"Boater Restrictions Likely Coming To Wisconsin

How much more will our government do? How far will they go?

From the Apostle Islands Navigator

"Boater restrictions likely coming to Wisconsin

More and more freedom stifling rules and regulations all in the name of “the environment” and “public safety”, the two most overused excuses in the book to expand big government rule over your individual freedoms. This one, courtesy of a Democrat (was there ever a doubt?) from Poplar named Bob Jauch.Legislation that would restrict motor boats to no-wake speeds within 100 feet of lake shorelines would make lakes safer and healthier, State Sen. Robert Jauch, D-Poplar, told the Senate Environment Committee on Wednesday.

Under current law motor boats are limited to slow, no-wake operation within 100 feet of piers, or buoyed restricted areas. Jet skis are restricted to slow, no-wake operation within 200 feet of shoreline, but no such restriction exists for motor boats, said Jauch.

“The bill (SB12) protects shore plants and spawning areas from erosion from aggressive boating near shores. It would also make the shore areas safer for swimmers (and) there would be less noise pollution, too,” Jauch said.

Jim Brakken of Cable has been working on the no-wake idea for 10 years, and asked Jauch to sponsor it so the law can reflect the more power outboard motors operating on lakes.

“About 20 years ago, a University of Wisconsin-Extension survey showed that motor boats averaged about 10 horse power, now that’s nearing 100 horse power and the law needs to keep up with the times,” said Brakken, of the Bayfield County Lakes Forum.

Higher powered boats can create more “prop wash” in shallow areas which stirs up nutrients that promote algae growth and degrades water quality, said Brakken.

Keeping fast boats away from shorelines can add to the “peace and tranquility” of visiting or living on a lake while protecting the safety of swimmers, anglers, paddlers and boaters, too.

State Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, a committee member and former boat owner, joked that operating in shallow areas is also hazardous to the boat.

“Is that why you’re not a boat owner anymore,” asked State Sen. Mark Miller, D-Madison.

“No comment,” replied Luther.

Dane County responded in recent years to high water levels on area lakes with a 200-foot no-wake rule, said Miller, and to date, no enforcement problems have arisen.

Tim Asplund, an ecologist with the Department of Natural Resources, said a 100-foot-no-wake zone would provide the minimum amount of protection from prop wash. To prevent lake bottoms from being unnecessarily stirred up by motor boats, boats should operate in a no-wake mode whenever in less than eight feet of water.

The bill allows local governments to “opt out” of the no-wave rule if they believe it significantly restricts the recreational value of a lake. Also, pick-up and drop-off areas for water skiers would also be exempt from the regulation.

The bill has the backing of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

A similar bill passed the Senate last year but became stalled in the Assembly.

The committee deferred action on the bill until a later date.

by Ken Murphy for the Superior Telegram" Boater restrictions likely coming to Wisconsin « Apostle Islands Navigator

UPDATE: Link to find your legislator.

If you care about this, you really need to contact Madison.

Quit sitting on your hands and call !