Slow No Wake Declared for Dane County Lakes
June 09, 2008
Contacts: Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823; Elise Schaffer, Dane County Sheriff’s Office (608) 284-6142; J. McLellan, Department of Emergency Management (608) 267-2542; Scott McDonell, Dane County Board Chairman (608) 266-4121
County Executive
County Executive, Sheriff, County Board Chair Issue Order
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and Dane County Board Chair Scott McDonell today issued a Slow/No Wake Order for surfaces areas of Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa. The order includes Cherokee Marsh and Cherokee Lake.
Lake levels have risen rapidly in the wake of severe storms that dumped eight or more inches of rain in parts of northern and central Dane County this past weekend. In addition, forecasters are predicting additional storms this week that could bring another three inches of rain to the county.
“Our quickly rising lakes can do damage to both personal property and our shorelines,” Falk said. “This order will hopefully help minimize damage to homes in low-lying areas along the lakes and protect piers and docks from rockier waters.”
Falk also noted the weekend’s severe winds and flooding rains will likely mean more trees and floating debris in the water that pose a hazard to boaters.
The Slow/No Wake Order means boats must move as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering control and produce no wake. The order will be lifted once officials determine the lake levels have receded to a safe level.
Violators may be subject to citation and fine by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office along with the County Department of Land and Water Resources will be posting signs informing lake users about the Slow/No Wake Order.
“For the safety of boaters and residents, the Dane County Marine and Trail deputies will be strictly enforcing the Slow/No Wake Order," Sheriff Dave Mahoney said.
In addition to the Slow/No Wake Order, Falk today also signed a declaration of a State of Emergency for Dane County to secure all state and federal assistance for the county.
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