Popularity of wake boats on state's lakes prompts study In the last few years, wake boats have skyrocketed in popularity. Two years ago, state lawmakers debated whether to require wakesurfing boats to stay 200 feet away from shore, docks and other watercraft. John Dillon: If you care about your lakes, speak up about wake boats See our full republication guidelines for more information. The first step is to make people aware of it, Francis said. Moreover, they say, local control will result in piecemeal regulation and create a process that pits neighbor against neighbor and promotes long term animosity while reducing the value of a boaters investment.. Depending on whether a wake boat is towing a wakeboarder or a wakesurfer, the DNR report says operating speed is typically between 9- and 23-miles per hour. A, The DNR program would specifically require people driving boats with enhanced wake technology to complete an additional course based on new research by the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, as well study of enhanced wakes and their impact on lake sediments and plants done by the, learn about all our free newsletter options, Forced sale in Hennepin County prompts Supreme Court to decide constitutionality of Minnesotas forfeiture law. Even if the Senate approves Webers bill, its unlikely to gain traction in the DFL-controlled House. Ultimately, Persell dropped the idea. Donna Burt, who helped found the organization Safe Wakes for Small Lakes, lives on Lotus Lake near Chanhassen. The state also generally prohibits boating that harasses others or causes property damage. But wake anything is on a much larger scale in an environment that involves many others individuals that also interferes with those others. First they came for motor-created swell riders and I said nothing because I did not ride motor-created swell etc. He, among other group members, noticed the impact of wake boats on small Vermont lakes. So, towns should be able to ban wake boats. Donations made by check can be made out to MinnPost and mailed to us at PO Box 18438, Minneapolis, MN 55418. Thirteen-year-old Cassidy Gutter took up . If they do decide to initiate rule-making, it may not be exactly what the group has proposed either. The legislation was supported by the boating industry, which has run promotional campaigns on conscientious wakesurfing. Thats the first thing we notice about them, in terms of the ecosystem," Sharpe said. Its too bad that the Commission doesnt act on the devastation to the lake to preserve it for future generations. Registered boats in the U.S. 1980-2021 | Statista
