A coalition to protect Wisconsin’s lakes from the impact of wake-enhanced boating is now the largest of its kind in Wisconsin’s history.
January 6, 2025
Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes Now Largest In WI’s History
Conservatives, liberals, fishing groups, landowners, environmentalists, & others make up unprecedented effort of 60 groups
Madison… 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 include:
Wisconsin Lakes
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 Wildlife Federation
Wisconsin’s Green Fire
Last Wilderness Alliance
Boulder Lake Advancement Association
Friends of Lake Mohawksin
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
