From a press release by the Dane County Executive Board:

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney and Dane County Board Chair Scott McDonell issued the declaration [Aug 22nd] for the surface areas of lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa.

WKOW TV reports yesterday that the Dane County sheriff is surveying the situation to determine whether to implement a total no wake on the lakes.

Currently, the no wake zone extends 500 feet from shore. “Slow No Wake” means a boat must move as slowly as possible while still maintaining steering control and produce no wake. Officials will be out enforcing the rule, and violators will be ticketed.

This means that other area lakes, such as Lake Wisconsin, are likely to be busier than normal–even for a holiday weekend. The combination of more boats on the lake, high waters hiding normally visible hazards, flood debris, and people partying on the last weekend of the summer adds up to a potentially dangerous situation. We want you to enjoy your weekend, and we want you to stay safe. If you’re not from around the area, talk to some of the locals and ask what to expect. They know the waters; where there are hidden dangers and where it’s most likely to be safe. And, if you can get them to tell you where the good fishing spots are, consider yourself lucky!

No Wake isn’t the only new situation this weekend. Marine law enforcement will also be watching out for invasive species on boats. A DNR press release gives some details on the program, and what to expect:

“There will be a real strong contingent of wardens out to work with the public to make sure their Labor Day holiday is safe and that they’re taking the steps necessary to prevent the spread of invasive species and VHS, a new fish disease,” says Karl Brooks, deputy chief warden of the Department of Natural Resources.

Flood conditions may make this Labor Day weekend a bit different than usual on the water, there’s no reason for it to prevent you from having fun. If you need anything this weekend–life jackets, tow ropes or towable tubes, engine oil, or maybe a bilge pump–we’re open Saturday 9-4 and Sunday 10-2.