twice as long as these wooden crib docks/NPS

Wooden crib docks at Raspberry Island Light Station in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin will be replaced this summer, requiring the west dock to be closed to the public while the work is performed.

The successful bidder on the project is Marine Tech LLC, Duluth, Minnesota, plans to start demolition and construction on the west dock as soon as Lake Superior water levels allow and hopes to finish that portion of the project by the end of June. Once the west dock is complete, work will begin on the east dock.

At this time, Apostle Islands Cruises will be able to access the west dock; however, it will remain closed to the public until the entire project is complete due to safety concerns. The full project is planned to be completed by the end of September. Boaters are encouraged to use beach access, available at the sandspit, three-quarters of a mile from the light station along a trail through lovely old-growth forest. Light station tours by Apostle Islands National Lakeshore park rangers will continue to be available.

The new docks will be within the footprint of the historic docks, but slightly narrower. This will increase docking space between the east and west dock piers, improving access and boater safety.

The docks will have galvanized steel bin wall construction with a concrete cap. This type of construction is being used throughout the lakeshore and is estimated to last more than twice as long as wooden crib docks. In addition, similar to other docks the NPS has replaced in recent years, the surface of the new docks would be approximately 10-12 inches lower than the existing structures, but be more functional than the existing height under both high and lower water conditions, an adaptation to climate change.