Competing Bills and Why SB1024 An Acceptable Compromise
February 16, 2026 | Wakesports
Why Wisconsin Lakes SUPPORTS Senate Bill 1024
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While the Senate Bill 1024 does not support all four pillars, it is significantly better and the following explains why it’s an acceptable compromise.
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- The 500-foot distance from shore provides stronger protection for Wisconsin’s shorelines. Wake-enhanced activities such as wakesurfing and wakeboarding generate wave energy that can travel several hundred feet before dissipating. Requiring these activities to occur at least 500 feet from shore better safeguards waterbodies, shoreline properties, and other lake users.
- The 20-foot minimum depth requirement protects lakebeds, fish habitat, and recreational users. Scientific research, including the 2025 St. Anthony Falls Laboratory study, documents the harmful impacts of wakesurfing in waters shallower than 20 feet. Operating in shallow areas can damage lake bottoms and critical fish habitat, including sport fish habitat.
- SB 1024 also preserves local control by affirming the authority of local governments to adopt more protective lake ordinances. The bill includes civil immunity protections for ordinances enacted or enforced in good faith.
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These provisions align with the protections Wisconsin Lakes has been advocating over the past two years. While stronger statewide measures would be preferable, Wisconsin Lakes views SB 1024 as a reasonable compromise.
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