A well-liked fishing spot on the mouth of the Danvers River in Salem has reopened after a $5 million improve. The newly rebuilt Salem Willows Fishing Pier will present entry to anglers trying to tangle with striped bass, bluefish, flounder and squid.
“Entry to nature is crucial for the well being and well-being of our communities. By creating inclusive out of doors recreation alternatives like Salem Willows Fishing Pier, we are able to guarantee all individuals have a singular probability to be on the water connecting with the ocean and pure world round them,” stated Division of Fish & Recreation Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “We’re so excited to see individuals already fishing from the pier and stay up for educating numerous new anglers at our fishing clinics within the years to return.”
Initially constructed in 1894, the pier stood for over 100 years earlier than it was demolished on account of deterioration, storm harm, and sea-level rise impacts. In 2020, the Metropolis of Salem and Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) formalized a multi-year partnership to rebuild the long-lasting pier, the centerpiece of Salem Willows Park. Accomplished in November 2024, the brand new pier extends over 300 ft into Salem Sound and encompasses a T-shaped finish, permitting for optimum entry to essentially the most coveted location for angling. The pier gives important public entry for city and Environmental Justice communities to fishing and out of doors recreation, a key precedence of DFG. The brand new pier is absolutely ADA compliant, increasing entry for individuals of all talents to go to, forged a line, and benefit from the surroundings.
The $5 million mission was funded by quite a few companions. The Metropolis of Salem contributed over half of the funding for the mission, together with the total value of demolishing the previous pier. Practically $2 million got here from the sale of saltwater fishing licenses, by means of DMF’s Saltwater Leisure Fishing Fund, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program gives funds to fish and wildlife businesses for fishery tasks, boating entry, and schooling. Lastly, the Seaport Financial Council contributed $700,000 to assist this mission, which is able to drive tourism and improve out of doors leisure alternatives for guests and residents alike.
“As we speak’s celebration wouldn’t be potential with out the numerous contributions of our state’s leisure anglers, who’s annual buy of saltwater fishing licenses performs an essential position in funding public entry tasks like this statewide,” stated DMF Director Daniel McKiernan. “Thanks to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program, Marine Leisure Fisheries Growth Panel, the Marine Fisheries Advisory Fee, DFG’s Workplace of Fishing & Boating Entry, and our many companions and devoted employees who’ve championed this mission and secured a world-class fishing pier that shall be loved for generations to return.”
