Boating Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee — Agenda packet

BOAHC Meeting Deck 21 January 2025 5:00 PM at Town Hall & via Zoom Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. About These Slides • The Boating Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee (BOAHC) is a working committee, assembled for the purpose of gathering data and information to inform decisions made by the Town of Spider Lake Board of Supervisors. The BOAHC has an advisory role; it has no decision-making authority of its own. • Information contained in this slide deck is intended for the sole purpose of education of the Committee members and to stimulate discussion among the members. • This information is part of an iterative process. The Committee’s understanding of it may evolve as new information is gathered, processed and assimilated. Agenda • Housekeeping items (5 min) – Michelle • Listening Session debrief - Bob • Finish sub-team readouts - Committee - Progress report or, if ready, propose recommendation(s), incl. outstanding questions - Water Sports Hours - Wake Boat Activity - Environmental Impacts (previously requested info) • Pursue consensus on recommendations • Adjourn Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83151102119?pwd=yzKWMXZDZW42bKnd7aDkFOhq25jKmv.1 Meeting ID: 831 5110 2119 Passcode: 408690 Dedicated BOAHC committee email address: (BOAHC2024@gmail.com) BOAHC Future Meetings • Future BOAHC 2025 Meetings (proposed) • February 6 • February 11 • February 19 or 20? • Final Readout: February 26 Listening Session Debrief 5 • Speakers – Ten total • Eight preregistered via email (two of these were no-shows) • Four signed up in person at the Hall • Attendees???? • Discussion Sub-team Readouts Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Water Sports Hours Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Water Activity Hours • Recommend keeping Teal Lake and Lost Land Lake a quiet lake with a ban on waterski, jet ski, wake surfing and tubing. The unique lake characteristics such as water depth, invasive species, weeds, under water hazards make it unsafe for these activities. • Expand the water activity hours in Spider Lake Chain to 11AM-5PM. Rationale • Boat safety can be enhanced by spreading out the time on the lake. • No evidence that boat volume would increase since the location of Spider Lake is not convenient for day trips. Most boats launched daily are fishing. Peak water activity is over Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July week, and Labor Day weekend. • Minimal environmental impact if Wisconsin statute of 100’from shoreline and 200’ from other boaters is followed. Wind, weather and water depth fluctuations can have a bigger impact on shoreline erosion. • Allows vacationers, who are usually family members and friends of property owners, to maximize their time on the lake. They can do other family activities in morning and still have time on the lake later in the afternoon. • Weather plays a role in that it could be bad in morning but clear up later in the day. • Addresses WDNR report as ordinance being too restrictive. Shows willingness to compromise. • Enforcement will always be concern no matter what the hours. • Based on SCLA survey the volume of Jet ski’s is fairly low-5% Water Activities Hours Main Data Sources WDNR report Review of other neighboring lakes-Round Lake, Twin Lakes, Lake Owen , Flowage Stakeholder responses Wind energy study that Michelle reported on SCLA survey Other outstanding questions Court costs of keeping ordinance in place as is. Enforcement If town loses in court ordinance can be thrown out entirely opening up water activities on all township lakes. Water Activities Hours Wake Boats/Boating Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. WAKE BOATS • What they do: Create large wakes for the purpose of surfing behind the boat without a tow rope or for extreme wake boarding • The technology: The boats ride deep in the water by taking on ballast water or by use of hydrofoils to plow through the water and create large wake waves (“enhanced waves”). • Dave Mickelson and Ray Langer (12/17/2024) 11 WAKE BOATS: Prop energy has impacts down to 26’ (at least) THE HARM (due to prop wash) • Prop wash down to 26’ or deeper scours the bottom and stirs up sediment, releasing Phosphorus (=algae blooms) and heavy metals like Mercury • Destruction of native aquatic plants by smothering and tearing • Smothering/silting over fish spawning grounds • Increased turbidity • Video available on “Lakes at Stake” website shows these affects well WAKE BOATS: Trail of disturbed sediment (video from “Lakes at Stake” website) THE HARM (from large waves) • Shoreline erosion: Waves are 2-3 times larger than other boats and carry 4-9 times the energy • Destruction of native aquatic plants • Birds and fish: Near-shore nesting birds (Loons) and fish spawning grounds are negatively impacted. • Loons nest very close to water’s edge • WI Loon population has declined 22% in past 25 years • Safety: Waves up to 3’ can capsize kayaks, paddle boards, etc. LOON NESTING: Imagine a 2’ wave crashing onto shore Comparison: Boat Wake Energies vs. Wind Wave Energies Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. From the WSIA report, wake energies measured at 210’ from the boat, shallow water passes: • Wake surf mode: 692 J/m • Wake board mode: 478 J/m • Cruising mode: 230 J/m 692 478 230 208 ~69 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Wake Surfing Wake Boarding Cruising Speed Wind ~ 10MPH; 1 mi. Fetch Hayward Wind - 7MPH; 1/2 mi. Fetch Energy (Joules/meter) Boat Wake Energy vs. Typical TOSL Wind Wave Energy Using average local wind speeds and typical Fetch lengths, wind wave energies are roughly 1/10th of Wake Surfing wake energies and 1/7th of Wake Boarding wake energies, even when measured 210’ from the boat. WSIA report wind benchmark; 10mph & 1 mile Fetch Typical local wind & Fetch conditions SPIDER LAKE is especially vulnerable • WI designates highest quality waters as “Outstanding Resource Waters” (ORWs) • Only 97 of 15,000 WI lakes are ORWs • TOSL has two ORWs—Spider Lake and Teal Lake • Key metrics are: Water clarity and quality, ecological and cultural value • Also: Spider Lake has 31 “Sensitive Areas” per a WDNR Sensitive Area Survey Report done in 2002/2003 SAFETY • Examples: • Last Wilderness Alliance (LWA) has provided examples/reports from northern Wisconsin. There are 31 entries. • Injuries like broken ribs and broken legs • Fishing people thrown out of their boats • Sail boats and paddle boats staying off the water when wake boats are present. • Children not wanting to go in water when large waves are washing up on shore. • Example from Little Spider: Wake boat wave washed over a pontoon. Wave height was above the railing! Wake Boat Impact: Compared to other water craft & water activities (From “Lakes at Stake” website) DAMAGING AFFECTS DOCUMENTED BY: • U of M-St. Anthony Falls Laboratory • Study #1: Shoreline damage. Report available • Study #2: Prop-wash affects. Report due 1st Quarter 2025 • Terra Vigilis Environmental Services Group • Michigan DNR: Report available • “Last Wilderness Alliance” (Wisconsin) See video on web site • “Lakes at Stake” video on website • WSIA (Water Sports Industry Association) 21 PUBLIC OPINION • Questions from WDNR Conservation Congress Survey • “Do you support wake boat regulation?” (#32) • Yes, 10,002 (73%) • No, 3,715 (27%) • “Prohibit wake boats on lakes less than 1,500 acres, less than 20’ average depth, and closer than 700’ from shore?” (#43) • Yes, 10,274 (75%) • No, 3,363 (25%) • Results from Town of Spider Lake Survey (2023) • 90% want to preserve North-woods atmosphere • 75% support the boating ordinances • 73% want wake boats regulated 22 WISCONSIN LAKES COALITION • A statewide coalition of 15 members focused on protecting WI lakes including: • “Wisconsin Lakes Association” • “Lakes at Stake” • “Last Wilderness Alliance” • 6 Fishing organizations including “Muskies, Inc.” and “Walleyes for Tomorrow” • “Sawyer County Lakes Forum” • 2 Conservation organizations • Coalition principles • 700’ from shore • 30’ minimum depth • Ballast tank decontamination • Local control 23 WAKE BOAT ORDINANCES- Two Approaches • Limiting approach: • Cannot operate on lakes smaller than 1,500 acres • Cannot operate within 700 feet of shore • Cannot operate in water less than 20’ deep (or 30’) • Exclusion approach: • No wake surfing allowed (the Last Wilderness Alliance approach) • For Town of Spider Lake, not much difference 24 Spider Chain with 700’ Restricted Zone 25 LOCAL ORDINANCE STATUS • Towns in Sawyer County that have wake boat ordinances (for all waters within towns) • Town of Hayward • Town of Round Lake (Includes Round Lake) • Town of Bass Lake (Includes Grindstone and Lac Court Oreilles) • Those all used the 700’ exclusion zone • Town of Cable (total ban) 26 27 Town of Spider (near Hayward), Sawyer County Summary of Lakes Lake Acre Depth AIS Landing Notes 1. Spider* 1,198 64 (14 mean) Banded Mystery Snail, Curly-Leaf Pondweed, Ornamental water lilies (non-native) 1 Very narrow; very limited above 20 2. Lost* 1,264 21 (12 mean) Banded Mystery Snail, Chinese Mystery Snail, Eurasian Water-Milfoil, Hybrid Eurasian / Northern Water-Milfoil 1 3. Teal* 1,024 31 (15 mean) Chinese Myster Snail 1 Many islands & sandbars; only 9% is over 20’ 4. Ghost* 384 12 (5 mean) n/a 1 Impaired - mercury 5. Clear* 250 25 Purple Loosestrife 1 6. Lower Clam 214 30 n/a 1 7. North* 132 30 (14 mean) n/a 0 8. Christy 122 10 n/a 0 9. Star 106 15 n/a 0 10. Wilson 103 25 (6 mean) n/a 0 11. Ole 88 30 (11 mean) n/a 0 12. Holmes 62 22 n/a 0 13. Beaver 59 15 n/a 0 14. Lewis 52 15 (9 mean) n/a 0 Shared 1. Hadley (has 60%+; rest in Namakagon, Bayfield Cty) 59 17 n/a 0 2. Patsy 55 13 n/a 0 * Known Lake Associations: • Spider Chain of Lakes Assn. (also includes Clear Lake, North Lake) • Teal/Lost Land/Ghost Lakes Improvement Assn. Note: these are lakes greater than 50 acres. CREATING A TOWN ORDINANCE REGULATING WAKE SURFING (per “Last Wilderness Alliance”) • Wisconsin law authorizes towns to regulate watercraft use on their own lakes (Wis Stat 30.77(3)) • At least 31 Wisconsin towns have already done this to limit or prohibit enhanced wakes created by wake surf boats • Just as many Wisconsin towns are now in the process of preparing ordinances prohibiting enhanced wakes on their town lakes • In Wisconsin, Counties cannot regulate watercraft on lakes. Counties can only regulate watercraft on their rivers • To protect our lakes, it will take action either by Madison or by towns • Don’t count on Madison to do it 28 “LAST WILDERNESS ALLIANCE” HAS THE LOCAL ORDINANCE TEMPLATE 29 • Today, the state of Wisconsin has 31 local communities that have enhanced wake ordinances. LWA has been instrumental in helping 20 of these communities enact a local ordinance. • The LWA template was created using the Mequon (15 years old) and the Crystal Lake/Rhine (4 years old) time tested ordinances. They took these two ordinances and improved them to what has now become the standard ordinance that most use. • LWA has educational presentations along with template ordinances, conditions reports, DNR communication letters and landing sign templates. • This is the easy part. It is critically important to get your lake association, town board and local residents to agree and support the ordinance.That is where your efforts are of paramount importance. ENFORCEMENT: Do towns with wake boat ordinances have enforcement? • Most do not have it, however these towns only have the one ordinance to enforce. The Spider Chain also has quiet hours to enforce. • Crystal Lake has a contract with the Sheriff • Ripley Lake uses a boat patrol • Towns can use any employee for enforcement. Example: Fire Chief • A few use Sheriff for writing a citation only. Evidence is a video taken by civilians. A FEW DETAILS ON WAKE BOATS • Can wake boats be used as regular boats? Yes, by not using the ballast tanks, the hydrofoils, or any other devices that create enhanced wakes. • Are there different designs of wake boats? Yes, and there could be more coming. That is why the ordinance needs to ban the activity, not the boat. • What speed is needed for wake surfing? About 10 mph, so the speed limit ordinance does not restrict wake surfing. RECOMMENDATION to TOSL • Immediately enact a stand alone local ordinance banning wake surfing and all activities that use enhanced wakes. • “Last Wilderness Alliance” is available to assist. They have the legal and technical expertise (including 4 attorneys and a PHD Limnologist) plus document templates. 32 RECOMMENDATION to TOSL • Points to stress to Spider Lake residents and property owners on the lakes within the town: • Safety: Enhanced wakes needed for wake surfing endanger participants of all other water activities. • Spread of AIS: Ballast systems are very likely to spread zebra mussels, spiny water fleas, and quagga mussels. • Enhanced Wake Damage: shorelines, lake bottom, personal property, fish spawning beds, loon nests, native plants. Environmental Impacts Michelle Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Lower Clam Lake Contour Map Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. < 10 ft 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’ >25’ • 214 Acres • 72% sand, 3% gravel, 15% rock, 10% muck ~ 320 feet Ghost Lake Contour Map Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. < 10 ft 10’ 15’ 20’ 25’ >25’ • 384 Acres • 10% sand, 10% gravel, 30% rock, 50% muck ~ 630 feet Wake Boat Environmental Impact Studies Reviewed Field Study…Total Wave Energy…Four Recreational Boats on a Freshwater Lake • Prepared Feb 2022 by Marr, Riesgraf, Herb, Lueker, Kozarek & Hill; UofMinn, St. Anthony Falls Lab • Studied wave heights, energies and power from 4 boats • Two Wake Boats and two “All-purpose recreational boats” Impact of Lake Navigation - Sediment Suspension Study: Lake Masson & Sand Lake Cases • Prepared by Raymond, S., and Galvez, R., 2015, Laval University Lake Waramaug Wave Impact Study Final Report • Prepared Nov. 2024; Terra Vigilis Environmental Services Group for Lake Waramaug Inter-Local Commission • Conducted on a 656-acre, 22’ deep (avg) freshwater lake in west central Connecticut. Total Wave Energy Created: Plowing vs. Planing Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. 2004 Larson LXI 210: 21-foot “all purpose recreational boat” w/260HP motor; 2925 lbs dry wt; 2 people (330 lbs) Measured Total Wave Energy in two conditions: • Condition 1a (plowing): Largest wave condition; speed = 10 mph • Condition 2 (planing): “Typical operating conditions for tow sports”; speed = 20 mph ➢ Bottom line: plowing creates approximately 4-5X the Total Wave Energy (measured near the boat) as planing. • “Anthony and Downing (2003) observe an increase in turbidity for lake depths ranging from…4 – 6 ft. They estimate that low-speed vessels and high-speed vessels do not induce deep water movement compared to intermediate speeds as shown in Figure 12.” • “The results even indicated that a speed of 30 mph had less impact than a speed of 3 mph.” Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Figure 12: Speeds near sediments based on boat speed after Anthony and Downing (2003) Sediment Disturbance (Nutrient Release): Plowing vs. Planing Slow/NoWake Planing Plowing • Graph shows “bed velocity” near lake bottom, boat passing at various speeds, for 3 different water depths • Blue line & dots ~ 4’ deep • Green line & dots ~ 5’ deep • Red line & dots ~ 6’ deep ➢ Bottom line…plowing shows from 3-7 times the level of “deep water movement” (i.e. sediment disturbance) as does either Slow/No Wake or Planing, depending on water depth. Transition… Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Process For Reaching Consensus Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. 1. Uncover outstanding questions within each category • Environmental Impacts (lays groundwork; articulates what is special; tees up what follows) • Definitions/Ordinance Verbiage • Speed Limits • Water Sports Hours • Enforcement • Wake Boat Activities 2. Ask each sub-team for a one-slide version of proposed recommendations only 3. Take each sub-team’s recommendations in turn… • Go through the recommendations • “Check the bidding” • Discuss • Agree and move to the next category Adjourn Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. TOSL Boating Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee Sub Committee: Speed Limit Tom Oatman – Big Spider Lake John Trombello – Teal Lake Speed Limit Recommendation After independent research by both sub committee team members and then a collaborative review based on that research, it is the recommendation of this sub committee to retain the current 10 m.p.h. speed limit boating ordinance (as defined in Section 5a of TOSL Ordinance #02 – 2024) The exception would be during the time of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on those lakes specified in the ordinance where the speed limit would be lifted. Historical Perspective • The Town’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan states that maintaining the northwood's character is a major issue facing the Town. Sustaining this characteristic is a significant objective. (Source: Town Of Spider Lake Comprehensive Plan 2018) • The current boating ordinance intent is to provide public health and safety conditions for the enjoyment of aquatic recreation and protect the natural resources. (Source: Town Of Spider Lake Boating Ordinance #02-2024) • The Town's boating ordinance regulating a speed limit of 10 m.p.h. on the Town lakes has been in effect in some form or fashion since 1956. • A substantial number of property owners in the TOSL acquired their properties subsequent to the enactment of the boating ordinances. That is, investments were made based on the presence of the boating ordinance. Historical Perspective - Continued • In 1963, the Sawyer County Circuit Court upheld the TOSL boating ordinance for Lost Land and Teal due to evidence of unsafe boating conditions. The unsafe Lake conditions that existed in 1963 continue to exist today. (Source: Zajac vs. Town Of Spider Lake) • In a 2020 Spider Chain Of Lakes survey: • 65%+ believed that the current water skiing hours should not be expanded. • 73% stated there were not too many boating restrictions. • #2 on the priorities list related to maintaining peace and quiet on the lakes • #3 on the priorities list was to preserve the Northwoods character. (Source: Spider Chain Of Lakes Shoreland Property Owners Survey Report September 2020) Historical Perspective - Continued • In a 2023 Town survey: • The majority (62%) of the respondents strongly agreed with the boating ordinance in its then current form • A small minority (18%) considered water skiing/jet skiing an important activity. • Sources: • Property Owner Survey Results Town of Spider Lake 13 December, 2023 • Town Of Spider Lake Vision Assessment Ad Hoc Committee Survey Summary Report and Appendices of all survey responses Basis for Recommendation • Per TOSL ORDINANCE #02 – 2024: • This ordinance is authorized by Wis. Stat. § 30.77(3) and is adopted in the interest of public health, public safety, and welfare, including the public’s right and interest in preserving the state’s natural resources and wildlife. Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Public Safety Perspective • Regulating high-speed activities will reduce the risks to public safety by separating those activities (waterskiing, tubing, and jet- skiing, etc.) from low-speed and non-motorized activities (paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and swimming, etc.). • Higher watercraft speeds increase the potential of accidents (collision, capsizing, running aground, negative effects on non- powered watercraft (sailboats, canoe, kayak, SUP, swimmers, etc.). • Sources: • Wisconsin DNR - Share The Water And Slow Down To Keep Waters Safe For All: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/97146 Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Preserving Natural Resources And Wildlife Perspective: • The Common Loon is a symbol of the "northwoods character". Slower watercraft speeds allow the operator to be in an enhanced position to adjust to any conditions on the lake including wildlife. • Per a Sierra Club article, the northern Wisconsin Common Loon population has declined by 22% over the last 25 years, with the population decreasing by as much as 6% each year. • Northland College recommends keeping a 200 foot distance from loons, never run motorboats or personal watercraft over areas where loons have been seen as loons and loon chicks have died from being hit by boats and propellers. • Source: https://www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/blog/2024/07/common-loon-symbol- northwoods. and Northland College: Protect Loons Do Your Part) Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Preserving Natural Resources And Wildlife Perspective (Continued): • The Common Loon is protected by State and Federal laws as a migratory, nongame bird. It is also a species of Special Concern in Wisconsin. • Source: • Common Loon Facts And Phenology: https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr- ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/programs/convention/2008/ThursPM/FactsPhenologyC allsRevised.pdf) Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Preserving Natural Resources And Wildlife Perspective (Continued): • Environmental Impacts (Partial): • TOSL lakes are designated Outstanding Water Resources (OWR’s) by the State of Wisconsin – Only 0.6% of 15,000 Wisconsin lakes have this designation. It is in the best interest of the TOSL to protect these resources. • “Studies have shown the impact of motorboats on lake ecosystems. Several factors affect the impact of a boat's passage such as the speed of navigation, the strength and type of engine, geometry of the propeller, geometry of the hull, the cohesion of the sediments, the size and mass of the particles forming sediments, water depth, lake stratification.” • “Bottom sediments are often phosphorus reservoirs in lakes, when boating, if suspended then the boats could even contribute significantly to the transfer of phosphorus and pollutants into the water column.” • Source: See BOAHC Environmental Impact Slides – Compilation by M. Keil Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Public Health Perspective: • Boats and PWC’s (jet skis) driving at higher speeds outside of the water sports hours would add an additional “Noise” factor which is not conducive for health or for quiet lakes. High noise levels can also disrupt wildlife communication, reproduction, and feeding habits, causing significant harm to ecosystems. • Sources: • NIH National Library of Medicine - Environmental Noise Induced Effects: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6878772/ • Understanding The Effects Of Noise Pollution From Boat Engines: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/lakes/docs/lp_Impacts_of_Motorboats_Fact_S heet_2016_12_30.pdf Basis for Recommendation – Continued • Public Health Perspective: • Sources – Cont.: • Wisconsin DNR - Overview of Impacts of Motorized Watercraft on WI Lakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv7R45IslBY • Wisconsin DNR - The Effects of Motorized Watercraft on Aquatic Ecosystems: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/589d2006ebbd1a9c437fd84a/t/5b328a3a1ae6cf60dc ce148f/1530038842866/Boat+Wake-Boats-effects-on-ecosystems+WDNR+U+of+W.pdf • Wisconsin DNR – An Overview of Boating Impacts on Lakes: https://genevalakeassoc.org/images/pdf/Motor_Boat_Impacts_2021.pdf • Science Daily: Pleasure Boat Speed Limits Can Stir Up Trouble In Shallow Lakes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/11/011112073736.htm Recommendation Summary • In addition to the Public Safety, Public Health, and Preserving Natural Resources perspectives: • Currently many PWC owners enjoy operating their machines during water sports hours. The noise factor is significant. However, at 3PM, they typically navigate back to their docks or reduce their speed to <= 10 mph. Should the speed limit be increased or water sports hours be expanded, PWC activity would expand creating a negative impact on residents. Recommendation Summary • In addition to the Public Safety, Public Health, and Preserving Natural Resources perspectives (Continued): • Regarding Boats and Planning Speeds: • Because of the large variance in the many types of boats and engine sizes, allowing boats to achieve a planning speed would require the elimination of the 10 mph speed limit. • Eliminating 10 mph limit to allow boats to plane would result in higher speeds, an increase in noise factor, and present greater safety issues with regard to submerged lake obstacles and non motorized water craft. • While some boats traveling at 10 mph outside of the 100’ no wake zone create a “plowing” situation which can create substantially larger wakes, competent boaters will avoid this situation for safety and common-sense reasoning. Recommendation Summary - Continued • In addition to the Public Safety, Public Health, and Preserving Natural Resources perspectives - Continued: • Compromise: The current ordinance is actually a compromise and least restrictive as it stipulates the time for higher speed activities (i.e. water and jet skiing) and allocates other times for lower speed activities (i.e. sailboats, canoe, kayak, SUP , swimmers, fishing, nature watching, etc.); thus, avoiding a conflict between these uses. • Most Importantly, modification of the current speed limit ordinance would be contrary to the majority of the survey respondent desires and could result in substantial divisions within the TOSL community. Backup Slides Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Information presented by the Boating Ordinance Ad-Hoc Committee is intended for the purpose of education and to stimulate discussion. The information is part of an iterative process and should not be construed as a recommendation or position statement of the Committee. Wake Boats: Damage To Lake Bottom & Nutrient Release • “Growing body of data supporting surface and subsurface wave and propeller downwash impacts.” • “Nutrient release, bottom "scrubbing" damage, and related unseen impacts from powerful wave energy is reflected in this work.” • “…shallower lakes (less than 20 feet) show more evidence of large wave impact.” • “…impacts at depths of at least 26 feet for Wake Board Boats in surf mode.” • “…effects to the bottom sediments to include sediment re-deposition and nutrient (Phosphorous) release events for Wake Board Boats in Surf Mode…” • “…total Phosphorus sampling…(sampled at 20 feet)…reveal a 110% increase in Total phosphorus levels released • “…these impacts were not seen with traditional water ski boats.” • immediately following startup for wake board boats in surf mode. • “…no significant increase in Total phosphorous found for water ski boats in startup conditions.” • “This nutrient release data is similar to previous study [2021] by the TVES group in North Lake, Wisconsin…. with a wake board boat in surf mode.” • “After two boat passes, measurements of 25% to 30% percent increases in Total phosphorus levels (dip sampling) were demonstrated in the near shore in that study.”