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Plans are underway to open the locks for the 2020 navigation season, but Governor Evers safer at home order will delay the official opening until Saturday, May 30. Originally several of the busier locks were scheduled to be open by mid-May, but the official opening to full navigation is tentatively scheduled for 5.30.20.

“As a state authority, we need to adhere to the Governor’s orders,” said CEO Jeremy Cords. “We also need the appropriate amount of time to interview and hire lock tenders for the season.” Cords added that as conditions changes due to coronavirus, the opening date may change.

The locks typically operate with 1-5 lock tenders stationed at the nine locks that will be open this summer. Those locks are; the four Appleton locks, Cedars, Little Chute, Combined Locks, Little Kaukauna, and De Pere. The five locks in Kaukauna are scheduled to open in 2021 pending repairs to the Memorial lift bridge in Kaukauna.

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http://foxlocks.org/2020/05/07/2020-locks-schedule/

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Where else can you spend your summer on the water, be part of living history, and get paid for it?

The Fox Locks are hiring for seasonal lock tenders–and since we are the only fully-restored hand-operated lock system in the nation, this is a unique job. The locks are opened and closed using a hand operated turnstile (it’s not hard to open the locks) and you can learn more about the operation in this short video:

For Scott Thompson, 2020 will be his 12th year as a lock tender and he loves it because he’s outside and no day is just like the day before. He also likes the unique history associated with the lock system.

“Working these locks is like instant time travel back to the late 1800s,” Thompson said. “Chatting with the boaters can be entertaining too. They’re usually full of questions about the locks and quite appreciative of the manual labor put into helping them get through.”

If you’re a newbie to the lock system, it was originally constructed in the 1850s and was the first transportation system in the State of Wisconsin. To learn more about the history of the lock system, visit this link. 

The job is ideal for someone who loves working outside during a nice Wisconsin summer, likes interacting with the public, and wants to be part of the 170-year history of the Fox Locks.

To apply, visit our careers page and follow the directions!

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/03/17/summer-jobs-open-be-a-lock-tender/

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In: fox locks, Fox Locks in the News, Fox Locks repairs, fox river locks, Fox River Navigational System Authority, Important information, Newsletters, Press Releases, River heath appleton
Construction is underway rebuild a section of the canal wall that abuts the Kaukauna Utilities hydroelectric plant on the eastern side of the lock. Over the years, the force of the water in the canal and the effects of winter weather and heavy rains eroded the canal wall structure creating a small sink hole. In fall of 2019, a 30-foot section of the wall slid into the channel.
“This will replace a segment of the original canal wall built when the lock system was created in the 1880s,” said Jeremy Cords, CEO of the Fox Locks system. “It acts as a dyke on lock four and without re-construction, it would be impossible to maintain navigation on this part of the river.”
Construction crews from McMullen & Pitz will install a cofferdam—a structure that allows water to be pumped out to create a dry area in the channel for construction. Crews will dig to the bedrock or hard pack in the channel, pour a new cement foundation for the wall, and use new and original cut stone to rebuild the wall. A portion of the slope behind the canal wall will be covered with stone rip rap to further stabilize the site.
For questions about the project, please contact us at the Fox River Navigational System Authority or use the contact form on our website.

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2020/02/27/appleton-lock-4-repairs-start/

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The Fox River Navigational System Authority board of directors approved conducting a suite of studies to provide more complete information to the DNR on the behavior of round gobies in an electric barrier environment. This series of studies would provide the following information:

  • Comprehensive information about the round goby’s ability to swim against water velocity at all stages of the fish’s life;
  • How an electrical field will affect a round goby at all stages of the fish’s life.

Four of the studies would be conducted in a laboratory, the fifth study is optional and would be conducted in one of the closed locks. If all five studies are conducted, the cost would be about $165,000, paid from FRNSA’s capital budget.

This will be the first such scientific study on the behavior of the round goby from larval to adult stages. Consultants are confident the studies will answer all questions raised by the DNR and provide definitive information on the fish’s response to electric currents and water velocity, two components central to the electric barrier proposed for the Menasha lock. For more information, visit this link. 

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2019/11/16/update-on-menasha-lock/

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This summer, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey set up at the closed lock 2 in Kaukauna and conducted a series of studies designed to assess the effects of a carbon dioxide barrier. The team built a large carbon dioxide infusion system and operated it in the closed lock and pond, taking thousands of measurements and recording data. This winter, scientists will assess the data to determine the effectiveness of a CO2 barrier in deterring fish, and the potential effects on animals, the river, and the atmosphere. Listen to this short video for more information and watch for the results in 2020!

 

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http://foxlocks.org/2019/11/15/study-underway-on-co2-barriers/

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A meeting of the Board of Directors will be held tomorrow morning via conference call. As this is a public meeting, interested parties will be able to dial into the meeting according to the attached information. The purpose of the call is to review and vote on emergency repairs to Appleton lock 4.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE 11.15.19

 

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http://foxlocks.org/2019/11/14/public-meeting-notice/

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In: aquatic invasive species, fox locks, Fox Locks in the News, fox river locks, Fox River Navigational System Authority, Important information, menasha lock closed, Press Releases, round goby

In September of 2015, FRNSA voluntarily closed the Menasha lock at the request of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to prevent the spread of an invasive fish, the round goby, which was discovered in Little Lake Butte des Morts. The goby is one of 192 invasive species found in Lake Michigan. The invasive species barrier at the Rapide Croche lock prevents transmission of any species from the Great Lakes into the lock system and eventually the Lake Winnebago watershed.

What do we know about round goby behavior?

Fish are uniquely sensitive to electrical currents because their muscle control is based on electrical impulses through their nervous system, and because they inhabit a conductive environment. Electrical barriers and guidance systems make use of this sensitivity.

We have reviewed results of scientific reports from researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Based published research, we know these characteristics of the round goby:

  • The round goby is a bottom dweller where the current in an electronic barrier would be strongest.
  • The velocity of the water in the navigation channel will affect the travel of the round goby. Part of the electronic barrier operations plan calls for flushing the lock daily prior to any lockages up or down the system.

 How did the round goby get here?

The round goby is an invasive fish found in the Great Lakes. Several were found in Little Lake Butte des Morts in September of 2015. When they were discovered, the lock system was not open to the Great Lakes and there were no populations of round gobies in Lake Winnebago according to DNR testing. Additionally at the time of discovery, there were three miles of dry canal and three de-watered locks between Little Lake Butte des Morts and Kaukauna. It is important to remember the Fox River flows north and it is impossible for fish to travel from the bay of Green Bay to Lake Winnebago through the lock system due to the barrier at the Rapide Croche lock. The round goby were most likely introduced into the system as fishing bait, or on pleasure boats that were not adequately cleaned.

Is the Menasha lock the main entry point for round gobies?

No. Since the fish was found, there is a verified population in Little Lake Butte des Morts. Currently, there are more than 60 boat landings into Lake Winnebago that are not monitored, and each summer float planes land in Lake Winnebago thus increasing access points for invasive species.

Original Article

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http://foxlocks.org/2019/10/28/round-goby-facts/

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In: electric barrier, Events, fox locks, fox river locks, Fox River Navigational System Authority, Important information, menasha lock, menasha lock closed, Newsletters, Press Releases

Many of our customers and concerned citizens have asked specific questions about the proposed electric barrier for the Menasha Lock. We’re answering some of those questions here in order to give you the facts about the propsed project.

Where will the barrier be located?

The barrier will be constructed immediately downstream of the Menasha lock (remember, the Fox River flows north from Lake Winnebago to Green Bay). The lock is located at 82 Broad Street in the City of Menasha. FRNSA leases the property immediately around the lock from the State of Wisconsin.

What changes are proposed for the Menasha lock?

The proposal calls for building a 100-foot long concrete channel, 36 feet wide with vertical walls approximately 13 feet high (2’ will be visible above the waterline). Electrodes will be recessed in the concrete to create a pulsed DC electrical current. A portion of the riverbank on each side of the channel will be filled in to support the concrete channel. The plan calls for installing failsafe systems in the event of a power outage that include a backup natural gas powered generation system, an uninterpretable power supply to cover any possible lapse in power, and almost a dozen other closely monitored alarm controls that will alert operators to any system changes. The system is being built for future adaptability in mind to deter other invasive species.

Is the electric barrier dangerous to humans?

The barrier uses a pulsed field of direct current (DC) in the water that is not dangerous to humans on shore or in their boats. When going through the proposed barrier, boaters must follow a few safety precautions that are normally required for transit through the locks:

  • All boaters must wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD)
  • When entering the lock, all boat passengers must keep their arms, legs, and metal paddles out of the water.
  • No swimming is allowed in a lock or lock channel (there never has been)

Passengers must not get on or off a boat within locks or the lock channel

Where are electric barrier systems currently in use?

Use of electricity to guide and block fish is not a new concept and was derived from electroshocking technology used by fishery departments in nearly all states. Electrical barriers built in the 1950s and 1960s are still in operation. Electric barriers are custom-designed for each situation and, as such, include a wide variety of barrier geometries, waveforms, and field strengths. In short, the objective of each barrier and guidance system is what drives the system design.

More than 70 Smith-Root-designed electrical barriers and guidance systems have been installed across the globe. In Midwestern states such as Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois Smith-Root has 28 pulsed DC electrical barriers in operation for multiple years and monitoring shows the barriers operate reliably.

The design proposal is currently 60% complete and has been submitted to the state DNR for review and approval. For more information including design proposals, construction proposals, and supporting documentation, visit this link. 

Original Article

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http://foxlocks.org/2019/10/14/get-the-facts-the-menasha-barrier-part-2/

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It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of our Chairman of the Board, Dr. S. Timothy Rose. Dr. Rose was a passionate and energetic advocate for the lock system and his leadership helped restore the lock system and rescue a national treasure. We will miss his dedication, depth of knowledge of the region and the river, and his sense of humor. We are all thankful for the time he invested in the system and will miss him deeply.

To read his full obituary, please visit this link. 

Shortly before Dr. Rose passed, we sat down with him to review the important work the Fox River Navigational System Authority has done to re-open the lock system. We share his words with you and hope you also remember a true community servant.

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2019/09/30/dr-s-timothy-rose-in-memoriam/

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In: electric barrier, Fox Locks in the News, fox river locks, Fox River Navigational System Authority, Important information, menasha lock, menasha lock closed, Press Releases

The proposed electric barrier at the Menasha lock

For the last three years, the Fox River Navigational System Augthority (FRNSA) has been the only entity that has been leading the charge to find solutions to open the Menasha lock by seeking out proposals using the best available science and new technology. We have invested more than $200,000 to find solutions that use proven scientific studies and believe we have a solution. The proposed electric barrier is the best, most current technology to meet the needs of all parties. The Fox River watershed belongs to all citizens of the state of Wisconsin as well as all recreational and commercial boaters, silent sport users, homeowners, business owners, tour boat owners, fisherman and women, and the non-boating public. The goals of the barrier system are:

  • prevent the spread of the round goby into the Lake Winnebago watershed,
  • return the Menasha lock to operation,
  • build a system that can be adapted to prevent the spread of any future invasive species.

We are working with researchers from USGS, ACOE, DNR as well as engineers from OMNNI Associates to review the most recent scientific research on invasive species barriers and solutions that have worked for other communities in the Great Lakes region. Smith-Root, one of the nation’s leaders in aquatic ecosystem management, is designing a plan using a system of electric deterrent barrier and water flow regulation at the Menasha lock to stop the spread of the round goby.

This concept involves building a concrete, U-shaped channel with a smooth surface similar to a pool, adjacent to and downstream from the Menasha lock. Electrodes would be recessed in the bottom of the channel. This type of a barrier will allow boat traffic to pass through the channel while halting the passage of fish. The barrier delivers a pulsing DC current to fish entering the channel, causing them to turn around and not enter the lock; it also uses a flushing flow water velocity process to prevent the round goby from moving into the lock channel. The DC current in the water is not dangerous to humans.

The design proposal is currently 60% complete and has been submitted to the state DNR for review and approval. This proposed design is estimated at $3 million, all of which FRNSA will fund through monies generated from community fundraising and investment income.

For more information, please visit this link. 

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2019/09/30/get-the-facts-the-menasha-lock-barrier/

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In: dePere lock, fox locks, Fox Locks in the News, Fox River Locks History, Fox River Navigational System Authority, History & Fun Facts, Important information, Little Chute lock, menasha lock, What's going on?

Another fantastic season for the Fox Locks is in the books! Thank you to all of you who traveled through the locks and every year we hope to make improvements in the experience. Many don’t remember that the locks system has not been in operation since the early 1980s, so an entire generation has grown up without the experience of traveling through the historic lock system.

Speaking of history, here’s a quick look at notable dates and events for the lock system:

1825 Construction of Erie Canal completed, idea of connecting Green Bay and Prairie du Chien via water becomes reality.

1848 Wisconsin becomes a state.

1849 Construction begins on Fox & Wisconsin River improvements

1851 Contracts awarded for lock construction at Kaukauna and Little Chute

1866 Wisconsin Improvement Company, owner of the lock project, declared bankruptcy

1870 Green Bay and Mississippi Canal Company takes over management of the locks

1872 United States Army Corps of Engineers acquires navigational control of the waterway

1886 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abandons Wisconsin River portion of locks system

1922 Dredging for commercial traffic on the Fox River halts

1959 Last vessel navigates the full length of the Fox River

1982 Army Corps of Engineers recommends the lock system is dismantled

1984 Local citizens and elected officials start a campaign to fund and keep the locks open

1993 Individual locks named to the National Register of Historic Places, part of the National Park Service.

2001 State statute 237 creates the Fox River Navigational System Authority

2004 Ownership of the lock system is transferred from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the State of Wisconsin

2005 Repair and renovation begins on the lock system

2015 All locks are restored to full operational functionality

Fall 2015: Menasha Lock voluntarily closed due to discovery of Round Goby in Little Lake Butte des Morts.

Original Article

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Blog – Fox Locks

http://foxlocks.org/2019/09/16/fox-locks-timeline-history-at-a-glance/

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