Special Exception to Regulated Navigation Area for HHO Boaters
MEMORANDUM
To: Boaters and visitors to Heritage Harbor Ottawa and Tracy’s Boat House
From: Heritage Harbor Marina
Date: May 6, 2013
Re: Regulated Navigation Area
As you may know, the USCG has issued a Regulated Navigation Area for the Illinois River from Mile Marker 240 to Mile Marker 271.4, which includes the entrance to Heritage Harbor. HOWEVER, the USCG has granted a special exception to HHO boaters and visitors to Tracy’s Boat House, allowing for transit between MM 240 and Heritage Harbor Marina without requiring individual permission from the Command Center.
The special blanket exception entails the following:
• Permission to boat to MM 240 and enjoy all your regular boating activities downriver from there. MM 240 occurs at the Ottawa High School, thus unrestricted boating may be enjoyed essentially from the Fox River down.
• There is no need to contact the Command Center individually when transiting downriver from our marina.
• The exception calls for direct transit between HHO and MM 240, without stopping or anchoring in this area. This does not allow you to stop at Bull’s Island or Bob’s Beach or anchor anywhere between the marina and the Fox River at this time since it still falls within the restricted area.
• The exception does not apply to transit between the Heritage Harbor entrance and the Marseilles Lock. In the event you need to travel upriver from HHO, you are required to contact the Command Center to obtain permission to move in that area. The Command Center number is (630) 336-0300.
• A substantial drawdown of the Marseilles pool is expected to take place beginning May 10th, to facilitate repairs to the dam. Please see http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1766259/ for further details.
We are very grateful that the USCG continues to be considerate of us as recreational boaters. Please be considerate of this special exemption provided to us by observing the parameters of the exception as described above. The situation with the Marseilles Lock and the pool upriver from us remains very ‘fluid’ and continues to change daily. We will continue to do our best to keep you updated and work with the USCG in order for all of you to have an enjoyable boating season. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Welcome Center at (815) 433-5000. Thank you and we hope to see all of you on the river soon!
