Lakes at Stake Wisconsin Urges Passage of New Wake Boat Research Bill

Study would address impact of enhanced wakes on fisheries, shoreline erosion, and hazardous boating to inform sound, enforceable policy

Madison—February 21, 2024—Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, a grassroots organization committed to protecting Wisconsin lakes from enhanced wakes, today announced its support for a research bill (LRB-5693) being circulated at the State Capitol to fund a comprehensive study that would quantify the impact that wake-enhanced watercraft have on Wisconsin lakes.

The proposed legislation would fund research by the University of Wisconsin System to comprehensively study and measure wave energy from wake boats and assess the impact enhanced wakes have on shorelines and lake bottoms. The bill stipulates that the study be conducted over a two year period, comparing the wakes from wake boats in wake sport mode with those made by various, similarly sized watercraft without ballast and wave-shaping technology. Specifically, the research would:

·   Measure wave energy and height of waves generated by the boats at various distances from shore.

·   Analyze the impact of wake-enhanced waves at various distances from other boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, fishing boats, and other water users to understand any safety challenges they may present.

·   Study the impact of enhanced wakes and downward propwash on lake bottoms, fish nesting, aquatic vegetation, and sediment disruption at various depths and lake bottom topographies.

·   Examine the effects of disrupted sediment, including the release of toxins and impacts on aquatic vegetation.

·   Assess the energy of waves generated by winds and storms compared to the energy of enhanced wakes.

·   Determine the potential impact of enhanced wakes on shoreline erosion 

Paul Gardetto, president, Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, underscored the need for research to inform how enhanced wakes are understood and managed in the state.  

“We thank the authors, Senator Felzkowski and Representative Swearingen, for recognizing the need to study the damage enhanced wakes inflict on Wisconsin lakes including shoreline erosion, decimation of fishing habitats, and safety hazards for other boaters and lake users; using the best available technology and research methods. 

“We wholeheartedly advocate for funding a complete and actionable study to help determine future policy that protects our lakes and Wisconsin tourism for years to come, and hope that the Water Sports Industry Association will join us in supporting this comprehensive study.  We also urge legislators to introduce temporary protections while the study is underway. Two years is too long to wait for reform while our state’s most precious treasures are being ravaged by damaging, enhanced wakes.”

For more information about Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, please visit Lakes at Stake.org.