This Is Getting Big…
Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes From Negative Impacts of Wakesports Hits 80 Groups and More
A coalition of lake organizations, fishing and hunting clubs, businesses, conservation organizations and more is now over eighty groups. Wisconsin Lakes is proud to be part of this undertaking to limit the impact of wakesports on Wisconsin’s surface water. It’s important as we go through the legislative session to be ready to take action whether it is in support of a bill that we endorse or in opposition to the sorts of meaningless industry-supported legislation we seen pushed elsewhere in the U.S. Here’s the most recent press release of the coalition:
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Madison… A coalition focused on protecting Wisconsin’s lakes from wake-enhanced boating has become the largest of its kind in state and national history. Starting with five groups months ago, it now includes eighty state-wide Wisconsin groups.
“The fact of the matter is that people throughout Wisconsin are demanding that something be done to stop the damage being done by wake-enhanced boating. At the local level, fifty-five Wisconsin towns have passed ordinances to protect our glacial lakes. But there is a concern that politicians in Madison may try to silence the voices of local residents by removing local control or watering down the needed regulation to protect our lakes. That would be a recipe for disaster for any Madison politician who attempts to take away the local (and powerful) voices behind the movement,” stated Dr. Fred Prehn, a well-known conservative activist.
“The coalition’s rapid, organic growth shows just how deeply Wisconsinites care about the health of our lakes. Thousands of voters across the state want to ensure these natural treasures are preserved for future generations,” explained Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Walleyes for Tomorrow (WFT) joined the coalition in September 2024 because of their mission “…to improve the quality of walleye and sauger fishing through habitat improvement and spawning grounds protection.” Mike Arrowwood, Chairperson of WFT, adds that “wake-enhanced boating stirs up lake sediment, forcing muddy water over walleye habitats and endangering future generations of this key species to Wisconsin’s economy.”
“We want to make it clear that reforming wake-enhanced activity is a statewide priority, and taking away local control will energize additional groups that haven’t even weighed in yet,” proclaimed Jeff Meessmann, board member of Last Wilderness Alliance, an environmental advocacy group.
Strength in numbers and empowering a common voice is the hallmark of grassroots coalition building, a concept used frequently by coalition member Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF). “When facing controversial issues and well-funded opposition, the power of people gathering to create change is what this is all about. Together we can and will do remarkable things,” said Meleesa Johnson, Executive Director of WGF.
The continually expanding coalition represents Wisconsin fishing experts, outdoor enthusiasts, advocates for local control, lake property landowners, sailors, those concerned with spreading invasive species, and others. All are concerned about the devastating and immense impacts of wake-enhanced boating on Wisconsin’s lakes and various waterways.
The list of the 80 coalition groups can be found at https://www.lakesatstake.org/important-documents