Lakes at Stake Wisconsin urges public to support multiple resolutions to manage ballasted boats and enhanced wakes
The public will have the opportunity to voice concerns over the negative impacts of wake sports to the DNR at Conservation Congress meetings being held on April 8 at 6 p.m. in each county. Lakes at Stake Wisconsin encourages all its supporters to attend and advocate for three resolutions that would regulate the use and operation of wake boats in the state.
The Conservation Congress will hear comments about a resolution to restrict wake surfing on lakes smaller than 1500 acres and mandate that wake surfing occur at a minimum of 20 feet of water and from 700 feet from shore.
They will also discuss two resolutions about the use of ballasts: one (resolution 42) would require all ballast systems to have a “reasonable practical” means of inspection to confirm they are emptied, and the other (resolution 32) would prohibit the use of wake boat ballast systems on the premise that they cannot be emptied, and therefore can transmit invasive aquatic species.
Each year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress holds public meetings to collect input on a variety of natural resources-related questions as well as statewide conservation issues raised through the citizen resolution process. There is no residency or age requirement to participate. To find your local meeting location, please visit: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/About/WCC/2024/SpringHearing/2024_SH_Locations.pdf
Supporters of wake boat management policy are strongly urged to provide online feedback and vote beginning at noon on April 10 and ending at noon April 13. The link will be placed on the DNR’s Spring Hearing webpage at www.dnr.gov. To find the form, search “Spring Hearings.”
“This is a unique opportunity for the public to show the DNR and the Natural Resources Bureau that there is overwhelming concern about the negative impacts that enhanced wakes have on our lakes, and an undeniable public demand that they do something about it,” said Jaimee Minney Maples, vice president, communications, Lakes at Stake Wisconsin. “Together, we can compel the NRB to wake up to the damage enhanced wakes inflict on our lakes, wildlife, and other lake users. They can’t continue to sleep on this critical issue—protecting our lakes is their responsibility and it is our duty as citizens to hold them accountable.”
For more information about Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, please visit Lakes at Stake.org.
