Public raises alarm about wake boats and ballast systems; board hears calls for enforcement and decontamination pilot

A series of open‑forum speakers at the April 9 Natural Resources Board meeting pressed the department and board members to address wake‑surfing boats that use large closed ballast systems. Commenters said those ballast systems cannot be fully drained or inspected, retain residual lake water that can contain invasive species (zebra/quagga mussel larvae, spiny water flea, plant fragments), and in some cases are winterized with antifreeze that requires proper disposal.

Why it matters: Public commenters and conservation volunteers said the boats present a practical vector for aquatic invasive species (AIS) to move between lakes. Several local jurisdictions in Wisconsin have enacted ordinances addressing wake boats; speakers urged statewide action and department enforcement of established drainage rules.

What presenters told the board

- Petition and pilot offer (Jim Olsen, Madison): Olsen said he represents 232 petitioners who filed a petition on Feb. 9, 2024 asking the board to act on ballast decontamination. He said the denial of the petition cited lack of…