Unexpected repair expenses

It seems like at the start of each season I have some unexpected repair expenses. Things like slip cost, insurance, fuel, and maintenance are part of the regular costs of boating.

The screen on my GPS/Chart plotter is leaking liquid crystal. For reference, it smells like dish soap.

The second bad news is I am past warranty but I don’t think this would have been covered anyways. I did remove the unit from my boat and stored it in a box in the basement. I think one of the kids must have played with it and dropped it and put it back. I do blame myself. Should have kept it in my bedroom.

The good news is the manufacturer will do a ‘swap-out’ with a rebuilt unit and will transfer the waypoints / routs / etc and send me a refurbished unit for $175. I’m sending it out next day air today. I should get the refurbished unit with a 90 day warranty by next Friday.

With shipping I’m out less then $200, far less then replacement cost of a new unit.

Oh-well. I hope this is it for unexpected repairs. With the slip ($1,450/season – paid in full up front), insurance, new batteries, repairs to the canvas, and this GPS thing I am now over two grand and I have not got the boat in the water yet.

Oshkosh railroad bridge begins operation April 27, 2007

Spanning across the Fox River in Oshkosh is a railroad bridge.

Per the C.N. operations center in Stevens Point WI, the Oshkosh railroad bridge will begin operation for the 2007 boating season on Friday April 27 8:00 AM.

This railroad swing bridge is operated automatically from Stevens Point Wisconsin. The bridge is normally open unless a train is coming.

You can reach the C.N. operations center by calling 715-345-2487. Put that in your cell phone. Call them if its closed.

I have called the number and alerted them I was waiting and they would perform a short opening between trains so I could continue my voyage.

Do-it-yourself Boat cleaning tips and tricks

Do-it-yourself Boat cleaning tips and tricks

Some tips I have discovered:

#1) If you use ‘cleaner wax’ or even more aggressive ‘restorer & wax’ the wax does not last very long. Cleaner Wax allows you to remove the white chalky oxidation and wax in one step. It does work but you need to re-wax the boat very soon after. If you keep your boat in an uncovered slip this would be about a month later.

#2) If you use the non-skid deck cleaner there is no method of rinsing it off without the water running down the hull. As soon as this stuff touches the regular part of the fiberglass the wax is gone. So I recommend you use this type of product only just before you are going to re-wax the boat. It does a great job of cleaning the non-skid, far better then hours and hours of scrubbing.

#3) Mr. Clean magic erasers. Use this to clean marks off all sorts of stuff. On the vinyl seats I first wipe the seats with a wet rag and mild soapy water. Then I rub the vinyl with wet “Mr. Clean magic erasers” then I spray on a vinyl protector and wipe with a cotton cloth.


#4) Isinglass, the see-thru part of the canvas top. Forget Windex, Plexus, etc. Grab some Lemon pledge. This will clean and wax the isinglass at the same time. It also hides small scratches.

#5) Windshield wiper. If your windshield wiper is a different size then the ones sold at every gas station, etc, the blades are wider then the replacement blades you see, you have Ford “L-series” Semi wiper blades. You can find them at truck service centers.

#6) Yellow discoloration at the water line. On-Off will remove the yellow/brown discoloration of your hull. Warning – your bottom paint will turn green and it will ruin the paint on your trailer. If you have bottom paint I suggest you use this product when in the boat is in the water. I was told “Lime-Away gel” works great too but have not tried myself.

#7) Got oil stains? Try BRAKE CLEANER.

Slipknot Fremont WI on the Wolf River

Slipknot to re-open April 28, 2007

The bar / resuaurant along the Wolf River in Fremont Wisconsin called the Slipknot will reopen April 28, 2007.

This is a popular spot along the river.
Per Pete, the Slipknot’s owner, he has a new group of investors and will be ready to reopen Saturday, April 28th, 2007

You can call the slipknot at 920-446-2707.

Internet access from the boat or other remote locations via EVDO

I sighed up for EVDO, got my card and am looking forward to this allowing me to spend more time on the boat.

EVDO is broadband (high speed) wireless internet. You get a small card that slides into your laptop.

Bingo, you can now surf the internet, get email or work as long as you are in an area with service. That last part is the kicker however as time go by the areas with service keeps growing.

The major cell phone carriers are offering this service in at least some of their markets now.

In time the service will continue to get faster with updated revisions and coverage will get as good as a cell phone.

I am testing my connection speed at an independent site called CNET and getting about 400 to 600 kbps (8x to 12x dial up speed) depending on where I am at when I run the test. I have not had this for long but so far I get coverage everywhere I have tried it but again its only been a day and a half.

Cost is a bit steep at $60/month ($80 if you don’t already have a cell phone with them) however I am planning on dumping roadrunner to save $35/month plus I typically spend the $9.99/day in a airport or some hotels / resorts that combine to average 4 to 5 times a month. So net effect this may end up saving me money.

One marine application I can think of is using this for updated weather and radar information.

Lake Winnebago water level is lower then last 2 years

Over the last two years we have seen lower then normal water levels on Lake Winnebago. As of today our current water level is lower then these past two years.

The Army cops of engineers controls the gates on the Fox River that allow an increase in the flow of water out of the Lake Winnebago pool system.

Per the ACOE website the gates for the Fox River in Menasha are now closed, meaning the ACOE is allowing for the fastest possible refill of Lake Winnebago.

Unfortunately, even with this gate closure, the current level of water is below the level of the past two years.

Lake Winnebago Historic Water Levels April 17
2005 - 2.40
2006 - 2.40
2007 - 2.35

You can view the current ACOE water level information here

Based on history, spring precipitation should cause a raise in the water level over the next two months.

Boaters should be particularly cautious in areas that are shallow.

Wisconsin Street Bridge - Oshkosh – marine construction zone

Boaters are being urged to use caution in a construction zone along the Fox Rive in Oshkosh, WI. The Wisconsin Street Bridge in Oshkosh Wisconsin is being rebuilt. A new bridge is being erected parallel to the existing Wisconsin Street Bridge that crosses the Fox River in Oshkosh.

The Wisconsin Department of transportation (DOT) is urging boaters to use caution in this area.

For safety the DOT has placed Danger buoys as well as special reflective tape on the bridge itself.
During the construction the width of the opening will be limited to 45 feet. This reduced width is due to the cofferdam sheeting used during construction. Once construction is completed this width will increase to 70 feet.

Construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2008.

For more information please contact:
Kim Rudat, Regional Communications Manager
kim.rudat@dot.state.wi.us
(920) 492-5743
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/wisbridge/index.htm

Friends of the Fox - Unlock the fox video

The Friends of the Fox have created a video about the Fox River lock system and their goal of unlocking the locks.

Video will open in your Media Player.

To view the video please click here





Note: This video is hosted at http://www.gwo-main.com

Mobile Marine - Lake Winnebago area

Does your boat need some maintenance work? Need your boat fixed or your weekend is ruined? There is a mobile marine service in Appleton Wisconsin called AJ’s Mobile Marine.

Per Andy, the company owner, “We come to your location to serve your boating needs, with high quality, professional work.”

AJ has an Associates Degree as a Marine Repair Technician, factory certified with Volvo Penta, Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude, and has over 7 years of experience.

Andy adds “We are located in Appleton, Wisconsin and will travel throughout the Fox Valley area, including Oshkosh, Fremont, and Green Bay.”

You can reach AJ Marine at 920-739-BOAT (2628) or through the website http://www.ajsmobilemarine.com

Boating slang glossary

I’ve come across a variety of boating glossaries. Some are serious and some are only for humor.

Missing is a glossary that includes real world slang. This would be actual words boaters use yet do not appear in traditional boating glossaries.

I put together the below boating slang glossary.

Blowboater - this is a power boater talking derogatory about sail boaters, referring to the sails. Also see Snailboater.

Boataholic – a person who is passionate about boating.

Boating Dollars - money exclusively stashed away for boating related expenses.

Canboat - this is a power boater talking derogatory about pontoon boaters, referring to the aluminum pontoons that resemble beer cans.

Coasties – referring to the United States Coast Guard, or any water law enforcement member who has served or is serving.

Deadheads (also called sinker logs or snags) – a submerged log causing a serious hazard. Impact at a high speed with a deadhead can punch a hole in a large boat or destroy a small one.

Five By Five, or Five By - Means your radio is load and clear. The first numerical value (1-5) states the strength of your signal, the second numerical value (1-5) states the clarity of your signal.

Footitus – a desire to get a larger boat.

GoFast or GoFast/GoLoud – refers to boats built for speed. These boats are often very loud.

Oilburner – a boat with a Diesel engine.

On the hard - has two meanings. Those that don't know how to park boat in a slip properly and those who are having work done on the boat.

On the hook – a boat that is anchored.

Poleboarder – a term that a kitesurfer uses for windsurfers (like power vs sail boats)

Powerlandar – using your engine to drive onto your trailer.

Sawyers – fallen trees that are still floating. A serious boating hazard. Similar to Deadheads however the log would still be floating.

Smiles per Gallons - regardless of cost, enjoying boating.

Snailboater - this is a power boater talking derogatory about sail boaters, referring to the sails. Also see Blowboater

Soup – another term for fog.

Splash – putting your boat in the water.

Stinkpot –this is a sail boater talking derogatory about gas power boaters, referring to the engine smell.

Velcrumbs - the unwanted items that sticks to velcro

Water gnats – derogatory term for personal water craft, wave runners or jet ski’s.

Yarditus – same as footitus but looking to move up to a much larger boat.

Sawyers – fallen trees that are still floating. A serious boating hazard. Similar to Deadheads.

W0X0F - Pronounced wox-off. It means that you are fogged in Acronym W = weather 0 = 1st zero means you can not see horizontally X = obscured visibility 0 = 2nd zero means you can not see vertically F = Fog

Winnebago Rally planning meeting April 14th 2007

April 14, 2007 Winnebago Rally planning meeting. "The Other Place," in Winneconne at 1:00PM. This is on the the Wolf River so you can come by boat or car. Please see this link for an update. link http://www.winnebagorally.com

Boating event in Appleton July 21st

Fox River Water Safety & Development Public Education Event
Saturday, July 21, 2007
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lutz Park, 1320 S. Lutz Drive, Appleton, WI

Event will Include:
• Appleton Economic Development
• Appleton Fire Department
• Appleton Parks & Recreation
• Outagamie County Sheriff
• Fox River Navigational Authority
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers
• Friends of the Fox

JOIN THE FUN!
Learn About Boating Regulations, Boating Safety, Swimming, Riverfront development, The Fox River Locks system restoration-when it will open and how you can use it, Historical information about the Fox River and surrounding area.

Watch the paddlers arrive that are participating in the Park-to-Park Paddle event.
See a simulated water rescue and kayak demo

Source

Check the dates on your flairs and check your safety equipment

1 in 4 boaters that requested a voluntary vessel safety inspection failed to meet the minimum legally required safety requirements. The most common reason for failing the inspection is expired flairs.

If you fail the voluntary vessel safety inspection no citations will be given. However they will supply you with a copy of the evaluation so you may follow some of the suggestions given.

Passing the inspections will be able to display a distinctive VSC decal. This does not exempt you from law enforcement boarding, but you can be prepared to make this a positive encounter.

You can get a free vessel safety inspection by contacting your local coast guard auxiliary or power squadron. Often they can offer coming to you to perform the inspection. Upon passing this inspection you will get a vessel decal to display on your boat.

You can also request the free inspection online here http://safetyseal.net/

To perform a self-examination please follow the below guide.

Item 1 - Display of Numbers:
The boat’s registration number must be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat They must be plain, vertical, block characters, not less than three (3) inches high, and in a color contrasting with the background. A space or hyphen must separate the letters from the numbers. Place State tax sticker according to State policy.

(e.g. WS 4776 GT or WS-4776-GT)

Item 2 - Registration / Documentation:

Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available. Documentation numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior structure. The documented boat’s name and hailing port must be displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height. To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater.

Item 3 - Personal Flotation Devices (PFD):

Acceptable PFDs (also known as Life Jackets) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, and of suitable size for the each person on the boat. Children must have properly fitted PFDs designed for children. Wearable PFDs shall be "readily accessible." Throwable devices shall be "immediately available." PFDs shall NOT be stored in unopened plastic packaging. For Personal Watercraft riders, the PFD must be worn and indicate an impact rating. Boats 16 Feet or longer, must also have one Type IV.

Item 4 - Visual Distress Signals (VDS):

Recreational boats 16 feet and over used on coastal waters or the Great Lakes are required to carry a minimum of either 1) three day and three night pyrotechnic devices, 2) one day non-pyrotechnic device (flag) and one night non-pyrotechnic device (auto SOS light) or 3) a combination of 1) and 2). Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal waters or the Great Lakes need only carry night visual distress signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

It is recommended, but not required, that boats operating on inland waters should have some means of making a suitable day and night distress signal. The number and type of signals is best judged by considering conditions under which the boat will be operating. Alternatives to pyrotechnic devices (flares) include:

Night Day
Strobe light Signal mirror
Flashlight Red or orange flags
Lantern Hand signals

Special insert: Check the expiration date on your flairs. If you need to purchase new flairs please check the dates on the flairs you are purchasing.

Flairs may work past their expiration date however to meet the U.S Coast Guard requirements the flairs that you are required to carry must not have exceeded the expiration date on the label.

I have experienced shopping for flairs at retail stores where the inventory was already close to the date of expiration.

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are required if one of the following conditions exists: (1) Inboard engine(s); (2) Closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks; (3) Double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation materials (4) Closed living space (5) Closed stowage compartments that contain flammable materials or (6) Permanently installed fuel tanks NOTE: Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and verified as serviceable.

Minimum number of extinguishers required

Boat Length No Fixed System With Fixed System
Less than 26’ one B-1 none
26’ to less than 40’ two B-1 or one B-2 one B-1
40’ to 65’ three B-1 or
one B-1 & one B-2 two B-1 or
one B-2

Item 6 - Ventilation:

Boats with gasoline engines in closed compartments, built after 1 August 1980 must have a powered ventilation system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered ventilation.

Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after 1 August 1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance." Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation in the fuel tank compartment.

Item 7 - Backfire Flame Control:

All gasoline powered inboard/outboard or inboard motor boats must be equipped with an approved backfire flame control device.

Item 8 - Sound Producing Devices / Bell:

To comply with Navigation Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats must carry a sound producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast audible for ½ mile. Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are also required to have a bell (see Navigation Rules.) Under a recent change, a vessel 12 meters (39.4 ft) to less than 20 meters (65 ft) is no longer required to carry a bell on board. This applies ONLY to those vessels operating in International Waters. International waters for the purposes of the Navigational Rules are those waters seaward of the Line of Demarcation. For those vessels operating in Inland Waters, a bell is STILL REQUIRED.

Item 9 - Navigation Lights:

All boats must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility. Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running" lights.

Item 10 - Pollution Placard:

Boats 26 feet and over with a machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.

Item 11 - MARPOL Trash Placard:

Boats 26 feet and over in length must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must also display a written trash disposal plan.

Item 12 - Marine Sanitation Devices:

Any installed toilet must be a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.

Item 13 - Navigation Rules:

Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.

Item 14 - State and/ or Local Requirements:

These requirements must be met before the "Vessel Safety Check" decal can be awarded. A boat must meet the requirements of the state in which it is being examined.
Contact your local marine law enforcement agency.
Item 15 - Overall Vessel condition:

As it applies to this Vessel. Including, but not limited to:

a. Deck free of hazards and clean bilge:

The boat must be free from fire hazards, in good overall condition, with bilges reasonably clean and visible hull structure generally sound. The use of automobile parts on boat engines is not acceptable. The engine horsepower must not exceed that shown on the capacity plate.

b. Safe Electrical and Fuel Systems:

The electrical system - Must be protected by fuses or manual reset circuit breakers. Switches and fuse panels must be protected from rain or water spray. Wiring must be in good condition, properly installed and with no exposed areas or deteriorated insulation. Batteries must be secured and terminals covered to prevent accidental arcing.. If installed, self-circling or kill switch mechanism must be in proper working order. All PWCs require an operating self circling or kill switch mechanism.

Fuel Systems - Portable fuel tanks (normally 7 gallon capacity or less) must be constructed of non-breakable material and free of corrosion and leaks. All vents must be capable of being closed. The tank must be secured and have a vapor-tight, leak-proof cap. Each permanent fuel tank must be properly ventilated.

c. Safe Galley and Heating Systems:

System and fuel tanks must be properly secured with no flammable materials nearby.

Source http://safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp

Do you have a boating related question?

Boating related question?

If you have a boating related question, epically if the question pertains to the area of Lake Winnebago, Fox or Wolf River of Wisconsin, please post it to the WiParty message forum.

http://wiparty.com/forum/

Friends of the Fox Annual Meeting Saturday May 19th, 2007

From the Friends of the Fox president Bob Stark


DEDICATION & DEMONSTRATION TO BE HELD AT APPLETON LOCKS # 2

RE-DISCOVER THE PAST WHILE YOU LOOK INTO THE FUTURE


For Immediate Release April 5, 2007


(Appleton, WI) – After nearly 2 years of preparation, the Friends of The Fox – in conjunction with Fox River Navigational System Authority, Appleton Sesquicentennial, and CR Meyer Construction Company are ready to unveil the completely restored Appleton locks 1& 2 to the public. After major renovation and new construction, it’s no surprise that boaters and historians alike will be anxious to view, tour, and witness the operation of the restored locks.

“We wanted to show everyone what we have been working on and celebrate what we’ve accomplished so far” said Robert Stark (President of Friends of The Fox and Chairman of the Fox River Navigational System Authority). “After giving a lot of thought to how we want to celebrate this historic event, one idea seemed to make the most sense…….invite everyone over to the locks for a demonstration and tour so they can experience the excitement for themselves”, said Brunhilde Courtney (Friends of The Fox Board Member and Event Coordinator). In addition, people will be able to hear from fund raisers, engineers, and other people who have been instrumental in the success of the project every step of the way. “It’s also a great time to ask questions and satisfy one’s curiosities” said Stark.

This waterside event will feature dignitaries from State and local levels and is open to the general public. In addition guests will be able to enjoy refreshments (for purchase) as well as free boat rides. The following day (May 20th 2007), the 2 locks will be operational from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. for boaters who wish to lock through. Harlan Kiesow, CEO of Fox River Navigational System Authority, stated there will be no charge for boaters on May 20th however lock usage and safety procedures will be in effect with oversight by the lock tenders.

“We want this event to be more than a celebration – we want it to be a window into the future that shows the public what’s to come along the Fox River” Stark said.

Where: Appleton Lock #2
CBC Parking Lot, Olde Oneida Street, Adjacent to Lock #2
Appleton, WI

When: Saturday May 19th , 2007
1 P.M to 4:00 P.M.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Bob Stark, President Harlan Kiesow, CEO
Friends of The Fox Fox River Navigational System Authority
(920) 809-6407 (920) 202-1855
robertjstark@sbcglobal.net lock269735@sbcglobal.net


Webiste
http://www.friendsofthefox.org/

The sextant - a funny story

My husband and I were trying to figure out what to get my father for his 70th birthday. He has everything he needs and dislikes modern electronics. At the core he is a sailor.



Doug suggested I buy him a sextant. A sextant is a measuring instrument used to measure the angle of elevation of a celestial object above the horizon. Long ago, before the GPS, this instrument was used to determine your location.

I called the local sporting goods store asking if they carried a sextant and was transferred to ‘that department.’ When the next employee answered the phone I again asked if they carried a sextant. The person replied “lady, we carry a wide variety of tents however what you do inside them is your business.”

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance has just launched its website.

Below is information about the Tri-County Powerboat Alliance


Who are we?

The Tri-County Powerboat Alliance is a non-profit organization with a mission to make our waterways a safe place for recreational use. Our vision is to preserve our waterways while maintaining its navigability, accessibility, and fair and equitable use by all recreational users.



What do we do?

Our organization is very active in promoting safe boating, including through the provision of boater education. We also work hard to preserve the Wolf River while maintaining its navigability, accessibility, and fair and equitable use by all recreational users.



What have we accomplished?

We have many accomplishments that we are proud of! For example, we have:

Provided boater education classes
Organized river cleean-up projects
Provided signs and navigational aids
Provided public informational meetings
Provided funding for dredging
Provided input to state officials as needed to ensure protection of our waterways

Tri-County Powerboat Alliance
PO Box 323
Fremont, WI 54940
Email us at : tcpa@centurytel.net





Tri-County Powerboat Alliance

Lake Winnebago Spring refill conference April 3, 2007

Spring refill conference April 3, 2007 9:30 AM notes

Pleaste read: These are my notes. The officinal notes will be posted to the below website in a few weeks. Also, my apology for spelling, expically name spelling. Assume the spelling of the name is incorrect. I did my best.

US Army cops of engineers Website for the Lake Winnebago basin
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/greatlakes/hh/lakewinnebago/

The ACOE has opened these meetings to the public. One thing I have learned by attending and listening to the meeting is the difficult position they are in. There are many stakeholders in this Lake Winnebago water basin and they have different and conflicting needs.

Introductions – lots of people including many people from the army corps of engineers. Marie is the point person to the ACOE on this call.

Bob Stanic – Kaukauna utility
(missed name) - City of Menasha parts and recreation
Art Decko – DNR
Bruce / Mike – Kaukauna utilities
Tom Davy – Winnebago water conservation department
Skip Palermo - Appleton yacht club
WHBY radio
Many people from around the Lake Winnebago basin area

ACOE started by stating their primary goal is flood control.
Goal is flood damage reduction. They must balance with needs of DNR, wildlife, utilities, boaters, and land owners however they made it clear by stating since the locks are not owned by the federal government they are “No longer responsible for marine navigation – flood control is there goal.”

Water level goals:
Current level = 2.09 Oshkosh
Goal by May 1st 2.4-2.7
By July 1 the goal is to be at 3.0 and maintain between 3.0 and 3.3

ACOE stated there is a slight chance of above average precipitation this spring. National weather service confirmed this.

As of today Wolf River is quite high and is in flood forecast; this means it’s just below flood stage.

Ice covers / current refill as of today
As of 29 March the Wisconsin DNR determined ice out conditions on Lake Winnebago.
As a result, a slow and controlled spring fill began. However, sufficient storage capacity must be maintained for flood storage and ecosystem establishment.

Current inflow is about 9,500 cfs while outflow is approximately 8,500 cfs.

Operation band changed for May 1st to June 1st 2.4-2.7 (actual target is 2.4) then starting in June they would like to raise the lake to 3.0 then by July 1st 3.3. NOTE: This is NEW and HIGHER then in the past of 3.0 and maintain. They need to have the range low to the bottom of the band in spring to avoid flooding.

In recent years the post June 1st has been dry. If there is no precipitation then the water level will not rise. They must take into consideration flood control in the spring. There is a lot of wet weather and a lot of precipitation coming.

DNR guy (sorry I missed his name – Art I think) He wants the fill slowed and feel its filling too fast now.

Kaukauna utility (sorry I missed his name) – concerned that the summer level has been too low and is concerned that past summer flow was too low. Also current flow today is past what they can utilize, meaning water is being wasted and not being turned into electricity.

(Missed the persons name) Depere sturgeon spawning – starts in late April. So the first part of May the eggs are incubating. Water level needs to be controlled (not dropped) during this time. So this means in May there is a need to keep the flow up. Low flow after spawn is problematic. Anything below 4,000 is very bad for the eggs.

Tom Davies – Winnebago County – asked Art about aquatic vegetation and concerned that high levels cause low light thus lack of vegetation. Art replied that presently it’s OK and he is happy with how it’s going.

Navigational Buoy placement – Fox River Navigational authority will open the Menasha lock May 11th. Brian w/city of Menasha said navigational buoy’s will be in by April 27th, 2007 in all of Winnebago County. This will be done by Radtke Contractors. Done likely by Friday for that Saturday.

May 12th (this is not correct. The date is May 19th) – Appleton locks opening celebration. Right now everything is fine for this.

Questions:
Winneconne – (missed his name- Bill ?) make a case about the need to reach a compromise for boat navigation. This call started with the ACOE saying ““No longer interest in navigation – only flood control. “

Marie from the ACOE responded – Mid 80’s locks were put into caretaker’s status, the locks have been turned over to the state. They no longer dredge in this area. They value the other stakeholders including boaters however the goal of the ACOE is flood control.

Art (DNR) said they are looking at the merge of the Fox and Wolf river area and looking at moving the buoys placement and possible dredging. Adjusting(raising) the water level for the entire system is not an option.

Bill (from Winneconne) replied back asking to get to 3.0 earlier due to the history of missing the goal.

Marie from ACOE mentioned the past few years had a fast transition from wet to dry and that is why they missed the summer targets and they are looking at a more aggressive flexible plan.

Bob Beon (spelling?) in Oshkosh – added that July is tool late, ½ the summer is gone. He added that the ACOE saying they are only interested in outflows is misleading since outflows controls the water levels.

Marie from ACOE said once they close the gates they can do no more. She restates that the ACOE does not control the water levels. Also restated the need of other interests including sturgeon spawning needing high flow in May, vegetation needing low spring levels, recreation including boating needing high levels, utilities needing continual flow, others.

We are at 2.09 right now. ACOE expects this to rise to 2.2 to 2.3 within the next week.

Marie from ACOE said 2.7 is a reasonable summer operating level.

She felt 2.4 to 2.5 by May 1st is a reasonable guess as to where they will be at.

Name not give, female waterfront land owner – “What does 3 mean?”

Marie from ACOE – 3.0 is a reference point at a location in Oshkosh. Crest of Menasha damn spillway is another reference. 1.5’ over spill is another common reference gauge.

Art (DNR) Since 1982 3.0 has been the goal. 3.0 is the normal summer goal for the past 25 years. The gauge has marks on it. The number is in relative terms and is not meant to be a specific depth.

Same Name not give, female waterfront land owner – “I am at Point Comfort, Winnebago – we are showing the bottom 20’ out form shore – this is very low for this time of year”

Marie from ACOE “2.09 is the current level.”

Marie – said that sediment depositing is causing fill-in in some locations however the water level at this time of year is not off compared to this time of year in past years.

Art Deco – DNR – “The spring teleconference call is not to determine the level Lake Winnebago but how fast we will get there.”

Bob Bexton – I'm just north of the other lady on Point Comfort. “You cant get a boat out, this is MUCH lower then in the past, not including the last 2 years. “

Complaints opened up about broken props, etc.

Judy – tri-county boat alliance. Will notes be posted?

Travis (ACOE) yes, in about 2-3 weeks.

Judy – gave her ID information and stated the need they have for volunteers on the Wolf River June 2nd.

Tricounty Powerboat Alliance
Wolf river cleanup date for 2007 is Sat June 2nd
No website yet however you can reach Jody Johnson at
TCPA@centurytel.net or call 920-446-3930 Judy Johnson

Doug Ales – WiPary - “Tank you for allowing us to participate in this teleconference. How long have there been the water level gauges other then Oshkosh? Is it possible the gauges are in error or have been tampered with?”

Marie ACOE “Since 1992 we have had 4 gauges. Data recorder and physical gauge. Gauges are located in Stockbridge, Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Menasha. Checking and testing is done to prevent tampering.

ACOE website address given – used real time data from site to show right now Lake Poygan is 9” higher then Lake Winnebago.

Tom Davis – Land and Water of Winnebago County – This system is a storm water retention system. The need is to protect the properties from flooding.

Marie from ACOE – Once again the ACOE goal is flood control.

Calumet Marina – when do you start the drawdown?

Marie from ACOE – Early January after ice cover is established.

No more questions – call was concluded.