Opposition to Wake Enhanced Boating Bill

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)-The Green Lake County Association is part of a coalition opposed to the passage of Assembly Bill 1033.

The bill would set a statewide standard for operating wake-enhanced boats no less than 200 feet from shore and depths of 40 feet. The association is a member of the Lakes at Stake Wisconsin group that has 90 member organizations.

Taylor Haag Strauser is the Assistant Director for the Green Lake Association. She says over 700 people signed the association’s petition calling for the standards to be no less than 700 feet from shore and 30-foot depths. She points out it takes more than 500 feet for waves to dissipate.

The ballast tanks on boats for wake surfing also present a problem because they can carry aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody.  Haag Strauser says they would like to protect the shoreline and bottoms of lakes and have nothing against wake surfing. She says a balance can be created for recreation and conservation of our lakes.

To hear an interview with Taylor Haag Strauser click here.

Photo credit: Green Lake Association.