By Paul J Sniadecki, MLSA Board Member
A new coalition in Wisconsin has coalesced around a set of principles it believes are essential to enact statewide minimums to protect lakes and rivers. The coalition represents Wisconsin fishing experts/enthusiasts, advocates for local control, lake property landowners, sailors, those concerned with spreading invasive species, and others. All are concerned regarding the devastating impacts of wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin’s glacial lakes and other waterways.
The coalition’s principles include:
- 700 Feet From Shore – Wake-enhanced boating activities should occur at least 700’ from any shoreline.
- 30-Foot Depth – Wake-enhanced boating activities should occur in water depths of no less than 30 feet.
- Prevent invasive species in ballast tanks – Boats moving from lake to lake must have proof of decontaminated ballast tanks before entering lakes.
- Local Control – Local municipalities’ existing right to enact and maintain local ordinances that are more restrictive than these state minimums shall be preserved.
Members of the coalition include: First Chapter Muskies, Inc., Walleyes for Tomorrow, Headwater Chapter Muskies, Inc., Diamond Lakers, Inc., Trout Unlimited Inc., Yahara Fishing Club, Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association, Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, Last Wilderness Alliance, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin Lakes Association, Wisconsin’s Green Fire, and Sawyer County Lakes Forum, Buffalo County Conservation Alliance, and Mondovi Conservation Club
Read about the Coalition and the full policy position here: Wisconsin’s Green Fire