NEWBOLD ENACTS ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ENHANCED WAKES ON ALL TOWN LAKES

In May 2024, the Newbold Town Board voted unanimously to prohibit generating enhanced wakes on all town
lakes and border lakes that have at least 60% of their shoreline in Newbold, thereby giving the town jurisdiction
to pass a boating ordinance for those waters.
However, the concern over enhanced wakes began much earlier. In July of 2023, Two Sisters Lake Property
Owners Association tasked a team from Two Sisters Lake to work with the town and other groups to seek a
local ordinance after many members had become increasingly alarmed about both the ecological damage and
safety risks of enhanced wake activity such as wake surfing. Concerned citizens from Lake Mildred, Tom Doyle
Lake and big Pickerel Lake soon joined the effort, forming the ad hoc Newbold Lake Enhanced Wakes
Committee (NLEWC).
The ad hoc committee crafted a proposed ordinance and condition report on why the law was needed based
on credible research and residents’ input. Among the concerns outlined were: the transfer of aquatic invasive
species (AIS) among lakes as the ballasts of these boats cannot be completely drained or inspected, the
irreversible damage to shorelines and damage to docks, moored boats, and other personal property, and the
scouring of lake bottom vegetation and fish spawning beds. Additionally, lake users frequently stated that they
were unable to safely use the lakes while enhanced wake sports were underway.
The draft materials were submitted to the Newbold Town Board in January, with the board deliberating and
refining before sending to the WDNR for required review. After discussions at a few additional town board
meetings, a public hearing was held April 6, 2024. Approximately 100 people attended with the vast majority
speaking or by show of hand indicating their support for the ordinance. Only four individuals spoke in
opposition.
On May 9, 2024, the Newbold Town Board voted 5-0 to enact the ordinance banning the creation of enhanced
wakes. The ordinance prohibits the use of ballast tanks and similar devices used to generate enhanced wakes;
and prohibits operating a boat in a bow-high manner to enhance wakes. The ordinance does not restrict
activities like water skiing, tubing, wake boarding with a tow rope or even the use of wake boats, so long as
they do not use ballast tanks, ballast bags or wake enhancing fins.
This ordinance is an excellent example of good local government recognizing the importance of listening to
and working with constituents to protect public safety and preserve vital natural resources.
By state statute, towns and other local governments in Wisconsin have the right to create such an ordinance.
Approximately 20 towns have now done so and many more are in development. Even if the legislature would
eventually regulate enhanced wakes, it will merely set minimum statewide standards that will fail to protect our
lakes. So, it is essential that local governments retain the right to establish protections beyond state
minimums. This is especially critical in the Northwoods, where our pristine lakes are cornerstones of the local
economy and quality of life.