Updated Story on Wake Boats

The report concludes:

Wake boats provide a means of outdoor recreation, but the waves and propeller turbulence they generate can cause increased damage to aquatic environments through a number of mechanisms. The cumulative effects of these damages are expected to lead to loss of habitat and resulting declines in aquatic ecosystems and angling opportunities. The recommendations below are intended to provide best operating practices under which the recreational opportunities that wake boats provide can be enjoyed in a manner that minimizes harm to the natural resources and property of Michigan citizens:

1. Boats operating in wake-surfing mode or wake-boarding mode, during which boat speed, wave shapers, and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, are recommended to operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.

2. Boats operating in wake-surfing or wake-boarding modes are recommended to operate in water at least 15 feet deep.

3. Ballast tanks should always be drained prior to transporting the watercraft over land.

It is recommended that awareness and voluntary adoption of these best operating practices be encouraged through outreach actions and materials to educate wake boat operators.

Link to the MDNR Wake Boat Report: https://mymlsa.org/mdnr-officially-releases-boat-wake-report-fisheries-division-report-37-is-better-than-ever/