This is an update on action taken at the board of directors’ recent meeting. The board of directors of the Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) voted to stop the development of a visitor center slated for construction at lock three located near Appleton’s Lawe Street. Plans had called for developing an interpretive center chronicling […]
Boat traffic through the lock system on the lower Fox River is up over past years, an indication that regional residents are choosing recreational activities closer to home during this time of pandemic. In June of 2020, a total of 1,250 motorized and non-motorized crafts passed through the lock system carrying 5,055 passengers. This is […]
Did you know that it takes about an hour to regenerate the water in the Appleton navigation canals after the locks are opened? That’s why we have what might seem to be an unusual operational schedule for Appleton lock 1 (near the Yacht Club) and Appleton lock 4 (near River Heath). Appleton lock 1 operates […]
Many of the business practices we have at the Fox River Navigational System Authority already take into account social distancing simply due to the nature of our work at the locks. However, to comply with CDC guidelines and state recommendations, we are following these procedures to increase personal safety and limit exposure to the coronavirus. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
SITUATION/BACKGROUND In September of 2015, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked the Menasha lock be closed 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 […]
(KAUKAUNA, Wis.) April 30, 2019—The Fox River Navigational System Authority (FRNSA) submitted a proposal to reopen the Menasha lock to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The plan calls for constructing an electric barrier and water velocity system at the Menasha lock to prevent the spread of invasive species into the Lake Winnebago watershed. […]