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…
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.
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.
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.
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!
Wakesurfing regulators host public input sessions Nov. 13
Rep. Rob Swearingen and Sen. Mary Felzkowski, who have drafted wakesurfing legislation as reported in our earlier posts, will be hosting listening sessions on Monday, Nov. 13 to hear public input.
UPDATE from Wisconsin Lakes on wakeboat legislation
Wisconsin Lakes released this ACTION ALERT yesterday regarding regarding the proposed wakesport bill LRB-3518
Rushed legislation on wakeboats under consideration
State-wide legislation regulating wakesurfing with simply a 200-foot minimum distance from shore criterion for wake boats is under consideration. This would be an attempt to preempt research and discussion by all stakeholders, which has been underway here in Wisconsin and in several other states.