Dear Members and Supporters,
You may soon see Wisconsin Lakes in the news, and here’s the reason. Wisconsin Lakes and the Last Wilderness Alliance are renewing their call for bipartisan state-wide regulation of enhanced wake recreation to protect Wisconsin’s lake resources without being overly restrictive of the right to recreate on our lakes.
We are calling for regulations that include specific ‘lake metrics’ that designate areas large enough for wake sports to be enjoyed safely, while also protecting our shared water resources and ensuring other recreational users can continue to enjoy the lake.
This call for bipartisan legislation provides a clear benchmark for our membership to compare the position of industry supported legislation. Click here for the joint call for bipartisan legislation.
Help us develop the groundswell for this type of legislation by:
- Forwarding this email to your state Representative or Senator telling them what type of regulation you support. Find your state legislators HERE
- Sharing the University of Minnesota’s Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory video with your state representatives. The footage documents the effects of a wake boat with ballast operating over a lake bed at a depth of 14 feet. Importantly, the boat is shown traveling at cruising speed—not full power-up from dead stop or turning, conditions that would create even greater downward force. This video highlights significant lake bottom disturbance, despite the industry’s continued opposition to establishing minimum depth requirements. HERE
- Staying informed
- LEARN MORE about Wisconsin Lakes and Last Wilderness Alliance’s joint call for bipartisan legislation
- LEARN MORE about “local control”
- LEARN MORE about the most recent research done at Lake Beulah (812 acres with a max depth of 58 feet) in Walworth County.
Wisconsin Lakes members appreciate the value our lakes bring to our quality of life, tourist economy, and property tax base. We appreciate your continuing support as we seek to protect the natural wonder of our lakes and preserve our collective right to boat, fish, hunt, swim and enjoy the scenic beauty of our shared public waters.
Cathie Erickson, Chair Policy Committee
Susan Trier, Board President
Ben Wojahn, Executive Director
