Dear Senator [Name],

As someone who deeply loves Lake Leelanau, I am writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 0812, which would regulate the operation of wake boats in wake sport mode to protect Michigan lakes and personal property.

Our lake is not just a beautiful place where we make memories; the lake and its shoreline are fragile ecosystems. That is why the growing impact of wake boats in wake sport mode is so concerning. These boats can contribute to shoreline erosion, damage docks and shoreline structures, disrupt bottomlands and aquatic vegetation, and harm fisheries.

Lake Leelanau, with its long, relatively narrow shape, is especially vulnerable to these impacts—particularly in nearshore and shallow areas. Research from the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory [1] provides clear and compelling evidence of the negative impacts wake boats can have under these conditions.

I believe there is a reasonable path forward. Wake boats can absolutely be part of enjoying our lakes when operated responsibly. Education is important—but it is not enough on its own. Establishing clear, statewide regulations for how far from shore and in what depth wake boats can operate is a reasonable and proactive step to prevent damage to the lake and shoreline.

Senate Bill 0812 represents an important opportunity to safeguard Michigan’s inland lakes, including Lake Leelanau, while still allowing for responsible recreation.

Thank you for your leadership and for your commitment to protecting the natural resources that mean so much to so many of us.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Address]

 

[1] Riesgraf, Andrew; Marr, Jeffrey; Herb, William; Lueker, Matthew; Kozarek, Jessica. (2025). A Field Study of Recreational Powerboat Hydrodynamics and their Impacts on the Water Column and Lakebed. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/274184.