‘Slow, No Wake’ order modified for two lakes

September 06, 2007
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 Elise Schaffer, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, (608) 284-6162 Dane County Board Chairman Scott McDonell, (608) 266-4122
County Executive

500-feet Slow, No Wake zone for Mendota, Kegonsa Due to changing lake water levels in recent days, the three top Dane County leaders today modified the emergency Slow, No Wake zones for lakes Mendota and Kegonsa by reducing the zone from the entire lake area to 500 feet from shorelines. The emergency Slow, No Wake zone for the entire surface, however, remains in effect for lakes Monona and Waubesa. Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and Dane County Board Chairman Scott McDonell signed the emergency declaration modification this morning. Today’s order changes the declaration issued August 28 when water levels on the Dane County Yahara Lakes reached dangerous levels. “We are monitoring our lakes constantly. These high water levels are known to cause major shoreline damage as well as pose dangers to boaters,” Falk said. “Today’s modified order reflects our close watch on this changing situation in our lakes.” A Slow, No Wake Zone means a boat must move as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering control and produce no wake. Violators may be subject to citation and fine by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mahoney stressed these declarations are for safety and his department his continue to enforce the emergency policies. “For the safety of all – and that includes boaters and property owners -- the Dane County Marine and Trail Enforcement will be providing increased enforcement in this area,” Mahoney said. “I also want to thank our boaters for their cooperation and for honoring these orders. The response has been good.” McDonell stressed the declarations are not done lightly. “For boaters, property owners and other water enthusiasts, the order will remain in effect as long as the water levels remain at this hazardous level, posing a threat to property,” he said. (On the day the Slow, No Wake zone for the entire surface was issued, the water levels on Mendota and Kegonsa were 851.78 feet and 844.07 feet respectively. Today, the lakes’ levels are 851.42 feet and 843.84 feet respectively.) # # #