A float gate is a device that allows recreationists
to pass safely through a fence line in an unmotorized
watercraft, but discourages livestock from passing
through the same opening.
Because the float-gate concept is relatively new,
the designs suggested in this brochure should be considered
experimental and used only as examples from which
to build a float gate that will meet your needs.
The 1985 Stream Access Law allows stream barriers
to be erected, but public use must be accommodated.
A float gate is a means of complying with this law.
The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks does not
build or fund the construction of float gates, although
it will provide and place notification signs for the
completed gate.
Float-through PVC Gate (Wide Rivers)
This gate is effective over any depth of water
and needs little adjustment for varying water levels.
However, it is more complicated and relatively expensive
to build. The looped cable should be moved with
a come-along up the level adjustment spikes to accommodate
rising water levels and winter ice. Whenever possible,
smooth wire should be used where debris might snag
on it. The PVC gate should be placed over the main
channel, which may or may not be in the center (see
illustration).
Float-through PVC Gate (Narrow Rivers)
This design is familiar to the previous one and
is easier to construct, but its use is limited to
narrow channels because of the length of the fence
poles. 2x4a may be used instead of poles. The shoreward
ends of the poles should be lightly nailed so that
ice flows will be able to flex them (see illustration).
Float-under Fence Gate
This is one of the least expensive and simplest
float gate designs. The barbed wire can be threaded
through the PVC pipe or garden hose during fence
construction, or pipe can be slit lengthwise for
placement on an existing wire fence. This design,
however, does have some disadvantages. Capsizing
is likely unless the fence wire is strung loosely
enough to allow it to be lifted by recreationist.
Only small rafts or canoes would be able to pass
beneath the wire. Floaters must exercise caution
in using a gate of this design and should get out
of their craft before passing through it (See illustration).
Float-over Cable Gate
This design is inexpensive and easy to build. It
also is self-adjusting to varying water levels by
leaving the cable slack enough to ride on the surface
during lowest flow or bow out downstream during
high water. The cable should be threaded through
a length of PVC pipe aligned in the middle to prevent
watercraft damage. Crafts are floated OVER the sheathed
portion. Livestock may be able to step over the
cable in water depths of less than two feet (see
illustration).
High Bank Float-through Gate
Although this gate is easy and inexpensive to build,
it is effective only where a deep channel is cut
below a high bank. Water depth alone prevents livestock
from moving through the gate. Whenever possible,
smooth wire should be used where floaters or their
craft might contact the fence or where debris might
snag on it (see illustration).
