McHenry, IL – Starting May 1st, operating hours will be reduced at the William G. Stratton Lock and Dam on the Fox River in McHenry in an effort to manage costs during challenging fiscal times.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which operates the Stratton Lock and Dam, announced today that the lock will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (with the exception of holidays) starting in May.  New hours of operation on Wednesdays and Sundays will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.  The lock will be open from 10 a.m. to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Holiday hours will be from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Funding availability requires the postponement of hiring staff at this time.  IDNR is working on solutions to provide more revenue streams and restore services as quickly as possible.