2nd Annual Lake Du Bay Boat Rally

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

30

Proceeds to Benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

Friday July 30th,

6:00-8:00pm – Registration at Tiki Bar and Beachhouse boat landing..  Many of our sponsors serve “WONDERFUL   WISCONSIN   FISH   FRY”! PLEASE try them out!!!!

Saturday July 31st,

8:00-10:00am – Boats may be launched at DuBay Park just down the road from Dock of the Bay and at the Beach House/Tiki Bar or just down the road from there at the public launch.  Registration will continue at TIKI/BEACH HOUSE landing.

10:00am – 4:00pm – Poker Run ($10 per hand): Poker Run cards may be purchased Friday evening or Saturday morning. Card stops are the following locations:  (Watch for fun games at the Beach House)

  • Meyers Landing
  • DuBay Waters
  • The Beach House
  • Saloon DuBay
  • Dock of the Bay (Formerly Pop A Top)
  • The Tiki Bar
  • The Boondocks
  • Beans Eddie Sand Bar (see map)

6:00pm - Poker Run Awards and Door Prize Drawings at the BEACH HOUSE.

Registration for the Rally is $5 to benefit ST. Judes.

There will be a  group beach/anchor/tie up photo at 2 pm at the Bean’s Eddy Sandbar.

PLEASE VISIT AND PATRONIZE OUR FINE SPONSORS

Mullin’s Cheese                      Cyran’s DuBay Pit Stop               Gander Mountain Wausau

Meyer’s Landing/Marina      Rib Mountain Marine          Red’s Marine

The Beach House                  The Boondocks                              M&J Marine

DuBay Waters                      The Tiki Bar                                  Dock of the Bay

Charlie’s Barber Shop           Linda’s Wolf Den                          Saloon DuBay

Poker on the Fox 2010

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

30

Poker on the Fox is the newest, coolest and most exciting poker run to ripple the waters until now!

Poker on the Fox is a full weekend celebration of boating, music, boat show and just fun with the highlight event being the Poker on the Fox, Poker Run.

The activities were designed for participation and enjoyment by boating enthusiast as well as land lovers.

This event is Poker on the Fox Foundation’s flagship event and primary fundraiser.  Poker on the Fox’s goal is to raise awareness and funds for our great Fox Valley waterways, while improving it, including well needed buoys.

Pre-Registration is $40.00 per hand and registration the day of the event is $50.00.

The Event

A two day Poker Run on Friday July 30th and Saturday the 31st to include a Friday concert kick off at the Leach, two day boat show and most importantly the poker run all day Saturday.  With a Sunday parade of boats to hand out at Stretches.

I ncludes:

  • Friday evening concert with Naughty Monkey and Copper Box
  • Boat Show Friday afternoon and Saturday, located in the parking lot adjacent to the Leach by the river
  • Poker Run Saturday
  • Several Raffles
  • Many Prizes and Give Aways
  • Fun activities at all locations to acquire cards

When:               – July 30th & 31st

Where:              – Concert at the Leach

- Boat Show at adjacent parking lot

- Poker Run with many locations from Fremont thru Lake Winnebago ending at the Park Plaza Ball Room

For more information please see the “Poker on the Fox,” website

No wake order issued for Wolf River

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

29

A no-wake order has been declared on the Wolf River in northwestern Winnebago County, where residents have been complaining that the wake from fast moving boats on the rain-swollen river is eroding shoreline and causing other property damage.

The order is in place along the Wolf River from the mouth of the river at Lake Poygan to the county line. Boats may not operate on the river at speeds that produce when they are within 500 feet of any permanent structure.

The wake restriction order will remain in effect until the Wolf River waters recede.

via No wake order issued for Wolf River | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern.

Notification of temporary security zone on Lake Winnebago for EAA

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

27

This is a reminder / notice of the temporary security zone on Lake Winnebago for EAA Air Venture.  This security zone is Monday July 26th through Sunday Aug 1st from 8AM to 8PM every day.

This is a no entry zone, patrolled by the USCG.  The purpose of this no entry zone is to facilitate the takeoff and landing of sea planes during EAA’s Air Venture.  The zone is usually very clearly marked with large orange buoys.


View EAA Security Zone in a larger map

Below is an excerpt from the USCG “Code of Federal Regulations.”

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.

via Electronic Code of Federal Regulations:.

Wardens will shift from education to enforcement of new aquatic invasive species law

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

27

MADISON – Surveys at boat landings across Wisconsin in summer 2010 show that 96 percent of people say they are following a new law to prevent the spread of Eurasian water-milfoil and other aquatic invasive species. But a few are leaving boat landings with aquatic plants attached, potentially putting scores of lakes and rivers at risk.

From May through late July, 182 people were observed arriving at boat launches with aquatic plants hanging off their boat trailers or boats, or driving away from boat launches at the end of the day with invasive plants attached, according to statewide reports entered through July 25 by boat inspectors and DNR Water Guards. Boat inspectors advise the boaters of the law and how to comply, but they do not have authority to issue warnings or citations. Survey results are available on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says that such numbers will spur conservation wardens and Water Guards to shift from educating boaters about the new law, to enforcing it. “Given the extensive media coverage and boater surveys at the landings showing high public awareness of the new law, we’ll begin transitioning to enforcing the law by issuing citations to those individuals who, by not complying, can erase the excellent efforts of the vast majority of boaters.”

The vast majority of Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers are free from the most problematic aquatic invasive species; a case over the July 4th weekend in Vilas County illustrates the threat such waters face from boaters who do not follow laws to prevent spreading aquatic invasive species or fish diseases.

DNR Water Guard John Preuss checked the public launch at pristine Allequash Lake in Vilas County and found a trailer with Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels hanging from it. When the boater returned to the launch, he told Preuss he was aware of aquatic species law but launched anyway with weeds attached. The man had fished earlier that week in Shawano Lake in Shawano County, which has aquatic invasives including Eurasian water-milfoil, rusty crayfish and zebra mussels. Preuss cited the man for launching a boat in state waters with invasive plants attached, which carries a penalty of $389.50 for a first time offense.

“The Vilas County AIS Partnership is very happy that (Water Guard) John Preuss chose to visit the landing that day and was vigilant in following through on the incident and issuing a citation,” says Ted Ritter, who coordinates invasive species efforts for Vilas County. He adds that the UW Trout Lake Center for Limnology has agreed to monitor Allequash Lake carefully to see if either zebra mussels or Eurasian water-milfoil get established in the lake from the incident, Ritter says.

Aquatic invasive species officials and public awareness campaigns have stressed to boaters the need to inspect their boats and remove any aquatic plants for the last 15-20 years. It’s illegal to launch or leave boat launches and drive on public roads with aquatic plants and animals attached, according to Bob Wakeman, who coordinates aquatic invasive species prevention and control for the DNR.

DNR conservation wardens, Water Guards, and the paid and volunteer watercraft inspectors statewide made a concerted push in the weeks leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, the busiest boating weekend of the year, to educate people about the laws. The effort netted extensive media coverage and wardens and Water Guards statewide issued dozens of warnings to boaters about the transport law, regional warden supervisors reported.

“Awareness of AIS is very high thanks to the efforts of many individuals and groups around the state that see this as a potential threat to the quality of the lakes in the state,” Stark says. “Enforcement of this new law will help support their work, and the good job most boaters are doing to remove aquatic plants and animals from their boats and trailers. We need everybody to do it, however, and hope the enforcement stick can get those last few boaters to comply.”

Lake by lake breakdown on boat inspections available

People can find additional information invasive species and control efforts in a new, user-friendly aquatic invasives database available on the Department of Natural Resources website.

Web users can find statewide statistics, as well as by county. The site provides data on boat inspection efforts, boater compliance and special projects to prevent or control invasive species. The information is displayed in easy to read pie charts and bar graphs, and it’s updated every 15 minutes to reflect the reports as they’re filed by more than 1,000 boat inspectors, both paid and volunteer, and by DNR Water Guards, according to Jennifer Filbert, who is developing the database and pages.

The site is a work in progress, and more features may be added in coming months, including more information about local projects to prevent or control the spread of aquatic invasive species, and interactive maps.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Wakeman (262) 574-2149; Greg Stacey (608) 576-9123; Jennifer Filbert, for questions on the database, (608) 264-8533

View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.

via WDNR Weekly News Article – Inspection data shows minority of boaters increasing risk to lakes and river.

Township Tries to Extend “No Wake” Zone Along Wolf River

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

25

In northeast Wisconsin the water is rising fast on the Wolf River.

Some property owners there want to extend the “No Wake” zone but the Winnebago County Sheriff s Department says the water is not high enough yet.

Joseph Hall owns Triangle Campground along the river. He says docked boats are sitting higher in the water than usual. Every time a boat goes by it makes waves pushing other boats against the docks and causing damage. Even boats on lifts arent safe.

“It s just a constant problem here right now ” Hall said. The wake is also damaging piers and eroding the shoreline according to Hall. There are other no wake zones along the river.

The town of Wolf River tried to impose its own “No Wake” restriction last week but Winnebago County officials refused to enforce it. That s because the river is not at flood stage. The sheriff s department says it isnt necessary to extend the “No Wake” zone.

via Township Tries to Extend “No Wake” Zone Along Wolf River – WGBA -.

Weather has slowed it down, but river walk construction starts

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

24

High water levels and frequent storms are slowing construction of the first segment of the river walk trail system in Oshkosh, but the contractor hopes work will be completed in September as planned.

Work recently began on the recreational trail that will eventually run from the Leach Amphitheater to the Wisconsin Street bridge, across the Fox River and back to the Pioneer Resort and Marina property.

Phenco Inc. Project Manager Rod Paul, the Neenah-based company working on the project, said crews are installing sheet piling needed to repair the seawall between the Leach Amphitheater and the Main Street bridge.

“Hopefully, Mother Nature will slow down the rainfall and the water table will lower itself to the right place,” Paul said. “Its the only thing were concerned about putting us behind schedule.”

Oshkosh Community Development Director Allen Davis said bids for a second segment extending west from Jackson Street will be opened Tuesday, with the contract to be awarded later this year. In 2011, Davis said he hopes the city can fund the segments from the Main Street bridge to Jackson Street and the trails connection to the Wisconsin Street bridge.

“Everyone is positive about the project and wants this done sooner than later, so Im pushing to get it done,” Davis said.

Money will determine how aggressive the city can remain in its development of the urban trail system. The city has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and other agencies for grants to help pay for everything from environmental site clean-up, to seawall repairs to construction costs.

“Id like to push it forward and were applying for grants to do some of these segments in 2011 or 2012, but a lot of it will depend on if those agencies have money to give out next year and we are successful in securing some of it,” Davis said.

Assistant City Manager John Fitzpatrick said the segment Phenco is building now came in about $300,000 under its projected $1.2 million cost, a positive sign that the projects might be less expensive than expected. He said lower than expected construction costs create more opportunities for the city to continue progress.

“We have to keep the momentum going,” Fitzpatrick said. “Its an important issue among the many things people want us to be working on.”

Jeff Bollier: (920) 426-6688 or jbollier@thenorthwestern.com.

via Weather has slowed it down, but river walk construction starts | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern.

Photos of the flooding in Oshkosh

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

23

These are some photo gallerys of the flooding that’s taking place in Oshkosh right now.

http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20100722&Kategori=OSH01&Lopenr=7220816&Ref=PH&located=rss

http://www.htrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20100722&Kategori=OSH01&Lopenr=7220816&Ref=PH&located=rss

Earlier today I talked to Doug at Wolf River Resorts in Winneconne and he said that they were sand bagging and laying down gravel in washed out areas of town.

I also just read a report that currently the Oskhosh area has over 10″ of rainfall so far this month.  That shattered the old record for the month of July which was 8.40 from 1986

There are reports of sewers backing up in the cities of Neenah and Menasha also.

Personally on my way home from Oshkosh to Neenah tonight on hwy 76N I saw no less than 20 dump trucks and 5+ tractor trailers headed towards the Winneconne area.  I can only assume that the dump trucks were full of sand and the trailers full of suppies for sand bagging.

If you have some spare time on Sat or Sun it may be worth your time to check to see if your assistance could be utilized in some of the surrounding communities that are on the waterways.

High Water Closes Fox Locks, Boat Launch

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

22

The Fox River Navigational System Authority says high water and strong currents are forcing the closure of the Appleton and Cedar locks this weekend.

It says the locks were scheduled to operate in conjunction with the Fox River Heritage Paddle Weekend, where kayakers and canoeists travel through the Fox Cities.

Because of the dangerous river conditions, its now deemed unsafe for both paddlers and power boats along the river.

The Heritage Paddle Weekend will be rescheduled once river conditions become safe.

Also, Brown County Facility and Park Management closed the Fox River boat launch at Wrightstown due to high water conditions.

Theres no word when the boat launch will reopen.

via High Water Closes Fox Locks, Boat Launch – WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News.

Flash flood watch issued for area due to strong storms expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

22

The National Weather Service in Green Bay has issued a flash flood watch for portions of east central and northeast Wisconsin including Winnebago County from 1 p.m. through this evening.

The agency says heavy rainfall is anticipated during the afternoon and early evening with totals of 1 to 3 inches expected. The heavy rain may overwhelm storm sewer systems.resulting in significant urban flooding.

Click here for the latest weather forecast and radar images

A flash flood watch means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. The watch includes Brown, Calumet, Kewaunee, Outagamie and Manitowoc counties.

In anticipation of the rainfall, the Oshkosh Chamber announced this morning that all three bands playing in tonight's Waterfest concert will move indoors to the Oshkosh Convention Center. Last Wednesday's special concert, featuring Alice Cooper, was canceled after heavy rains fell.

via Flash flood watch issued for area due to strong storms expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern.

100 gallons of gas stolen from Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department rescue boat.

By Boating Winnebago

Jul

7

For more comments and discussion on this news story, please see the following post in our forums:  http://www.boatingwinnebago.com/forums/general-boating/$500-reward!/

Fond du Lac County Sheriff Mick Fink says he is livid someone would have the audacity to steal 100 gallons of gasoline from the department rescue boat on one of the busiest summer weekends of the year.

“Theft is one thing. Theft from a vehicle that is used to save other people's lives I think raises it to another level,” Fink said.

The sheriff is offering a $500 reward for the tip that results in the arrest and conviction of the thief. He said the sum is justified due to the “audacity” of the theft and the importance of the boat that is used to tow and rescue stranded boaters or boaters in distress.

At about 3 p.m. July 4, Sgt. Paul Rottscholl and Deputy Michael Norton boarded the 32-foot Mercury McKee to respond to a report of a disabled boat near Wendts on the Lake, N9699 Lakeshore Drive, Van Dyne.

While en route, the starboard engine shut off. The officers turned around after being informed another boat helped the disabled vessel. As the officers entered the Lakeside Park Harbor, the portside engine turned off, according to the police report.

The rescue boat was placed in the water in April with full gas tanks. It was used May 17 for a dive team exercise and June 26 for a boat rescue. Lt. Bill Tadych estimated 30 gallons of gas were used for both calls.

It cost the department $414 to fill the tanks with 135 gallons of gas on July 4, said Fink.

“I compare it to (having) a fire truck that was full of water and somebody stealing the water or gas out of it. That makes it just a piece of machinery,” Fink said.

Chief Deputy Mark Strand said the boat does not have a leak, noting 100 gallons of gas would leave sheen on the water at the harbor, and the Department of Natural Resources would have received calls.

“Im confident somebody siphoned it,” Fink said. “If we find out something different, then I would certainly expect some answers out of the boat patrol operators.”

While Sundays call was relatively minor, the scenario could have been a drowning child or missing boater.

“The deputies are running out on a call,” Fink said. “They have every reason to believe the boat has enough fuel in it.”

Strand said the boat typically lasts an entire season on two 67-gallon tanks.

“We are in the bad-thing-happening business,” Strand said. “By state statute, we are supposed to have vehicles ready to do body recovery, rescue and rescue of people in distress.”

About 1:30 a.m. on June 26, the McKee was used to rescue a family from Lake Winnebago. The familys 34-foot houseboat was taking on water after a large wave knocked out the bow window, according to a press release.

The occupants, Richard Butzen, 45, of 420 Morris St., his wife, Christina, and their two children, were asleep when the storm hit, said Sgt. Chris Dobyns.

The Sheriffs Department does have a second boat docked at Lakeside Park. The 24-foot Boston Whaler “Justice” was not tampered with, said Strand. He said the thief likely entered the harbor on a boat and used a pump to siphon the gas straight to a boat gas tank or barrels.

The Boston Whaler is the more commonly used boat, but could not handle a day like June 26 when 30 to 40 mph sustained winds hit the lake.

The boats also have an hour meter and Deputy Aaron Rauls is working on implementing locking gas caps, said Strand.

The Sheriffs Department has another boat that is kept in a shed near the City County Government Center.

Russell Plummer writes for The Reporter, Fond du Lac.

via 100 gallons of gas stolen from Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department rescue boat | postcrescent.com | Appleton Post Crescent.