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Lake groups and residents press board on wake-surfing impacts; advocates push statewide standards and invasive-species controls
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Summary
Public commenters at the Sept. 24 Natural Resources Board meeting urged action on wake-surfing and enhanced wake-boat recreation, citing university dive footage and local experience that show deep lakebed churn, shoreline impacts and invasive-species risks.
Several citizens and conservation groups used the DNR's Sept. 24 open forum to press the Board for action on enhanced wake-boat recreation and wake surfing.
Speakers described footage from university studies and field divers showing deep scouring of lake beds during wake-surfing operations, and they disputed industry claims that 10-foot depths are sufficient. "The industry model literally missed the boat," Carol Phillips of Presque Isle told the board, describing video evidence that she said shows hull-driven scour that can extend far below propeller wash. Phillips urged the state to require larger minimum depths and other protections before permitting wake surfing.
Jeff Meeseman, director of the Last Wilderness Alliance, asked the board to back legislation that would: require mandatory hot-water (120'F) ballast-system flushing before launching in a different lake; designate qualifying wake-sports areas as not less than 700 feet from shore, at least 30 feet deep and at least 100 contiguous acres; and preserve local authority to enact stricter limits. Meeseman said local governments have adopted ordinances on many lakes: he and his organization have helped enact local ordinances on roughly 350 lakes so far.
Speakers noted ongoing litigation over municipal bans and ordinances in some communities. Jim (last name) told the board some court decisions have upheld local controls; another municipal case remains pending in federal court.
Why this matters: presenters tied wake-surfing impacts to shoreline erosion, aquatic-habitat damage, swimmer/diver safety and the spread of invasive species via ballast systems. They argued that state-level standards for ballast flushing and minimum lake metrics would protect lakes while preserving legitimate, low-impact uses such as water-skiing and tubing.
What the board said: members thanked speakers and noted the issue's complexity. Board members and staff said local ordinances remain a primary tool, but some asked the department to compile options for state-level responses and coordination with local governments.
Next steps: the board did not adopt any rulemaking at the meeting. Speakers and board members said they expect the topic to remain under discussion with municipalities, conservation groups and the Legislature.
