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A Big Coalition to Fight Damage from Big Wakes

A bipartisan partnership of over 60 lake organizations, fishing groups, landowners, environmentalists, and others make up one of the largest coalitions to protect Wisconsin’s waters

By Wisconsin Lakes staff

The following press release was posted earlier this month by the coalition working on wakesports reform, of which Wisconsin Lakes is a core member. Since its release, we’ve received a number of questions regarding the status of legislation to manage the impact of wakesports now that the 2025-26 legislative session has begun.

As of the writing of this post, we are still waiting for legislation, but expect it to be introduced very soon. Wisconsin Lakes is appreciative of the hard work being done by the coalition partners to make this happen, but also to the legislators (who for now wish to remain anonymous) who are working behind the scenes to give the bill the best chance for success.

In the meantime, continue to contact your legislators to convey the importance of meaningful standards to protect Wisconsin shorelines, lake bottoms, and lake users from the impacts of wakesports. If you need help finding your legislator, check out this help from the Wisconsin Legislature itself.

Keep following our blog to learn when legislation is released and what you can do to support it!

And if your lake organization is interested in joining the coalition, or wants more info, here’s how!

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Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes Now Largest In WI’s History
Conservatives, liberals, fishing groups, landowners, environmentalists, & others make up unprecedented effort of 60 groups
January 6, 2025

Madison… A coalition with a focus on protecting Wisconsin’s lakes from the impact of wake-enhanced boating that formed less than 5 months ago, is now the largest of its kind in Wisconsin’s history. The effort, which began with 5 groups, has expanded to 60 Wisconsin-based groups from all over the state.

“We all understand the damage wake-enhanced activity is having on our waterways, lakes, and property values. It’s time to realize this activity, which causes lake bottom sediments to be disturbed and the loss of fish habitat, is not good for the economic engine that outdoor recreation brings to Wisconsin. It’s time for our legislators to understand the importance of putting into statute criteria that protect our lakes,” said Dr. Fred Prehn, a well-known conservative activist.

“The organic growth of the coalition is a testament to just how many Wisconsinites care deeply about protecting our lakes and rivers. Something must be done to preserve these treasures for generations to come. The coalition now represents thousands of Wisconsinites that have made this a top priority,” stated Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

“The coalition continues to grow at an incredibly rapid pace. In the last month alone, fourteen new members have joined. As the coalition grows, each member lends their expertise to the cause. One member may focus on damage to shoreline, while another has expertise in enacting local ordinances,” said Jeff Meessmann, board member of Last Wilderness Alliance, an environmental advocacy group.

Local governments and lake associations have also begun to address the damage done by wake-enhanced boating. This past year nearly three dozen towns have passed prohibitions on the wake-enhanced activity.

“We plan to continue this growth to show the Legislature there is an organic movement in support of managing these activities for the benefit of all Wisconsinites,” stated Mike Arrowwood, Chairman, Walleyes for Tomorrow. 

The continually expanding coalition represents Wisconsin fishing experts/enthusiasts, advocates for local control, lake property landowners, sailors, those concerned with spreading invasive species, and others. All are concerned about the devastating impacts of wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin’s glacial lakes and other waterways.

Members include:

  • Wisconsin Lakes
  • Lakes at Stake Wisconsin
  • Walleyes for Tomorrow
  • Headwaters Chapter Muskies Inc.
  • First WI Chapter of Muskies, Inc.
  • Muskies, Inc. Between the Lakes Chapter 20
  • Musky Fool Fly Fishing Company
  • Trout Unlimited Wisconsin Council 
  • Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
  • Wisconsin’s Green Fire
  • Last Wilderness Alliance
  • Boulder Lake Advancement Association
  • Friends of Lake Mohawksin
  • Friends of the Black River
  • Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest
  • Friends of Vernon Marsh
  • Geneva Lake Association
  • Wisconsin Trappers Association
  • Buffalo County Conservation Alliance
  • Dodge County Sporting Conservation Alliance
  • Yahara Fishing Club
  • Big Cedar Lake Property Owners Association
  • Great Bass Lake Improvement Association
  • Boot Lake Association
  • Izaak Walton League of America – Wisconsin Division
  • Lake George Lakes Association
  • Lake Julia Association, Inc.
  • Lake Mildred and Clear Lake Property Owners Association
  • 14 Mile Watershed Alliance
  • FLaG Baits
  • Little Sissabagama Shore Owners Association
  • LoonWatch
  • Lower Nashotah Lake Association
  • Mondovi Conservation Club
  • Boulder Lake Association
  • Oneida County Clean Waters Action
  • Diamond Lakers, Inc.
  • Winnebagoland Conservation Alliance
  • Chippewa Flowage Area Property Owners Association
  • Waukesha County Conservation Alliance
  • Oneida County Lakes and Rivers 
  • Pickerel Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District
  • River Alliance of Wisconsin
  • Rock Lake Improvement Association
  • Rutabaga Paddlesports
  • Sawyer County Lakes Forum
  • Three Lakes Waterfront Association
  • Town of Schleswig Sanitary  District 1 – Cedar Lake
  • Burnett County Lakes and Rivers Association
  • Twin Lakes Preservation Association
  • Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series
  • Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association
  • Big Cedar Lake Property Owners Association
  • Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association
  • Wisconsin Bass Team Trail
  • Otter Street Fishing Club
  • Stockbridge Harbor Fishing Club 
  • West Shore Fishing Club
  • Southwest Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow
  • Dane County Conservation League