NO WAKEBOAT HEARING TOMORROW
There will be no hearing tomorrow (August 26th) on wake boat legislation.
UPDATE: Wake Surfing Bill hearing date set for August 26
We’ve just received news that a wake-surfing industry-backed bill is expected to be introduced next week.
Wake Surfing Bill Alert
Urgent Action Needed: An Industry-backed Wake Surfing Bill is coming to Madison.
VCLRA’s Summer 2025 newsletter has taken flight!
Read about our six-county lakes and rivers meeting on Friday, July 11th, an update on enhanced wakesurfing, VCLRA's Northwoods Businesses for Clean Water (NBCW) initiative, celebrating our night skies and more…
Public Comment Opportunity for WI Wake Boating Policy
There is a public comment opportunity for WI Wake Boating Policy in Oneida and Vilas Counties on May 5th and 6th to Senate President Mary Felzkowski and Representative Rob Swearingen.
VCLRA’s Winter 24-25 newsletter is out!
Read about our revised membership process, a new state-wide coalition on wake boats, climate change, Blue Heron award recipients and more…
North Lakeland Woods and Water Conference
Our registration is now open for the 2nd annual North Lakeland Woods and Water Conference to be held on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Vilas County Lakes Conservation Partners Meeting
Vilas County Land & Water Conservation is holding its annual fall meeting on lake conservation on Thurs Oct 24th from 10 am-12:30 pm to share what local groups and professionals are doing to conserve lakes in Vilas County, and to report on the AIS section of the Vilas County Invasive Species Strategic Management Plan. This will be a virtual meeting. The public is welcomed!
Video and photos from 2024 six-county meeting
Missed our 2024 Northwoods Six-County Lakes and Rivers Meeting in July? No problem — view the video plus event photos online.
Wakeboats now regulated in Vermont; WI overwhelmingly favors restrictions in WCC poll
Vermont’s new wakeboat regulations are now in effect. Here in Wisconsin, participants in the annual poll by the Wisconsin Conservation Congress overwhelmingly supported statewide restrictions on wakeboats and the regulation of ballasted wakesports.
Annual Spring Hearing and Public Input Opportunity: Wakesurfing
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will once again offer their annual opportunity for the public to provide input on a variety of questions, including wake boat regulation, online starting at noon April 10 to noon on April 13, 2024.
Six-County Lakes Meeting: FINAL UPDATE
“Protecting Our Waters: We’re All Connected” is the theme for the annual Northwoods Six-County Lakes Meeting, set for Friday, July 12, at Nicolet College. The program will include discussion on the connections among water resources and the people who use them, along with presentations on the impacts of climate change.
North Lakeland Woods & Waters Conference Held May 3rd
The North Lakeland Woods & Waters Conference to be held at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, WI on Friday May 3rd, 2024.
Northwoods Six-County Lakes Meeting Set for July 12, 2024
“Protecting Our Waters: We’re All Connected” is the theme for the annual Northwoods Six-County Lakes Meeting, set for Friday, July 12, at Nicolet College. The program will include discussion on the connections among water resources and the people who use them, along with presentations on the impacts of climate change.
Wake Boats and Lakes
Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) released a new report on the effects of wake boats on Wisconsin lakes. WGF’s report “The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health: A Literature Review,” compiles findings from over 175 scientific studies in the U.S.
Grade 4-6, Brynn Schillinger 1st place and Rose Redman 2nd place. Photo credit Beth Schillinger
Vilas Youth Conservation Poster & Speaking Competitions
Students from Vilas County schools took part in the Vilas County Youth Conservation Poster & Speaking Competitions, hosted by Vilas County Land & Water. Overall 84 students submitted material, and an awards ceremony was held at the Olson Memorial Library in January.
VCLRA’s 2024 winter newsletter available
Celebrating 30 years of protecting our Vilas waters, Wakesurfing legislation; Vilas short-term rental ordinance; Northern Lakes Toolbox; How trees benefit lakes; Blue Heron Award and more!
Photo: WISCONSIN LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU
A compelling new wakesports proposal
Sen. André Jacque (R-DePere) entered the wakesports fray last week, releasing a proposal that would manage wakesports on Wisconsin waters under terms largely in line with those proposed in recent popular Wisconsin Conservation Congress resolutions.
Vilas County passes zoning ordinance regulating tourist rooming houses
The Vilas County Tourist Rooming House Ordinance passed with a unanimous vote last week.
Observations from recent wakesurfing bill listening sessions
I attended the Eagle River and Rhinelander listening sessions. I could not get into the Minocqua session. All sessions were standing room only! The session interest and attendance was impressive!