New resort and marina may be headed to Village of Winneconne

By Boating Winnebago

Apr

20

The Village of Winneconne could see a new resort and marina on the banks of the Wolf River.

A developer identified as Winn-Win Resort Inc. is pursuing the redevelopment of a parcel of land located at 111 North 1st St. in Winneconne into an upper-midscale hotel and marina resort, positioned along the banks of the Wolf River. The hotel would have 60 units and the marina would include 116 boat slips. The site is currently home to Lang’s Landing, a motel owned by Dennis Lang.

Winn-Win is headed by Mike Mullen, a professor of marketing and international business at Florida Atlantic University, said Winnebago Village Administrator Steve Volkert. Lang contacted Mullen, an Appleton native, to look at the property, and an offer for Winn-Win to purchase the land has been accepted, Volkert said, adding that Mullen has spent a lot of time as a tourist in Winneconne and spent about three months investigating the site last summer. Neither Mullen nor Lang could be reached for comment.

“The mere presence of an upper-scale resort in the village is going to really bring us kicking and screaming into the 21st century,” said Tom Snider, the Winnebago County Board supervisor who represents the Winneconne area and is chairman of the Town of Winneconne. Snider said the resort would help combat a shortage of accommodations in the area and might make events such as fishing tournaments more successful.

Snider is the sponsor of a resolution that will be considered by the board Tuesday that urges the state Department of Natural Resources to approve the development of the marina. Snider said he plans to amend the resolution to simply voice the board’s support of the development. Similar resolutions have been prepared for the Winneconne town and village boards.

According to the county board resolution, the marina is part of the redevelopment of an existing Brownfield marina, motel and industrial site on a well-flushed waterway that requires no new dredging and that will substantially reduce runoff consistent with the 2010 Wisconsin Clean Marina Guidebook.

Officials said the resolutions do not represent approval of any specific plan for the project.

Volkert said Mullen will meet with the DNR within the next few weeks. After that, Volkert said, Mullen will determine the total construction costs for the project and begin explore options for financing it. Mullen completed a feasibility study in February that showed that the 60-unit resort model would be financially feasible, Volkert said.

It is unclear if Mullen would seek public assistance to finance the project.

Snider said after one meeting with the developers, he doesn’t foresee a request for public money to finance the project, but the project is in the early stages and could go in that direction.

Volkert and Snider see the project as an opportunity to bring a different market and different kind of clientele to the area, taking Winneconne’s tourism industry to a new level.

Increasing the number of tourism dollars coming into the community would help sustain Winneconne’s restaurants and other businesses that rely heavily on money from outside the community, Volkert said.

“Tourism is huge,” Volkert said. “The community doesn’t have an enormous amount of industrial or commercial properties. The dependency to get people to come to Winneconne primarily because of the water is extremely important to all our businesses.”

New resort and marina may be headed to Village of Winneconne | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com.

Zebra Mussels Impact Residents and Boaters at Lake Winnebago

By Boating Winnebago

Apr

13

Oshkosh – zebra mussels are back near Lake Winnebago, spreading out across shorelines and clogging boat channels.

The Department of Natural Resources says the zebra mussel population is “extremely high” right now, and that’s causing problems for area boaters and residents.

People who come to the lake regularly near Oshkosh are noticing a changing look the beaches.

“This has been a radical change. This I’ve never seen before,” Bill Glander said.

Glander has visited the lake for more than half a century but hasn’t seen this many zebra mussel shells until now.

Just a few miles south of Oshkosh, homeowners are seeing even more shells. There are thousands of them at the very least. Residents say the infestation grew by about 40 percent just this year.

“They’re filled right in. You can’t get out… and, if you open them up, couple days the wind picks up and they close right up again,” said Gary Weber, Point Comfort resident.

The influx of those shells has blocked the Point Comfort boat channel. That’s putting a damper on some people’s chances to boat and fish.

“There’s no spawning for the fish in here, there’s no crop. This used to be great fishing here,” said Patrick Schaeffer, a Point Comfort resident and Lake Winnebago boater.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources doesn’t have a practical way to dispose of them.  The agency urges boaters to be cautious when moving from lake to lake to watch out for hitchhikers.

“It’s important that people be very careful about not transporting any water or live plants anywhere from Lake Winnebago or among any lakes,” said Rob McLennan, DNR basin supervisor.

But residents still want rid of the invasive species.

“You’d need dump trucks to come in here and get the stuff out of here. It’s no shoveling deal to get them out, it’s not going to happen,” said Schaeffer.

Residents cannot remove the mussels without a permit from the DNR.

In the meantime, some Point Comfort homeowners say they’re thinking about moving out.

Lake News: Zebra Mussels Impact Residents and Boaters at Lake Winnebago.

U.S.C.G. NINTH DISTRICT NOTICE TO MARINERS C275-11

By Boating Winnebago

Mar

28

LAKE MICHIGAN – WI – FOX RIVER

FROM DECEMBER 12, 2011 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2013

THE CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY SWING BRIDGE AT MILE 55.72 OVER THE FOX RIVER AT OSHKOSH, WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SINGLE LEAF BASCULE BRIDGE. CONTRACTORS WILL BUILD NEW PIERS IN THE RIVER UTILIZING: COFFERDAMS, FALSE WORK, AND CONSTRUCTION BARGES. FROM APRIL 1 TO DECEMBER 31 ONE HALF OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL WILL REMAIN OPEN TO VESSELS. FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH MARCH 31 THE CONTRACTOR IS AUTHORIZED TO HAVE EQUIPMENT IN BOTH SIDES OF THE CHANNEL. MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE
AREA WITH CAUTION AT A SLOW NO WAKE SPEED.

UW-Oshkosh Foundation and Partners Buy Oshkosh City Center Hotel

By Boating Winnebago

Feb

14

The U.W.-Oshkosh Foundation has bought into a hotel.

The on-again, off-again plan to buy a share in the City Center Hotel and Convention Center from Nashco Hospitality Group was on again, and the purchase was completed Tuesday, according to the U.W.-Oshkosh web site.

The foundation partnered with two local hoteliers — Richard Batley of RB Hospitality in Neenah and John Pfefferle of Pfefferle Companies Inc. in Appleton.

Last year the foundation was working with the WHC hotel group, but in November the potential buyers determined some issues with the renovation costs made that deal impossible.

The new ownership group plans to revitalize the 179-foot waterfront hotel into a full-service, state-of-the-art business hotel with a restaurant in 2013, the UWO web site said.

The partners estimate the renovation will provide more than 200 construction jobs, and the renovated hotel could create more hospitality jobs.

The partners also plan to use revenue from the hotel for UW-Oshkosh Foundation scholarships to Oshkosh high school students, and possibly use the hotel for a hospitality learning program for university students.

Batley also owns the Bridgewood Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Neenah, and Batley and Pfefferle are partners in the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel and Spa in downtown Appleton.

Video: Rescuers Go on — and through — the Ice on Lake Winnebago

By Boating Winnebago

Feb

9

http://www.wbay.com/story/16773620/2012/02/08/rescuers-go-on-and-through-the-ice-on-lake-winnebago?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6724105

Click on the picture to get to the video

Just days before the start of sturgeon spearing season, an ice rescue team gives us a firsthand look at the danger looming on Lake Winnebago.

Ice rescue teams around the lake are worried they could be in for a busy weekend. Sturgeon spearing season starts Saturday, and thousands of people are expected on the ice.

But authorities say our extremely mild winter has left that ice extremely dangerous.

It’s a bumpy ride on top of Lake Winnebago’s rugged ice, and that alone poses a problem.

“With these ice conditions, it’s going to be challenging even for us to get out here quickly,” Mike Sipin of Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue said.

Sipin and Ryan Krings are part of Neenah-Menasha’s Ice Rescue Team. Their Husky Airboat is putting on a lot of miles this week, scouring the lake for dangerous ice.

As we find out, it doesn’t take long.

One mile off Neenah’s Rec Park, just north of Davis Point, our boat breaks through the ice.

It’s an eerie sensation.

“If this were a vehicle, once you’re in, you’re in; there’s not much you can do to get yourself out.”

We continue north towards the Menasha channel, a quarter mile off shore. Just two days ago this was all open water, Sipin says.

“This is going to probably give a false sense of security when people see the ice and know what the temperatures are.”

Sipin steps out of the boat to demonstrate the danger.

In the blink of an eye, he goes down.

“I didn’t start to hear any cracking under the ice until maybe a foot or two before it happened, and it was just like that going down.”

In just a short time these rescuers prove why their concerned about this year’s sturgeon spearing season.

They’re urging everyone to leave their cars and trucks on shore and to talk with local fishing clubs before stepping foot on the ice.

“The last thing we want to do, or any rescue agency wants to do, is to have to come out here and pull somebody out. It’s always a bad situation.”

 

 

Berlin wading through red tape to find extra feet for Eureka bridge

By Boating Winnebago

Feb

3

Time is running short for making changes in design plans for the soon-to-be-rebuilt Eureka bridge. But without those changes, larger boats with Berlin as their destination will never make it under the new bridge on the Fox River at Eureka.

The city of Berlin with Mayor Richard Schramer, and members of the Berlin Boat Club, have been negotiating with the Winnebago County Highway Department in an effort to obtain about two and a half more feet of clearance under the bridge.

Those extra feet would go a long way in helping Berlin avoid harm to its economy, according to Schramer and boat club officials. The extra clearance would validate the expense of a $300,000 reconstruction of the locks near Eureka. The club is nearing completion of that project.

Whether they will be successful remains to be seen. Even though Winnebago County has indicated a willingness to listen to Berlin’s concerns, there have been no promises.

“We’re still trying to find common ground on the Eureka bridge,” said Winnebago County Highway Commissioner Ernie Winters. “We can build the bridge as (designed) but we want to be good neighbors.”

A series of phone calls, letters, meetings and a conference call involving city and county officials, members of the boat club, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Transportation, the bridge engineers from Ayres Associates of Eau Claire and a representative of East Central Planning Commission have thus far not moved the bridge span one inch higher.

But Schramer is hopeful. Another conference call will connect the parties next week.

“If we don’t do this right the first time, (the bridge) will be that way forever,” Schramer said.

Plans developed previously for replacing the bridge provide 10 feet of clearance, which the boaters say is not enough. It would be possible to redesign the new bridge, but not without adding significant cost and delaying the project.

The bridge replacement is scheduled to take place from June to October. Eighty percent of the $1.6 million cost is being covered by federal money and 20 percent by local dollars.

To stay on schedule construction bids must be obtained in early March. Neither Winters nor Schramer could say whether a month would be enough time to redesign the bridge. But they both understand the need for quick action.

“We keep talking, but we have a time frame. We’ll run out of time.” Winters said.

In addition, a long detour during the five-month construction period will affect area farmers. Winters said it would be difficult to delay the project because it would mean hindering those farmers later into fall.

via Berlin wading through red tape to find extra feet for Eureka bridge | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com.

Lake Winnebago Fishing Clubs Won’t Mark Roads: Drive “at Your Own Risk”

By Boating Winnebago

Feb

2

Boating on Lake Winnebago - Ice Roads

Boating on Lake Winnebago - Ice Roads

Those who plan to sturgeon spear this season might have to do so on foot.

All seven of the fishing clubs on Lake Winnebago have decided against maintaining roads for cars and trucks.

They’re hoping to discourage people from taking chances.

Scrapping plans to put out the bridges, fishing clubs across Lake Winnebago are calling off plans to plow and maintain roads even as sturgeon spearing season approaches.

Many are warning drivers- not to venture out.

“The fishing clubs don’t have any liability at all on the bridges. We put them out every year, and people fall in. They’re there for the convenience of the fishermen, and to let them go out and fish, but we’re not liable at all. We tell everybody if you have to go out on the lake, it’s at your own risk,” Don Herman of the Otter Street Fishing Club said.

Right now, the Otter Street Fishing Club plans to put out a smaller bridge by next week near Ceape Street in Oshkosh that’s being constructed for ATVs. But even that’s in jeopardy without a colder spell.

Near Van Dyne, Christmas trees stockpiled on the shore of Lake Winnebago are normally used to mark roads on the ice. Last year they went out on January 4th.

Shawn Wendt of the West Shore Fishing Club said, “We have a road three miles straight out, and a road to the northeast we run three miles straight out. This year those trees will be staying on shore. As far as we can tell, there’s no cold weather in the forecast.”

If the ATV bridges are put out, it’s not necessarily a safety endorsement. While the lake itself is frozen over, some spots are only four to six inches thick.

That’s why fishing clubs say it’s up to each person to evaluate their surroundings.

“You venture out, you’re at your own risk. It’s kind of like sturgeon spearing. They will not close it, you have to go out on your own risk,” Herman said.

Lake News: Lake Winnebago Fishing Clubs Won’t Mark Roads: Drive “at Your Own Risk”.

Update meeting planned on Fox River locks restoration

By Boating Winnebago

Dec

19

 

 

LITTLE CHUTE — The Heart of the Valley Chamber of Commerce has invited Harlan Kiesow, CEO of the Fox River Navigational System Authority, to the monthly “Coffee and Conversation” meeting.

The free event will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Jan. 6 in the community room of the Little Chute Village Hall, 108 W. Main St.

The Fox River Navigational System Authority was created to oversee the management of the Fox Locks following the transfer of the system from the Corps of Engineers to the state in 2004. The Authority’s primary mission is to repair, rehabilitate, operate and maintain the locks.

The locks system of the Lower Fox River stretches from Lake Winnebago to De Pere and when restored, boaters will again be able to travel from Lake Winnebago to the bay of Green Bay. Harlan will provide an update on the restoration’s progress.

Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions. For more information, call the chamber office at 920-766-1616 or visit www.heartofthevalleychamber.com.

Lake News: Update planned on Fox River locks restoration.

Two Fox Valley companies fined for unpermitted work on Wolf river near Fremont

By Boating Winnebago

Nov

16

MADISON – The state Department of Justice has fined two Fox Valley companies for unpermitted work they did on a Wolf River development.

The Attorney General’s office released a statement today concerning Appleton developer G&G River Investments and Gene Frederickson Trucking in Kaukauna.

The department said G&G River Investments built a pier, seven boat lifts and five permanent boat shelters for a development on the Wolf River in the Fremont area. Those structures were not covered by the company’s permit.

The release also states Gene Frederickson Trucking and G&G River Investments placed unauthorized riprap on the shoreline.

A Winnebago County judge today signed an order for G&G River Investments to pay $137,000 in fines. Gene Frederickson Trucking will have to pay $15,000.

G&G River Investments is also required change the shoreline development so it fits the permits and monitor the site for five years.

via Two Fox Valley companies fined.

Fox River locks $11.2 million goal met.

By Boating Winnebago

Sep

20

Fox River lock fundraising goal met: fox11online.com

APPLETON — By 2015, boaters will be able to use 14 of the Fox River locks between Lake Winnebago and Wrightstown, thanks to the ongoing effort to unlock the historic hand-operated locks system.

On Monday, officials with the Fox River Navigational System Authority and Fox River supporters celebrated reaching the $11.2 million fundraising goal set in 2004 in a ceremony held near one of four Appleton locks that have been restored.

Jean Bartels, acting director of the state Department of Natural Resources’ Northeast region office in Green Bay, delivered a ceremonial check for $400,000 that constituted the final state payment to match the $2.8 million raised locally. The presentation was made at Pullmans Restaurant at Trolley Square after about two dozen river supporters disembarked from a private charter boat at the new canal-side dock just west of S. Olde Oneida Street.

The combined $5.6 million in state and local funding was recently matched by the last payment of $5.6 million in federal funds, providing the funding needed to complete the refurbishing of the five Kaukauna locks by May 2015.

“People with dreams, people with can-do attitudes made this happen,” said Ron Van De Hey, Fox River Navigational System Authority chairman, a non-boater from Kaukauna who has been involved in the effort on and off for most of the past three decades. “It isn’t all about boating. It’s about this quality of life we have here in the Fox River Valley.”

Among more than 400 local donors over the past seven years were three $250,000 contributors: the John F. Gillen Family of Neenah; Frank C. Shattuck Community Fund from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region; and a tourism grant from the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“I hated to see (the locks system) close, but slowly but surely we’re getting it opened,” said Gillen, a Chicago native who moved to Neenah in 1978 as a Kimberly-Clark Corp. executive. He still lives along the Fox River in Neenah.

Gillen said he and his wife, Ann, support the Fox locks restoration “for historic reasons as well as to keep the waterway open from Green Bay down to Lake Winnebago” for future generations to enjoy.

Curt Detjen, president/ CEO of the Community Foundation, said the $250,000 donation from funds left behind by Neenah philanthropist Shattuck goes to one of his designated areas of interest.

“We all know that Frank was a lover of the water and loved community development, and this would have been a very important project for him,” Detjen said.

Cheryl Zaug Casey, board chairman for the Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the $250,000 grant supports attractions in the area.

“It was only natural for us to support the redevelopment and opening up of those locks so that both our residents and visitors alike can enjoy the gem we have here in the river and waterways,” she said.

Harlan Kiesow, Fox River Navigational System Authority chief executive officer, said the national recession forced a slowdown in the locks restoration process because of the impact on funding.

“We’re recovering at this point,” he said. “We delayed spending for a couple of years. We’re pretty sure financially we’ll be able to do what we want to do and complete it by 2015 and operate all the locks with the exception of Rapide Croche.”

While three locks (Menasha and two in De Pere) have been continuously operated, restoration is done on eight of the 14 other locks. The 17-lock system from Menasha to Green Bay will remain closed for through passage for now as officials continue exploration of a potential boat transfer station at the Rapide Croche Lock near Wrightstown.

Boaters reminded to use caution near US41 causeway in Lake Butte des Morts

By Boating Winnebago

Aug

26

While the boating season is coming to end on the Lake Winnebago  system, construction  season never ends on US 41. specifically the US 41 causeway across Lake Butte des Morts.

The Wisconsin  Department of Transportation  (WisDOT) wants to advise boaters to use extreme caution in the vicinity of US 41/Lake Butte des Morts causeway.  Construction is scheduled to begin after Labor Day on a $54 million WIS 21 interchange project which includes replacing all six US41 bridges crossing Lake Butte des Morts.

Construction  is anticipated to continue through July of 2013.

WisDOT is advising boaters to exercise caution when proceeding through this area by boat. To facilitate construction  contractor will be utilizing numerous barges with large cranes and other construction  equipment. and will need to relocate navigational channels.  Boaters will need to watch for additional navigational  buoys. and be alert for changing navigational alignments.

Danger and navigational  buoys will be placed in the water and warning lights will be installed on cofferdams and barges.

Please pass this information on to boaters that use your marinas.

If you have questions.  please contact me at 920-232-5831.

Tom Buchholz. P,E.
Project manager
Wisconsin  Department of Transportation

Reminder: EAA Safety Zone – location and enforcement.

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

22

Just a reminder to everyone. With EAA AirVenture going on this coming week there will be a safety zone on Lake Winnebago near Streichs for seaplane take off and landings. In the past it has been marked with large buoys and been patrolled by the USCG.

Click here for a Map of Security Zone

(61) EAA Airventure; Oshkosh, WI. (i) Location. All waters of Lake Winnebago bounded by a line drawn from 43°57’30″ N, 088°30’00″ W; then south to 43°56’56″ N, 088°29’53″ W, then east to 43°56’40″ N, 088°28’40″ W; then north to 43°57’30″ N, 088°28’40″ W; then west returning to the point of origin (NAD 83).

(ii) Enforcement date and time. The last complete week of July, beginning Monday and ending Sunday; from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

Remember folks, the giant spinning Cuisinart has the right of way.

via EAA Safety Zone.

Powerboat handling seminar scheduled in Sturgeon Bay

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

20

The Door County Sail & Power Squadron is offering a free two-hour seminar, Advanced Powerboat Handling, beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at SkipperBud’s Quarterdeck Marina, 705 Quarterdeck Lane, Sturgeon Bay.

Advanced Powerboat Handling will be taught by longtime Squadron member Tom Fox, who resides in Sister Bay. Fox is an experienced powerboater and has previously taught the Anchoring and Marine Electronics seminars. He is currently the vessel safety check coordinator for the Squadron.

Participants in Advanced Powerboat Handling will learn about close quarters maneuvering, how boats behave in seas, and the how and why of responses to a skipper’s controls.

Two additional free seminars are planned for this season, also at Quarterdeck. They are Mariner’s Compass on Aug. 13 and Anchoring on Aug. 27. Each two-hour seminar will begin at 9 a.m.

To register for Advanced Powerboat Handling, contact Squadron Education Officer Jeff Rosenfeld at 920-559-7520 or luvbostons@gmail.com. For more information on the seminars, the Squadron and its public offerings, visit www.usps.org/door or the Squadron’s Facebook page.

via Powerboat handling seminar scheduled in Sturgeon Bay | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

Menasha Locks temporarily closed

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

11

Menasha Locks temporarily closed to boat traffic

Bridge stuck in closed position

Updated: Sunday, 10 Jul 2011, 9:35 PM CDT

Published : Sunday, 10 Jul 2011, 4:39 PM CDT

MENASHA – The Menasha Locks are currently closed to boat traffic due to a railroad bridge that is stuck in the closed position.

Tom Forster, a lock operator, says they were informed by the railroad company Saturday that the drive motor failed leaving the bridge in the closed position.

Forster says crews will be working to fix the bridge in the next couple of days.

The Menasha Locks connect Little Lake Butte Des Morts with Lake Winnebago.

via Menasha Locks temporarily closed.

Eureka Locks to reopen after being closed since 2003

By Boating Winnebago

Jun

7

EUREKA – The rebirth of the Eureka Locks is at a critical turning point as members of the Berlin Boat Club and other boating enthusiasts wait for the water level of the Fox River to recede sufficiently to allow for the reconstruction of the gates.

With $262,000 at its disposal – more than half from an anonymous donor, and the rest a no-interest loan – the club has begun to tackle the work with the help of C.R. Meyer of Oshkosh. Once the work is complete, the locks will be operational and that means boaters will be able to navigate the river at Eureka to make their way upstream to Berlin.

Photos: The Eureka Locks.

“This puts Berlin back on the map, navigationally,” said Dick Schramer, club treasurer. “In the past we had access to Lake Winnebago but that ceased when the locks became inactive.”

The Eureka Locks closed in 2003 when the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources decided against renewing the club’s lease on the locks. The club had had a lease with the DNR for at least three decades prior to that. The DNR was not interested in a lease with a club for the state-owned property. The club has since signed a 15-year sub-lease with the town of Rushford where the locks are situated. This makes it possible for the club to rebuild and reopen the locks.

“The town has no financial responsibility but acts as a middle man for the no cost lease. The DNR owns the property. We lease it (from the town) and agree to maintain it, keep up the grounds,” said Berlin Boat Club Commodore Ed Kirchhoff.

via Eureka Locks to reopen after being closed since 2003 | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

Shoreline Stewardship key to preventing damage

By Boating Winnebago

Jun

4

Another boating season is underway on area lakes, rivers and streams. For some people – two groups in particular – this means a new season of vigilance.

Shoreline property owners can do much to keep erosion in check. Boaters can, too.

John Steen of Omro fits into both categories. His home is situated on the banks of the Fox River and he’s big into boating. As a property owner he tries to keep his shoreline in good condition, and as a boater he follows the rules to avoid creating a wake, which can damage shorelines.

“More and more boaters are on the water. When the water is high, it’s always an issue,” Steen said.

The river narrows as it passes through the city of Omro. That means more chance for erosion. The city has a no wake rule in place on the river from one end of the city to the other, which goes into effect each year on April 15.

“We try to educate people through our boat club to get people to respect people’s property,” said City Administrator Linda Kutchenriter.

Speeding boats continue to be a problem, she said.

As a member of Fox River Runners, an Omro boat club, Steen is part of the team that works to educate people on proper boating etiquette to avoid riverbank erosion.

In Steen’s eyes, Omro sits on two important “highways,” he said. One is State Highway 21 and the other is the Fox. Just as concrete and blacktop must be maintained, so also must the water highway be maintained.

“Owners have a responsibility to take care of their properties. As property owners we are responsible for our shorelines,” Steen said. “These are navigable waters open to everyone. Everyone has a right to use it. (But) boaters have to be aware of the wake they make especially during high water.”

Shoreline erosion is an important problem, according to Keith Marquardt, technician for the Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department.

Soil in the water is a problem for fish and swimmers alike, but there are steps boaters and property owners can take to take to keep the soil where it belongs. When water levels are high boaters should stay in deeper waters. For shoreline property owners it is best to address erosion by starting at the water’s edge. If the bank is tall, it should be kept vegetated with native plants and preferably deep-rooted ones, Marquardt said.

Trees and other plants with three-foot roots will curtail erosion much better than turf grasses with three-inch roots, he said.

Designed properly, the vegetative buffers will add value to properties. In some instances property owners may be eligible for grants from the county to help cover the cost of buffers. Contact the Winnebago County Land and Water Conservation Department at (920) 232-1950 to check requirements.

The placement of rock – called rip-rap, or railroad ties and other structures may also be effective but may need permits.

Before beginning any erosion remediation it’s important to determine its causes, Marquardt said. This information will help pinpoint the best way to correct the problem and avoid costly repairs which may prove ineffective.

via Shoreline Stewardship key to preventing damage | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

Updated the Boating Hot Spot Map

By Boating Winnebago

Jun

2

Paul has updated the Boating Hot Spot Map on the main page with markers for the Fox river locks that are open. Each marker includes the contact phone number, the schedule of operation and the transit fee list.

As near as he can tell, the open locks from the Lake Winnebago side are; Menasha, Appleton Locks 1-4 & Cedar Lock.

Please see our boating Hot Spots map at this link: Boating Hot Spot Map

Thank You Paul (Begosh in the forums.)

Group installs buoys to enhance safety during boating season

By Boating Winnebago

May

25

APPLETON — If all goes as planned, the Fox River will see brisk traffic this boating season. And if an advocacy group can raise the necessary funds, it should also be safer.

Friends of the Fox wants to place buoys in the water from lock one near the Memorial Drive bridge in Appleton, downstream north to Little Chute. Its goal is to have the navigational aids in place by July 1, in time for the weekend opening of locks one through four in Appleton.
“It’s always much better to have something in the water that you can follow and to know exactly where to go so you don’t hit bottom,” said Candice Mortara, Friends of the Fox president.
The group received the Appleton Common Council’s approval to move forward with plans last Wednesday and will work with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to identify each buoy’s location.
When they are all installed, there could be as many 10 new buoys, guiding boaters to channels and away from running aground on a bunch of rocks. The cost for each device, with chains and weights, ranges from $700 to $800. The group has sought assistance from the Appleton Yacht Club, which last year made a few purchases.

The navigational aids were removed in the 1980s when the locks closed.
About 18 months ago, as the reopening of the locks grew more certain, the group’s navigational safety committee launched a plan to make the river safer to boaters. Other organizations did not want to assume the responsibility of installing the buoys, said Peter Hensler, Friends of the Fox vice president.
“We are carving out and devising ways for people to use the waterways,” he said.
In addition to opening locks one through four in Appleton, the Fox River Navigational System Authority this year also is opening the Little Kaukauna, Menasha, De Pere and Cedar locks. The Appleton and Cedar locks will be open on weekends from July 2 to Sept. 5.
In a move that is sure to bring business to riverfront eateries and shops, the authority plans to install temporary floating docks for boaters who opt to stop along the waterway. One of those floating docks is adjacent to the S. Olde Oneida Street bridge in Appleton.

“I’m a firm believer that as these things (locks) all open up, there’s not going to be a huge number of boaters that are going to be going all the way from Winnebago to Green Bay, but there’s going to be a lot of boaters who are going to go from Winnebago to Appleton or they are going to go from Appleton up to Little Chute or Kaukauna,” Hensler said. “People will be able to utilize and enjoy the river as we create destinations along the river.”
Friends of the Fox also is supporting a deal between Appleton and Canadian National Railway to close three downtown railroad crossings in exchange for two riverfront trestles.

via Group installs buoys to enhance safety during boating season | Appleton Post Crescent | postcrescent.com.

Free vessel safety checks planned in Sturgeon Bay

By Boating Winnebago

May

18

Free Vessel Safety Checks (VSCs) will be provided by the Door County Sail & Power Squadron, beginning May 28 in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week.

Safe Boating Week is Saturday through May 27, and its goal is to heighten awareness among recreational boaters of the importance of always wearing a life jacket.

A VSC is a courtesy examination of your boat to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. The vessel examiner is a trained specialist and is a member of the United States Power Squadrons or the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The examiner will also make certain recommendations and discuss specific safety issues to ensure safe boating.

Examiners will be at SkipperBud’s Quarterdeck Marina, 705 Quarterdeck Lane, Sturgeon Bay, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 28. Subsequent Saturdays, VSCs will be conducted at additional area marinas. For more information, contact VSC coordinator Tom Fox at (920) 854-2417.

For more about the Door County Sail & Power Squadron, its seminars and classes, and civic services such as free VSCs, visit www.usps.org.door.

via Free vessel safety checks planned in Sturgeon Bay | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

“Women on the Water” Wednesday’s at Lakeside Marina – Oshkosh

By Boating Winnebago

May

17

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18TH, 2011

6-7:30 P.M.

Wednesday night at Lakeside Marina is geared towards the women in our boating community. We have designated Wednesday night as a time to not only get over the fear of your boat, but to get proper instruction on operation, functions, and safety of your boat. This event will be limited to the first 15 women signed up by the day of the event. You can sign up with any one of our sales team. No need to bring anything besides yourself, as everything will be provided by the marina. Take this as an opportunity to educate yourself and enjoy a night out with the ladies at Lakeside Marina.

For more information or to just sign up call Tom or Tommy at 920-231-4321

Lake Winnebago 2011 Calendar of Events

By Boating Winnebago

May

16

I’ve added Dianne’s summer boating Events list to the “Calendar of Events,” at http://www.boatingwinnebago.com/calendar-of-events/

In the very near future I’ll be adding the summer concerts for The Fin & Feather and Nauts Landing.

If you know of anything else boating related going on or are someone that would like to add your events to the calendar, please let me know and I’ll add it or give you access to the calendar so you can add events.

Look forward to seeing everyone on the water this summer!

May is the month to learn boating safety – Classes Offered in Fond du Lac

By Boating Winnebago

Apr

25

The month of May will feature two opportunities to learn boater safety.

• The Fond du Lac Coast Guard Auxiliary will present the Wisconsin DNR 10-hour Safe Boating Course from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning May 17.

Classes will be held at the Fond du Lac Yacht Club, 505 Mohawk Ave.

By completing a DNR boating safety course, youths ages 12 to 16 to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft without an adult. The course also satisfies Wisconsin regulations that require completion of boating safety certification by adults born in 1989 or later who operate a boat or personal watercraft.

Course content includes boat types, legal requirements, safety rules, right of way, buoys, boat handling, emergencies and using a trailer.

A book will cost $10.

For more information, visit http://a0950401.uscgaux.info or call (920) 923-1774.

• The Fond du Lac County Sheriff\'s Department will conduct a boater safety course to be held at the City County Government Center, 160 S. Macy St. It will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 2, 4, 9 and 11.

Students must attend all sessions. Parents must attend the first class for 15 minutes to register the students. Ages 10 to 15 are preferred, according to a press release from the Sheriff\'s Department.

All boater safety students will be required to obtain a DNR customer ID number as part of the criteria to graduate from any recreational safety class. The number must be provided to the instructor.

Students can obtain the ID number by calling (888) 936-7463 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

To pre-register, contact Deputy Aaron Rauls at (920) 906-4664 ext. 9062.

via May is the month to learn boating safety | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

Yacht Club offers free sailing classes for youth

By Boating Winnebago

Apr

25

Fond du Lac Yacht Club is offering free sailing classes to Fond du Lac area youth.

Classes will be held Tuesdays for six weeks starting June 14. Two separate classes are held each day with the first class from 9 a.m. to noon and the second class from 1 to 4 p.m.

The school offers instruction in 9-foot youth sailboats and in Laser class boats for those with more advanced sailing skills. Openings are limited, so participants are invited to register early.

Parents are encouraged to help during lessons.

Throughout the summer the Fond du Lac Sailing Club sponsors small boat racing on Tuesday nights. Sailing school students are invited and encouraged to enhance their sailing skills and to participate in the Tuesday night racing that begins at 6:20 p.m.

Sailing school students participating in the racing need to be at the Fond du Lac Yacht Club at 5:30 p.m. on race nights. Students also have the opportunity to serve on race judgeboats and to crew on Thursday night cruiser boat races.

The free sailing class is open to all area youth ages 8 and up. Students must be able to swim (parent verified), and they must have a parent signature on the registration form. Students will need to provide their own U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest along with shoes they can wear in the water. Life vests and water shoes must be worn at all time when on the boats and docks.

Students will be instructed on reading the wind, sailing at different angles to the wind, parts of the sailboat and how to rig a boat. Sailing terminology is practiced during classes. Knots are taught, such as the figure eight and bowline, and how to use a cleat. Students are taught what to do if they capsize and how to recover.

Registration forms are available at www.fdlsail.com. Additional information on youth and adult sailing in Fond du Lac can also be found on this website.

Registration also accepted at Lore@TTCLabs.com or by calling (920) 539-2434.

via Yacht Club offers free sailing classes for youth | wisconsinoutdoorfun.com | Wisconsin Outdoor Fun Wisconsin Hunting, Fishing, Camping| Wisconsin Hiking, Biking, ATV.

Maintenance, testing on Oshkosh bridges signals upcoming start of boating season

By Boating Winnebago

Apr

12

Cleaning, testing and maintenance are scheduled this week for several bridges over the Fox River in Oshkosh.

The Oregon Street/Jackson Street bridge will be worked on today, with lane closures on the bridge from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Main Street bridge will also be worked on today with lane closures on the bridge for testing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Wednesday, the Main Street bridge will be opened and closed multiple times for testing between 8 a.m. to noon. The Congress Avenue bridge will also be tested from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Oregon/Jackson Street bridge will have lane closures from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The bridges are scheduled to begin operation for the boating season on April 22. Daily operating hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight.

Officials from the DOT said motorists should seek alternative routes during bridge work and also to use caution if they drive through the work areas.

via Maintenance, testing on Oshkosh bridges signals upcoming start of boating season | The Oshkosh Northwestern | thenorthwestern.com.

Eureka lock between Omro and Berlin, may reopen

By Boating Winnebago

Feb

27

EUREKA – Boaters may soon have greater access across Northeast Wisconsin.

Plans call for the Eureka lock on the Fox River in Winnebago County to reopen. The lock is located northeast of Berlin. It would open up boating traffic through Lake Butte des Morts into Lake Winnebago.

The Berlin Boat Club says it’s received half the money it needs to restore the lock. A private donor has given $150,000 and the boat club needs to raise the other $150,000.

Boat club leaders say reopening the lock would be a big deal for boaters.

“You theoretically would be able to gain navigational access to Green Bay and the Great Lakes and beyond,” club president Mike McMonigal said. “So it’s really an instrumental moment for Berlin to be able to again be on the world navigation map.”

McMonigal says while construction may take all summer, he hopes the lock is open by the Fourth of July.

via Eureka lock may reopen.