TOWN OF DAYTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The debate over wake surfing is yet again at the forefront of the Waupaca County towns of Farmington and Dayton.
“Wake surfing boats, when operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, maintain a safe distance from shore, and operate in water depths that minimize impact on the lake environment, are not a threat,” one resident said.
On Wednesday, the boards of the two municipalities held a joint public listening session regarding a potential ordinance. Farmington previously had wake surfing restrictions, but those were repealed months later following threat of legal action.
“It is a fallacy that Dayton and Farmington don’t have the right to do this,” one person in attendance said. “Dayton and Farmington have the duty to operate and the health, safety and welfare of the people, and the environment of the towns for which they’re responsible.”
Wake surfers use special tanks that create larger wakes than other boats. Those who take issue with the activity say it’s caused problems with safety and the environment.
“We do have a lot of people using the Chain of Lakes. We are very, very lucky to have what we have here,” another resident said. “I would hate to see it destroyed by people who don’t know what’s out there and how they can be injured so quickly or have their property destroyed.”
A recent Wisconsin Conservation Congress poll shows overwhelming support for limits on wake surfing. Local lake association members say that’s also the case in Waupaca County. But those in opposition of an ordinance question the legitimacy of the numbers, saying there are plenty of responsible wake boat owners.
“We’re moving down a slippery slope of what’s next that we say we can’t do,” a resident said. “Everybody gets to tell you you can’t do this, you can’t do this. I’ve hit these big waves. I can’t say that it was the boats’ fault, I think it was my fault.”
The town boards have not yet indicated when they’ll take action on the drafted ordinance.
There’s also a joint public hearing scheduled for the towns of Lind and Dayton next Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Comments