American Whitewater has been actively engaged in protecting and enhancing whitewater paddling opportunities on the Fox River in Wisconsin. During the relicensing of the Badger–Rapide Croche Hydroelectric Project (P-2677) near Kaukauna, we provided extensive input during scoping and submitted detailed comments during the regulatory proceeding. Our interest stems from the project’s potential effects on river flows, navigation, and public access—factors that directly impact recreational opportunities for paddlers in the region.
When Kaukauna Utilities proposed expanding their hydropower project and increasing diversion capacity from 3,096 to 5,260 cubic feet per second, American Whitewater noted that this would reduce the number of natural flows in the Fox River that occurred when river flow exceeded powerhouse capacity, limiting both the quantity and quality of whitewater opportunities. We advocated for scheduled flow releases to ensure paddlers would continue to have predictable and safe whitewater conditions, as well as for formal access points, real-time flow information, and consultation with local emergency responders. These recommendations emphasized balancing hydroelectric generation with the public’s recreational use of the river.
A federal license was issued in 2011 included provisions for whitewater boating, which Kaukauna Utilities challenged unsuccessfully. Federal regulators affirmed that licensees have a responsibility to provide recreational opportunities in accordance with area needs, stating that even where risks exist, this responsibility remains:
It has long been the Commission’s policy that “licensees whose projects comprise land and water resources with outdoor recreational potential have a responsibility for the development of those resources in accordance with area needs, to the extent that such development is not inconsistent with the primary purpose of the project.”
The fact that there may be risk involved with whitewater boating or other recreational activities does not obviate a licensee’s responsibility to provide recreational opportunities in accordance with area needs.
After federal affirmation, Kaukauna Utilities developed a recreation plan that complied with regulatory requirements, with accommodations for whitewater recreation included in the plan approved in 2013 and subsequently amended in 2017 and 2024. Key provisions include:
• Whitewater releases occur on the third and fourth Saturdays in June, the last Saturday in September, and the first Saturday in October. Target flows are dependent on inflow to the Kaukauna Dam, allowing the bypassed channel to approximate natural river conditions as closely as possible:
0–3,000 cfs → no release
3,001–6,000 cfs → most or all inflow is released to the river channel
6,001–10,500 cfs → target flow of 6,000 cfs
Greater than 10,500 cfs → target flow not required
• A formal whitewater access site at the Highway 55 (Lawe Street) bridge, with grated stairs, non-slip surfaces, safety railings, signage, a security fence, and connections to public pathways and parking.
• A one-time paddler registration system with an electronic key card for controlled, safe access, including collection of basic contact and emergency information.
• Real-time flow information, updated online and at a staff gage visible from the bridge, to allow paddlers to plan their visits.
• Coordination with local emergency responders and safety signage emphasizing proper precautions.
The 2024 amendment refined whitewater flow management. Scheduled releases now operate on an on-demand basis: boaters notify Kaukauna Utilities in advance if they wish to use a release. The amendment also incorporates annual stakeholder meetings for the first five years and a five-year report to evaluate the effectiveness of on-demand management. American Whitewater supported these modifications, ensuring that whitewater boating opportunities continue while accommodating operational flexibility and ongoing monitoring.