MYK CRAWFORD - STOCK.ADOBE.COM PHOTOA group of waterfront homeowners has formed a non-profit organization with the goal of reducing wake-creating boats on smaller bodies of water in the Badger State.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Lakes at Stake Wisconsin has a single focus: “stopping the damage being done to Wisconsin lakes caused by wake-enhanced boating.”
“Wisconsinites love our lakes and are very concerned by the impact from wake-enhanced boats, Paul Gardetto, the president of the group the owner of a home on Ashippun Lake, told the newspaper. “We have heard from people throughout Wisconsin who are frustrated with the damage being done to our lakes by these wake boats designed to create a huge wave.”
LASW said it doesn’t want to ban a specific type of boat. “We are, however, seeking the means to regulate devices on boats that can create large, enhanced wakes. Our concern is with the artificial enhancement of a wake through the use of ballast and other mechanical devices. We support responsible boating and believe that with reasonable restrictions, wake-enhanced boating can operate in harmony with other watersports and the environment.”
On Oct. 19, a bill (LRB 3518/1) was introduced into the Wisconsin legislature that would prevent wake sports from operating within 200 feet of shore. However, LASW has hired lobbyist Steve Lyons of SGL Government Affairs and Communications to push for stronger restrictions. “We oppose this bill and recommend a bill that excludes wake-enhanced boating on anything less than 1,500 acre lakes in Wisconsin,” the group said.
LASW said that 4% of boats in the state are “wake-enhanced” models.
