Issues
Facilitating education and research for sustainable water bodies and ecosystems in Sawyer County.
Enhanced Wakes
Wave Impacts on Lake Waramaug ~ A Phased Study by Terra Vigilis Environmental Services Group ~ 11/15/2024
Lake Waramaug Community Survey April 2024
Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes (RWVL)
Wisconsin Lakes Coalition – Policy Positions on Wake Boats, Wisconsin's Green Fire, September 16, 2024
Last Wilderness Alliance - Wake Surfing
Wisconsin Towns with Ordinances Specific to Wake Surfing, October 10, 2024
Opinion:
* Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (03/06/25)
* Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (04/03/25)
Sawyer County Resolution on Enhanced Wake Regulations (11/14/23)
Wake Surfing in Spotlight at Lake Beulah (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 03/20/25)
Lakes at Stake Newsletters current and past newsletters of the organization
Wake Surfing Information Session (Protect Lake Beulah, 03/29/25)
This is a series of videos and other information presented as an informational session for the Protect Lake Beulah organization.
Town of Casey, WI
* Condition report to support an ordinance restricting wakes in the waters of the Town of Casey, Washburn County
* PROPOSED: Motorboat Wake Protection Ordinance
The release of the Minnesota Phase II Study is turning heads across the country as the public sees what happens to lake bottoms from wakesurfing. As a result, the wakeboat industry is racing to Madison in an attempt to get a favorable bill introduced to ensure that they can wakesurf across the state at depths far less than the 20 foot plus noted in the study. More information in the Lakes at Stake newsletter here. 08/21/25
A Field Study of Recreational Powerboat Hydrodynamics and their Impacts on Water Column and Lakebed
This study focused on characterizing the hydrodynamic phenomena produced by a moving powerboat and investigating the impacts on the water column beneath the boat and at the lakebed. More information here. July 2025
URGENT ACTION ALERT
A pro-wakesport bill introduced!
AB1033 was introduced into the legislature today!
This pro-wakesport supported bill fails to protect Wisconsin's lakes, their shorelines, and the safety of other lake users.
Here's Click here to see what you need to know and what you can do now.
Wake regulation materials provided to virtual attendees of the Wisconsin Towns Association 2025 Annual Town Law Conference on October 31, 2025.
Proposed amendment to Town of Hayward wake ordinance tabled at 11/13/25 Board Meeting
Last Wilderness Alliance article on Why 700-feet (12/10/25)
Wisconsin Lakes and the Last Wilderness Alliance are renewing their call for bipartisan state-wide regulation of enhanced wake recreation to protect Wisconsin’s lake resources without being overly restrictive of the right to recreate on our lakes. Click HERE for the proposed regulation. Help us develop the groundswell for this type of legislation.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Wisconsin Lakes and the Last Wilderness Alliance are calling for urgent state action to halt the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) via the ballast systems found in wake boats. November 01, 2025 Press Release.
Wisconsin's Clean Boats Clean Water program link
Hot Water Decontamination Station
SAWYER COUNTY, WI - 5/20/2025 - The Windigo Lake Property Owners Association (WLPOA) has installed Sawyer County's first hot water decontamination station, reinforcing the community's long-standing commitment to keeping its waters clean and preventing the introduction of invasive species. The station is located at the lake's public landing, under Sawyer County ordinance (2021-112). Sawyer County Ordinance 2021-112 (2A) states "If a Decontamination Station is available and functioning for use at a public or private access, the owner or user of a Boat or Equipment shall decontaminate the Boat or Equipment entering and exiting out of the waterbody per posted directions and/or inspection protocol using the Decontamination Station provided as set forth herein."
This proactive step follows the recent confirmation of Chinese mystery snails in Windigo, the lake's first documented aquatic invasive species (AIS). While not considered highly aggressive, their discovery has galvanized WLPOA to act quickly to prevent other AIS introductions to Windigo and other area lakes.
"We're fortunate that the first AIS we've found is relatively manageable," said Dick Steininger, WLPOA President. "But that doesn't mean we let our guard down. This station is about protecting everything we love about this lake before the next threat arrives."
The new station uses high-temperature water to kill and remove invasive species from boats and trailers. Its installation is part of a larger, ongoing prevention effort that includes years of involvement in the Wisconsin DNR's Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) program. WLPOA manages both paid and volunteer monitors to inspect watercraft and educate lake users.
"We're proud of our prevention work, and this is a major upgrade," said Peter Ingarra, WLPOA Lake Environment and Safety Chair. "It's a modern solution to a growing problem, and it gives us another tool to protect what we've all invested in."
WLPOA also acknowledged recent challenges, including several incidents where boat monitors faced verbal aggression while carrying out their duties. The association is encouraging boaters to approach the new process with understanding and a shared sense of responsibility.
"No one is here to make life harder for boaters," said Paul Martin, WLPOA Vice President. "Our monitors are your neighbors. They're not enforcing policy, they're simply asking for cooperation to help keep the lake healthy. A few minutes at the station can make a real difference."
The decontamination station was largely funded by a state grant, with additional contributions from WLPOA member dues, fishery donations, and volunteer labor. The association also funds the majority of the CBCW monitoring program locally, meeting grant requirements and demonstrating long-term financial stewardship.
The station's use is enforceable under county law, and compliance is the responsibility of the Sawyer County Sheriff's Office.
Shoreland Development
Wisconsin DNR Model Ordinance
Wisconsin DNR Shoreland Resources
Wisconsin Chapter NR 115, WISCONSIN’S SHORELAND PROTECTION PROGRAM
Wisconsin Water Law, Paul Kent
Lake Class Wilderness Standards (not in effect)
Ordinance Related Information
Lake Classification Information
Sawyer County Lakes Scoring -- Alphabetical list of all lakes in Sawyer County with geophysical data and scoring.
Sawyer County County Multi-Dwelling Development Committee Meeting (Agenda Packet 03/20/25)
Lake Classification History
Lake Classification Assessment (June 2007)
Public Hearing Notice for Proposed Amendment to Sawyer County Zoning Ordinance (01/18/08 with classifications and named lakes)
Lake Class 4 Data -- List of all smaller lakes in Sawyer County with geophysical data and scoring.
Sawyer County Record News Articles (2006-2008)
Media
Hooray for aquatic plants (08/06/25 Sawyer County Record)
What you can do to improve your shoreline and help out your local lake (09/11/25 Air Date)
Wisconsin is a water-lover’s paradise. After all, our state’s name is derived from an Algonquian word honoring water. We have thousands of lakes, streams and rivers — and it’s up to us to care for them. We talk about caring for private shoreline, and what you can do to help your local lake. Find shoreland owner resources from the Healthy Lakes & Rivers program here.
Resources
Wisconsin Land and Water is the primary organization that provides support for county conservation departments and the members of county land and water (Sawyer County Land, Water and Forestry Resources) committees.
PBS Wisconsin aired a segment on a history of land use planning by Brian Ohm. This can serve as a resource for the public and people serving on town plan commissions and town and county committees and boards. Brian was one of the University of Wisconsin minds helping to shape Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Planning Law, developing the many handbooks that were available to local units of governments and counties to guide assembling maps, data, information and public surveys to draft and then engage public participation in adopting and implementing Comprehensive Plans. For Sawyer County, Northwest Regional Planning Commission (Sheldon Johnson) prepared the county plan (after town plans completed) and all but the Town of Hayward’s plan for local units of government. MSA prepared the Town of Hayward plan which includes much different specifics from the NWRPC plans.
Wisconsin Land Use & Planning Law, by Brian W. Ohm. Across Wisconsin, issues related to community growth and change continue to be an important focus of debate in many local communities. This book is meant to serve as both an educational tool and a reference work to help inform that debate. The book updates the earlier edition of Wisconsin Land Use & Planning Law published by the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2013.
Brian Ohm publications for Land Use Planning handbooks for Planning Commissions/Zoning Commissions and Zoning Boards of Appeal/Adjustment.
Sawyer County Airport Upgrade
Our concerns on this project include impacts to the waters of the Namekagon River, from filling of wetlands, runoff, and adverse environmental conditions for wildlife.
Here is the official Sawyer County Airport Master Plan website with the plan documents and supporting information.
March 04, 2025 letter From Wisconsin DNR with comments on the draft plan
Zoning: Camping Cabins
This issue is expected to be discussed at the August Sawyer County Board meeting based on several Town's resolutions in objection to the new ordinance.
In Sawyer County, Option F, passed by the Sawyer County Board without the 30% limitation, refers to an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding camping cabins within licensed campgrounds. It specifically addresses "Camping Cabins" and their definition, particularly within the context of Section 6.610(1) of the County Code of Ordinances. The proposed amendment, part of a public hearing notice, changes the definition and may impact the allowable size, construction, and features of these cabins.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Camping Cabins
Option F deals with the definition of "Camping Cabins" within licensed campgrounds.
State Definition: It appears to align the definition with the state's definition for these structures.
Key Changes:
The amendment removes the prohibition of water, sewer, and gas hookups for camping cabins.
Size and Structure:
It sets a maximum height of 16 feet without a loft and allows for a 4-inch slab foundation.
Park Model/Cabin Combination:
It limits the combined percentage of park models and camping cabins to 30% within a campground.
The section of the Sawyer County Zoning Ordinance referenced is in Section 6.6
Wisconsin DSPS SPS 327 Camping Units FAQs
Wisconsin DATCP Frequently Asked Questions--Campgrounds
Ordinance Related Information
These are the two documents that were sent to the Towns for action:
Recommended by the Zoning Committee, Option A with redline changes
Camping Cabin Summary Letter from Zoning Department
Here are the links to the Zoning Committee Agenda and Meeting Video where this issue is discussed:
Sawyer County Zoning Agenda, 03/21/25 https://sawyercowi.portal.civicclerk.com/event/107/files/agenda/8624
Sawyer County Meeting Video, 03/21/25 @ 2:26 mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3IHWa9G7aA