Locks and Dams
Lake Winnebago is not man-made, but its level was raised about three feet by two dams on either side of Doty Island, erected in 1850 and 1930. The lake level is today regulated by the US Army Corps of Engineers to meet demands for flood control, to reduce ice damage to private property, to release water for hydropower and pollution dilution downstream, and to extend the high water season for boating.
A system of seventeen locks connects Lake Winnebago to Lake Michigan. This lock system is located along the lower Fox River and starts at the northwest corner of Lake Winnebago in the city of Menasha and ends at the mouth of Green Bay. One of the locks, the Rapid Croche Lock, is permanently sealed as a barrier to prevent the movement of sea lamprey upstream, and only three of the remaining locks were being maintained. Lock reconstruction is underway and is being supervised by the Fox River Navigation Authority.
Read more about this topic: Lake Winnebago
Famous quotes containing the word locks:
“So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high
Through the dear might of him that walk’d the waves,
Where other groves and other streams along
With nectar pure his oozy locks he laves
And hears the unexpressive nuptial song
In the bless’d kingdoms meek of joy and love.
There entertain him all the saints above
In solemn troops and sweet societies,
That sing, and singing in their glory move,
And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.”
—John Milton (1608–1674)