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Location: Elgin, Illinois | I know this has been discussed, but I am looking to see if there are nay new thoughts on the issue.
The projections are for the locks to begin opening in 2008 and for full access between Green Bay and Lake Winnebago and the upper lakes and rivers by 2010. The plan to prevent invasive species from traveling into Lake Winnebago and beyond is to employ a boat lift at Rapid Croche (rather than a lock).
From an article in Water Sports 2006, "Growth is a Lock" published by Auto Gazette and Journal Publishing, Menasha, WI.... at page 11;
" The Lower Fox lock system...was officially closed in 1986, but it hade been unused by commercial traffic since the 1950s. The lock at Rapid Croche was sealed in 1987 to prevent the migration of sea lampreys from Lake Michigan to Lake Winnebago. The Rapid Croche lock will remain closed to prevent the movement of lampreys and other invasive into the Lake Winnebago, the Upper Fox, the Wolf River and other parts of the waterway. Instead, boat lifts will be used at Rapid Croche, with the southbound (upriver) boat lift used to cleanse boats of any invasive species before boats head upriver toward Lake Winnebago."
Much of the justification is based around economic issues, increased tourism dollars for the upriver and lakes area and increased real estate values for shoreline owners.
Is this plan enough? What about livewells and bilge water? Are we about to become victims of the "Rule of unintended consequences", from something totally unforseen? Does the projected and expected benefit outweigh the potential risks? |
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Posts: 1314
Location: Menasha, WI | I don't think the boat lift is a sufficient barrier. As you suggest, bilge water isn't going get drained and invasives are going get a free ride.
I also don't believe the figures for projected revenue. Ultimately, the taxpayers are going to foot the bill for the operation. |
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| Greg, this is going to be a major topic at Ice Breaker, would love to have your voice in the mix. |
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Location: Elgin, Illinois | Doc,
I am about 50% sure of coming... I have one work issue to clear up and also make sure that my son's schedule permits him to be gone also. (tough year for him as it is his senior year in law school)...
BTW, there is a great picture of a crappie in that magazine that would be a lot better if some dude with a beard wasn't holding it...LOL  |
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Posts: 17
| The plan is not enough. How many more uninvited invasive species will come along over the years after the locks are open? Will they be able to keep these new species out as well?
What a rare resource Lake Winnebago and the upper lakes are. The fishery with walleye, perch, sturgeon and many other fish are priceless. Let's not take a chance and gamble with this resource. We need to preserve the resource for all fishermen and the generations of fishermen to come.
Just my opinions but what do we do next?
Otto |
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Posts: 874
Location: Neenah, WI | I'm glad this has been brought up again. A couple of years ago I expressed my opinion on this issue. The only organization to issue a statement (that I'm aware of) is the Payne's Point Hook and Spear Club. What about Walleyes for Tomorrow, Sturgeon for Tomorrow and above all, the DNR? It's not too late for these people to come out in opposition to this project. There's an awful lot more anglers and hunters around here than there are pleasure boaters. It's about time for their voices to be heard. If you belong to a sportsmans club around here, bring it up at your next meeting. |
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Posts: 617
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin | There has been a LOT of money spent to open these locks. It will take an incredible effort to stop it. I hope the plan is stopped (or at least modified) but I don't see it happening without a huge amount of support and a significant amount of $$$ and science.
I voiced my concern over this some years ago and was basically brushed aside by the politicians in Madison. "We already looked at the invasives issue" was stated twice. Of couse that was before gobies and water fleas.
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Posts: 1406
| Brad,
You are so right. they had it covered, they figured they would leave it up to the DNR, ya thats it, that was their plan to come up with preventaive measures. I definately do not believe this covers it, The DNR is in a precarious position politically. It is a Lose Lose situation for them. Everyone I have spoken to in that department that is involved with our 350 million dollar resource, ie. Winnebago system, is adamently against it but they can't come out and say that without a large voice from the other user groups. We need to band together and speak with one voice, although it may be too late for this one, we still need an expert to come forward and an organizational group to handle the paperwork, there are many things we could do to start an uproar on the political level.
The speculative 70 million revenue boost is quite supicious, How many of those pleasure boaters will actually make those 14hour runs? There is so much more around Winnebago and quite frankly, the number of those pleaseure boaters last year dropped dramatically I'm pretty sure the fuel costs played a big part in that though.
This is NOT I repeat NOT a natural waterway, it was designed to supply papermills and that economic boom was a heck of alot more valuable than this proposal!
Good Luck
Tyee |
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Posts: 794
Location: Elgin, Illinois | I have fished all over this greaqt country and in Canada... I have not seen anything as "good" as the fishing opportunities and the other recreational opportunities at the same time as exists on the "winnebago and upper lakes and rivers...
Taking chances with this one of a kind resource is nuts... absolutely nuts...
Edited by hgmeyer 3/4/2007 8:28 PM
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| http://foxriverlocks.blogspot.com/ |
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