Lakes at Stake Wisconsin Launches Efforts to Preserve Wisconsin Lakes

Madison—October 26, 2003—Lakes At Stake Wisconsin, (LSW) a Wisconsin-based bipartisan group, has formed with 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. 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,” said Paul Gardetto, president Lakes at Stake Wisconsin.

Lakes At Stake Wisconsin consists of a strong cross-section of Wisconsin. The statewide association supports the interests of boaters, fisherman, kayakers, swimmers, sailors, property owners, and the tourism industry.

Gardetto went on to say, “Waves powerful enough to surf are best suited for a large body of water, but on Wisconsin’s small and medium-sized lakes wreak havoc. On Wisconsin waterbodies, they create hazards for other boaters, cause property and shore damage, and crowd out many other historic water activities such as kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing and pleasure boating.”

LSW is asking the Wisconsin Legislature to adopt a statute that would prohibit enhanced wake sports on Wisconsin lakes under 1,500 acres.

Gardetto concluded by saying, “Fisherman, those in the tourism industry, and property owners, are very concerned about how these wake-generating machines tear up our lakes, leaving permanent damage to our sandy beaches, fishing beds and public recreational areas.”

For more information about Lakes At Stake Wisconsin, go to lakesatstake.org.