Devils Lake, ND – June 2025 — With heartfelt emotion and community pride, dozens gathered on the shores of Devils Lake to celebrate the dedication of a new adaptive fishing ramp—now officially named the Merle Baisch Memorial Wheelchair Ramp. This project, part of the broader Wheelchairs & Walleyes initiative, brings enhanced accessibility to the region’s rich outdoor experiences for individuals with mobility challenges.
The dedication ceremony was led by Jeff Gooss, founder of the Wheelchairs & Walleyes program, whose vision and tireless efforts have expanded accessible fishing opportunities across North Dakota. Gooss shared the mission behind the project and the continued commitment to making the outdoors inclusive for all.
City Commissioner Jason Pierce also addressed the crowd, highlighting the significance of the project: “This ramp is more than just concrete and steel; it’s a symbol of our community’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Devils Lake offers.”
He was followed by Suzie Kenner, Executive Director of the Devils Lake Chamber & Tourism, who offered a deeply personal tribute to her late father, Merle Baisch, for whom the ramp is named. “This is a moment filled with honor, gratitude, and hope,” Kenner said. “While I’m incredibly honored, this platform represents far more than just one name—it’s a symbol of access, dignity, and the simple joy of casting a line with the people you love, no matter your physical abilities.”
Merle Baisch, a Vietnam veteran and longtime public servant, was remembered not only for his contributions to the Minot area as a police officer and later as a project coordinator for a civil engineer company, but for his enduring spirit of service and mentorship. “He was the one I’d call after those early Chamber meetings where I was tasked as the Public Information Coordinator, when I didn’t know riprap from a right-of-way. He always guided me—just like he would’ve done on this project,” Kenner reflected.
The adaptive platform was made possible through the Wheelchairs & Walleyes nonprofit, originally started in Hazen, ND, by Jeff and Jennifer Gooss. Their vision inspired the project’s expansion to Devils Lake. “Jeff made countless trips back and forth to Hazen to keep this going,” said Kenner. “Without their dedication, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”
The project came to life through a powerful collaboration between city officials, local businesses, civic organizations, and volunteers. Special thanks were extended to all of them. For the full list visit www.devilslakend.com
Significant financial contributions were made by a wide range of local supporters, including:
- Devils Lake Tourism
- Lake Region Angler Association
- Devils Lake VFW Post 756, DAV Chapter 5, American Legion Post 24
- Devils Lake Joint Water Resource Board
- Devils Lake Kiwanis Club
- The Friends of Randy R “Red” Myers
- Garrison Diversion (Recreation Grant)
- Blue Water Consulting
- Lake Region Sportsmen’s Club
- Devils Lake Youth Activities
- And many individual donors
Kenner closed her remarks with a message of inclusion and hope: “You didn’t just fund a platform. You built a bridge—to nature, to joy, and to the spirit of this community. This is our way of saying: ‘You’re invited too.’ Let’s cast a line into a future that includes everyone.”
The Merle Baisch Memorial Wheelchair Ramp is now open for public use, offering a safe, dignified, and scenic fishing experience for residents and visitors of all abilities. How- to signage will be placed later this month, along with final details to the parking area. A bathroom remodel will start later this summer.
For more information about the project or to get involved with accessibility initiatives in the Devils Lake area, contact Devils Lake Tourism at (701) 662-4903 or visit www.devilslakend.com.
