Resident urges 100-yard no-wake zone at Big Pines Lodge to protect dock and patrons

Ronald Holloman urged the Harrison County Commissioners Court to establish a 100-yard no-wake zone near the floating pier at Big Pines Lodge on Caddo Lake, saying repeated big wakes from wake boats have damaged personal watercraft and the pier and endangered older patrons who use the dock.

“All we're asking for is a 1, maybe a 100 yard, no wake zone through there,” Holloman said during the announcements portion of the meeting, adding that the pier ‘‘will jump a a foot because of the waves’’ and that he has collected ‘‘around 500 or more signatures’’ kept at the lodge's restaurant.

Holloman said the river channel through the lake draws wake-boat traffic that creates severe wakes, sometimes sending boats ‘‘two and three abreast’’ and pulling cleats from new boats. He said tour groups and restaurant guests tie boats at the floating pier and older visitors have been injured; he called the lake ‘‘a wildlife refuge’’ and described the site as a unique regional attraction.

The presiding judge thanked Holloman for his presentation and indicated commissioners may have follow-up questions. No formal motion or vote on the no-wake zone was recorded at the meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners heard a request that, if adopted, would affect navigation rules and enforcement on a portion of Caddo Lake used by residents and businesses. The change could reduce damage claims to county-maintained or public-use facilities and alter enforcement priorities for sheriff or deputy patrols.

What’s next: Holloman was told commissioners may ask staff for follow-up; no formal action was taken during this session. Commissioners may request additional information or place the item on a future agenda for consideration.