wisconsin: make your voice heard

government affairs update

Wisconsin has recently introduced a towed water sports-related bill, LRB 3518/1.

The proposed legislation is supported by the recreational boating industry and limits the setback for wakesurfing and wakeboarding to no more than 200 feet from a shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse or other structures that are either completely or partially on the water. It also allows for local units of government to create a less restrictive ordinance if provided with an exemption. These new rules will help clarify ongoing issues in local communities by setting a statewide standard. This legislation is a win-win for boaters, residents, the tourism industry and those who enjoy our lakes.

Huge thanks to the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) for helping lake lovers protect the lakes we love.

make your voice heard

It’s critical that legislators hear from people who work, live and enjoy Wisconsin lakes. To help Wisconsin move forward, the WSIA is asking lake lovers to consider taking action on this bill by emailing Wisconsin state legislators, and have included below a link to find your state legislators’ contact information as well as a sample letter to send in.

sample template to use in your email

Dear Representative/Senator [INSERT NAME],

I want to express my strong support of recently introduced legislation (LRB 3518/1) that would set a statewide standard for those engaged in wakesurfing or wakeboarding by establishing a setback on waterways at no more than 200 feet from a shoreline, dock, pier, boathouse or other structures either completely or partially on the water. I support a 200-foot setback due to peer-reviewed research that found this distance to be an optimal offset to not degrade shorelines and to help clarify ongoing issues in local communities by setting a statewide standard.

Ultimately, this legislation is a win-win for boaters, residents, the tourism industry, and those who enjoy our lakes. Wisconsin lakes over the past few years have seen increased growth in the popularity of recreational boating, which has created new challenges. Supporting this legislation will address these issues and is critical in moving Wisconsin forward. I ask that you consider supporting this legislation if it comes before a committee you serve on and/or the entire legislature.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[INSERT NAME]