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