wake surf

Senator Mary Felzkowski and Representative Rob Swearingen held four listening sessions in Vilas and Oneida County this week.

Several places around Northern Central Wisconsin have adopted wake boat ordinances including Newbold, Presque Isle and Lake Tomahawk. They do not ban wake boats, but ballast tanks on them

Michelle Nault, Lakes and Rivers Section Manager for the DNR says the gain in popularity of wake boats has led to increased concerns about their ability to spread invasive species

The Oneida County Board is urging the Wisconsin Legislature to “engage in meaningful discussion” when it works to adopt enhanced wake regulations.The legislature ended this session without passing any legislation regarding boats that make powerful waves, though a bill had been introduced on the topic.

Concerns about wake surf boats dominated listening sessions hosted by local state lawmakers, Senator Mary Felzkowski and Representative Rob Swearingen.The sessions held in Eagle River, Minocqua, and Rhinelander on Monday were meant to give people an opportunity to talk about any topics on their minds.

A major topic that comes up with wake surf boats among those setting lake ordinances is how far they need to be from the shoreline and docks.