‘Slow, No Wake’ zones declared for four county lakes

August 22, 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

County Executive, Sheriff, County Board Chair issue order Recent heavy rainfall has pushed water levels on the Dane County Yahara Lakes to potentially dangerous levels prompting three top county leaders to declare “Slow, No Wake” zones for the four major Madison lakes. Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and Dane County Board Chair Scott McDonell issued the declaration today for the surface areas of lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa. “These high water levels are known to cause major shoreline damage,” Falk said. “That’s not the only problem. Property damage is a real threat as well as the safety of boaters who could be hurt by colliding with debris that has floated from the shores.” The order is for the entire shorelines of the four lakes and extends 500 feet from the shoreline. The order will be lifted once officials determine the lake levels have receded to a safe level. Wednesday’s declaration follows a similar Slow, No Wake order for Squaw Bay in Lake Monona. “For boaters, property owners and other lake enthusiasts, the order will remain in effect as long as the water levels remain at this dangerous level, posing a real safety threat to humans, the environment and property,” McDonell said. 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 agreed these declarations are for safety and the zones will be enforced. “For the safety of boaters and residents, the Dane County Marine and Trail Enforcement will be providing increased enforcement in this area,” Mahoney said. “Boaters who violate the slow, no wake zone will be ticketed.” # # #