A broad coalition of Wisconsin groups recently formed to defend Wisconsin’s waters from the impacts of wake-enhanced boating.
Originating members of the coalition include the Wisconsin Lakes, Wisconsin’s Green Fire, Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, Last Wilderness Alliance, and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
The group says that it will focus on educating elected and appointed officials about the damage done to Wisconsin lakes by wake-enhanced boating.
The group added that it is also determined to implement policies that protect Wisconsin waterways.
“This coalition will be laser-focused on protecting Wisconsin’s lakes from the devastation done by these wake boats,” said Dan Butkus, president of Wisconsin Lakes. “Our organizations will stand shoulder to shoulder in protecting Wisconsin’s many lakes.”
Meleesa Johnson, executive director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire, said, “We know from scientific research that wake boats present big threats to our lakes, including spreading harmful invasive species, a multi-million-dollar problem in Wisconsin. Unlike other watercraft, the design of a wake boat’s internal ballast system makes it nearly impossible to fully empty and decontaminate these boats, increasing the risk of spreading invasives and damaging the way our lakes look and function.”
“Wisconsinites love our lakes and are very concerned by the negative impact of wake-enhanced boating,” added Fred Prehn of Lakes at Stake Wisconsin. “We are all witnessing firsthand the damage to our shoreline and lake bottoms throughout Wisconsin. Our glacial lakes are not built to sustain the damage these boats in wake surfing mode are causing.”
“LWA supports the consortium’s efforts to establish minimum state standards for enhanced wake activity that includes retaining existing local control,” said Jeff Meessmann, board member of the Last Wilderness Alliance. “The state legislative process is long and unknown, and minimums will not provide the level of protection many municipalities recognize they need to ensure safety and protect their vital natural resources. Therefore, it is critically important that municipalities act now by passing local ordinances that ensure lake safety for everyone else using the lakes and protect their lakes from costly and permanent damage, including the rapid spread of aquatic invasive species.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to work with this talented and diverse group of organizations. Their expertise and perspective are exactly what we need to address this challenge in front of Wisconsinites,” said Cody Kamrowski, executive director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Studies have shown the outsized impact this type of boating has inflicted on Wisconsin’s waterways, according to the group. The coalition will utilize all available resources, including these studies, to help guide their efforts.
A May 2024 literature review, prepared by Wisconsin’s Green Fire, references over 230 scientific studies to summarize how wake boats affect lake ecosystem health.
In addition to the five organizations that came together to form the coalition, Wisconsin Trout Unlimited, Yahara Fishing Club, Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association, and Walleyes for Tomorrow have also signed on with their support of the coalition and its goals.
If interested in engaging with the coalition, reach out to any of the coalition charter members to talk further. Below is their contact information:
Source: Milwaukee News Review [Accessed 9/20/24]