Coalition on Wake Boats and Lakes Grows to 60+ Groups

The coalition to protect Wisconsin lakes from the effects of wake boats has grown to over 60 groups.

The strength of the coalition comes from the shared commitment to sound, science-based policy. The coalition will be active in the new Legislative Session starting this month, January 2025.

We are proud and grateful for the role of Wisconsin’s Green Fire experts in this work to protect Wisconsin lakes. Our May 2024 literature review, “The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health,” written by David Ortiz, alongside Mike Meyer, Terry Daulton, and Bob Kovar, continues to provide a scientific foundation for the coalition’s efforts.

Read the full news release below, including the list of the coalition member organizations.

Banner of logos for many member organizations of the coalition on wake boats and lakes as of January 2025

News release: Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes Now Largest In WI’s History

Conservatives, liberals, fishing groups, landowners, environmentalists, & others make up unprecedented efforts of 60 groups

Madison WI | 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 of the coalition include:

• 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 Lakes Association
• Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
• Wisconsin’s Green Fire
• Last Wilderness Alliance
• Boulder Lake Advancement Association
• Friends of Lake Mohawkskin
• 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

The coalition will be active in the upcoming Legislative Session in January 2025.

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Ice forming on Lake Mildred, Wisconsin, December 2023. Photo by Sandy Ebben.

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