Personal Watercraft Legislation
In the fall of 2001, County Board Supervisor Tom
Powell proposed to create a new chapter in the Dane County Code of
Ordinances to regulate personal watercraft on Dane County waters.
The proposal would prohibit operation of personal
watercraft on Dane County waters, except on Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa,
and Kegonsa. On Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa operation of
personal watercraft would be permitted as follows:
- operation limited to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
- operation prohibited on Sunday.
- operation permitted in the Yahara River downstream
from Lake Mendota and upstream from Lake Kegonsa, at slow-no-wake speed
The Lakes and Watershed Commission held a public
hearing on the proposed personal watercraft ordinance on December 12, 2001.
Public comment was also accepted through
December 31,2001 by mail or email. A link to the summary of public input is
found below.
At its February 13, 2002 meeting, the
Lakes and Watershed Commission voted to deny the proposed ordinance and
to support a mandatory state safety education and license requirement and
fee for all motorized and non-motorized boaters.
Text of proposed personal watercraft legislation
Summary of public input on proposal
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