A statewide coalition focused on protecting Wisconsin’s lakes is releasing its policy positions as it prepares for a statewide educational campaign to preserve Wisconsin’s lakes.
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 impacts of wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin’s glacial lakes and other waterways.
Members of the coalition include: Walleyes for Tomorrow, Trout Unlimited Inc., First Chapter Muskies Inc., Headwater Chapter Muskies Inc., Diamond Lakers 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.
The coalition’s principles include:
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Wake-enhanced boating activities should occur at least 700 feet from any shoreline;
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Wake-enhanced boating activities should occur in water depths of no less than 30 feet;
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Boats moving from lake to lake must have proof of decontaminated ballast tanks before entering lakes to prevent invasive species; and
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Local municipalities’ existing right to enact and maintain local ordinances that are more restrictive than these state minimums shall be preserved.
