The Department of Conservation Services have applied to rebuild a dock on Cooper’s Island that was destroyed by Hurricane Fabian.In a letter included in the planning application, Department Director Drew Pettit said the rebuilt dock would make it easier to access other nature reserves, including Nonsuch Island and the Castle Islands.The concrete dock, which lies west of Clearwater Beach, was originally built when the property was part of the NASA base.“In 2001, the Cooper’s Island NASA site reverted back to Government ownership,” Mr Pettit wrote. “Unfortunately the dock was damaged in 2003 during Hurricane Fabian and has lain derelict since.”In 2008, the 80-acre property became a nature reserve, and since then the Department has proceeded with a phased restoration of the area, working to return endemic plant and animal life, demolish derelict buildings and restore important elements of the infrastructure.“The refurbishment of the dock is one component of the important stages approved by the National Parks Commission and the Cabinet,” Mr Pettit said.“It is intended that once completed, the refurbished concrete dock will be used to facilitate boat access on to Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.“Further, it will provide more efficient access between the mainland and adjacent nature reserves including Nonsuch Island and the Castle Islands for maintenance and tours.”The plans are available for public viewing at the Department of Planning in the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building.