Wake Boat Update

We need every member to contact our state representatives and urge them to exercise their better judgment. Wake boat legislation has been introduced at the state level that does not go far enough to protect our lake system, its environment, and its wildlife.

On the local front, we have been working to prepare and submit a wake boat ordinance for the Town of Boulder Junction to adopt. The Town has adopted the ordinance following its own review and input from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. One additional reading at a regular Town meeting remains before formal adoption. This ordinance will apply to all water bodies located entirely within the Town. We are also coordinating with surrounding towns to establish a single, consistent standard across our entire lake system.

We expect 2026 to bring a challenging fight at the state level, but we will continue to press forward locally and ensure elected officials and boaters on our lake hear from us.

Senate Hearing February 19th

The Wisconsin state senate recently held hearings on multiple wake boat bills. One bill (SB1025) would allow wake boat use in lakes as shallow as 10 feet and strip control of wak

e boating from local authorities!

Alternatively, we support a different bill (SB1024) which addresses most of the concerns we have submitted on your behalf and represents a meaningful step in the right direction. The bill provides for:

• 500-foot setbacks from shore (we are advocating for 700 feet)

• 20-foot minimum depth requirement for wake surfing operations

• Local control authority to ban or restrict wake surfing operations as communities see fit

Our lake system faces permanent harm if we do not secure responsible representation soon. Please get in touch with your state legislators today and let them know where you stand. Tell them to reject AB 1033/SB 1025 and to support SB 1024. You can find your state legislators at: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/