DNR Wake Boat Report Summary
Summary of Michigan DNR Report from July 2023
Regarding Wake Boats, with Application to Spider Lake
In July 2023, the Michigan DNR released recommendations for use of wake boats on inland lakes, based on their extensive review of recent scientific research from across the USA. This SLPOA ENEWS shares a summary of that information, along with its applications to Spider Lake.
Sharing this information is driven by several of the SLPOA by-laws objectives, including:
Representing the riparian property owners of Spider Lake.
Preserving Spider Lake as a natural resource and recreational area through prudent use of its resources.
Guarding the health, welfare, and safety of the resident community.
The Board has determined the findings of a July 2023 DNR report to be consistent with the growing number of wake boat related concerns shared by property owners, as well as observed impacts on our shorelines and aquatic bottom lands by our Water Quality Committee.
The contents of this ENEWS include:
DNR Definition of Wake-boat
Summary of the DNR’s July 2023 report
Summary of DNR's Conclusions and Recommendations (Best Practices)
A link to the 14-page DNR report (for those who wish to gain a full understanding of the department’s in-depth studies, the seriousness of the environmental impacts, and the reasons for their recommended “Best Practices”)
Maps providing a visual representation of the DNR’s recommended “Best Practices” as they apply to Spider Lake
DNR Definition of Wake Boat
Wake boats are defined by the DNR as follows: “Wake boats are powerboats specially designed to increase wave height for watersports. The hull is shaped to achieve significantly increased wakes, and many have a hydrofoil device that lowers the stern when the boat is under power. Most wake boats also have built-in ballast tanks that can be filled with lake water to increase the weight in the stern of the boat and create larger waves.
While wake-boarding, a rider is towed with a rope, … using the wake of the boat to perform jumps and tricks. Wake-surfing involves a person trailing behind a boat on a short surfboard and surfing on the boat’s wake without being attached to the boat by a rope. Many wake boats can operate in modes to support wake-surfing or wake-boarding and have the ability to significantly increase wave height through ballast and wave shapers at the required speed for the respective activity.”
DNR July 2023 Report Summary
The environmental effects of wake boats are well documented.Waves from wake boats increase shoreline erosion, decrease water clarity and aquatic plant abundance, increase the potential for algae blooms due to resuspended phosphorus in the water column, and negatively affect aquatic fauna habitat.
Wave energy from wake-boarding and wake-surfing crafts are 5–17 times higher, produce 3-9 times more energy, and are 6-12 times more powerful than a benchmark speedboat.
Shoreline erosion due to powerful, high energy, wake boat waves can lead to degradation of fish habitat and water quality due to physical disruption of rooted plants and resuspension of sediment and nutrients and is a concern for lakefront property owners because it results in shore erosion, a loss of property, and can damage infrastructure.
Existing boating law in Michigan states a person shall not operate a vessel at a speed greater than slow–no wake or the minimum speed necessary for the vessel to maintain forward movement when within 100 feet of the shoreline where the water depth is less than 3 feet.This law, intended to prevent shore erosion and damage to aquatic resources, was created prior to the commercialization and popularization of wake boats.As a result of the effects of wake boats outlined above, the DNR has concluded that the current 100-foot buffer is not sufficient to protect our shorelines and aquatic resources.
DNR - Conclusions and Recommendations (Best Practices)
Wake boats provide a means of outdoor recreation, but the waves and propeller turbulence they generate can cause increased damage to aquatic environments through several mechanisms. The cumulative effects of these damages are expected to lead to loss of habitat and resulting declines in aquatic ecosystems and angling opportunities. The recommendations below are intended to provide best operating practices under which the recreational opportunities that wake boats provide can be enjoyed in a manner that minimizes harm to the natural resources and property of Michigan citizens:
Boats operating in wake-surfing mode or wake-boarding mode, during which boat speed, wave shapers, and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, are recommended to operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.
Boats operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes are recommended to operate in water at least 15 feet deep.
Ballast tanks should always be drained prior to transporting the watercraft over land.
It is recommended that awareness and voluntary adoption of these best operating practices be encouraged through outreach actions and materials to educate wake boat operators.
Note: According to the DNR, wake boats operating in full plane mode (ballast tanks empty and vessels on full plane) may operate while maintaining a distance of 100 feet from shore while cruising or pulling water-skiers or tubers, as this complies with current Michigan boating law.
DNR Report
https://mymlsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Fisheries-Report-37-Wake-Boat-Study-Official-Version-Released-on-7.28.2023.pdf
Reference Maps(see attachments)
To assist captains operating wake boats in deep draft mode, the attached maps indicate the two areas of Spider Lake where wake boat captains may operate while meeting the DNR’s recommendations of 500’ distance and 15’ depth parameters. Travel between the areas outlined in the maps, and all other areas, while in deep draft or sub plane modes, are too shallow or too narrow to remain compliant with DNR recommendations.
The SLPOA Board thanks you in advance for considering the adoption of DNR best practices for the protection of Spider Lake’s bottom lands and shorelines.
NOTE: This article was distributed by SLPOA ENEWS to SLPOA paid members and also to supporters, who have shared their email addresses.
