The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has temporarily shut down recreational boating on the Fox River, according to a letter posted by the IDNR today.
High water levels, swift currents, floating debris and submerged structures in the Fox all contributed to the decision, which was recommended by Cpt Joshua Mooi of the IDNR and approved by Director Natalie Phelps-Finnie.
“Northeast Zone Commander Joshua Mooi, District 2 Sergeant Todd Semenik, and District 3 Sergeant Dave Wollgast advises that high water levels, swift current, floating debris, submerged structures, and piers have created conditions significantly hazardous to navigation on the Fox River from the Stratton Lock and Dam, south to the Bridge Street Bridge (Millington) in Lake, McHenry, Kane, and Kendall Counties. The conditions are also treacherous for emergency service personnel called upon to rescue persons involved in boating mishaps. Lockmaster Joe Farej, FWA Director Joe Keller, Kane County EMA Director Scott Buziecki, and Kendall County Sheriff Dwight Baird concur with the assessment.”
The section of river covered by the ban begins at Pistakee Lake in the north and ends in Millington in the south.
The ban went into effect Wednesday at 8:00am.
