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Meeker County adopts permanent slow‑and‑no‑wake ordinance for designated lakes
Summary
The Meeker County Board voted unanimously Aug. 25 to adopt an ordinance that imposes slow‑and‑no‑wake watercraft restrictions on several county lakes when triggered by ordinary high‑water conditions; cross‑county lakes require matching rules by neighboring counties.
Meeker County commissioners on Aug. 25 adopted an ordinance that gives the county authority to impose slow‑and‑no‑wake restrictions on several lakes during high‑water conditions, a move officials said is intended to protect shorelines and private docks.
County Administrator Lutzen told the board the ordinance creates an automatic trigger based on ordinary high water so the county will not need to call a special meeting each time unusually high water threatens shoreline erosion. Lutzen identified lakes included wholly in Meeker County—Big Swan Lake, Lake Urvilla, Lake Erie, Lake Minnebel, Lake Manuela and Star Lake—and four cross‑county lakes (Bell Lake, Cottonwood Lake, Lake Francis and Lake Koronis). Restrictions on cross‑county lakes will apply only if neighboring counties adopt matching ordinances.
“We want to slow that boat traffic down so you’re not pushing so much water up against the shorelines,” Lutzen said, explaining the ordinance grew out of a temporary 30‑day restriction adopted earlier in the summer.
Commissioner Van Ort moved to approve the ordinance; Commissioner Samtke seconded. Clerk Corey then called the roll; Commissioners Oberg, Van Orr, Samkee, Schmidt and Johnson each recorded a “Yes” vote and the measure carried.
Supporters on the board said the approach balances shoreline protection with predictability for the public. Lutzen and several commissioners said the county will hold a public hearing before taking any further local regulatory steps tied to implementation timing and public notice.
The ordinance goes into effect following adoption; board members asked staff to publish notice and to coordinate with neighboring counties on the cross‑county lakes named in the measure.
The board’s action followed a public hearing at which staff said a small number of residents had called previously and voiced support for the restriction. The county did not record any formal opposition during the hearing.
The board adjourned before returning to other agenda items.
