How we behave on our lakes and ponds affects not only other people, but also wildlife, shorelines, and water quality. Check out these resources to learn about how to lessen your impact on the lakes!
• To submit written testimony: Write your personal testimony in support of the bill as a word doc or pdf. You download a template below. Then visit www.legislature.maine.gov, and click on the “Testimony Submission” button (bottom, right). At the next screen select Public Hearing, and then Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and March 22nd, 1:00pm. Check the box for LD 693. Upload your document (Word or PDF). You can also type text directly into the submission box. Below that, add your full name, town, or organization in Maine (either full time or part time/seasonal residence), email and phone. FMI about how to write testimony, check Maine Lakes website here.
• To speak at the public hearing via Zoom: Follow the directions above but check the box beside “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom.” You do not need to upload any written testimony, but note that if you do you will need to upload it after you check that box. You’ll see an additional box to indicate that you support, oppose or are neutral on the bill. Uploading written testimony at this time is always a good idea so that legislators have a written record of the topics you are going to cover when you speak. Note that what you submit and what you say do not have to be the same, especially since you will likely be given a three-minute limit to speak and you may want to submit more information in writing. You will receive an invitation and Zoom link from the committee clerk.
• To speak at the public hearing in-person: Wednesday, March 22, 1 p.m., Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, Cross Building Room 206, Augusta. Plan to arrive at the committee room at the time of or a little before the scheduled hearing. Plan to be patient! Bring a book or some knitting to pass the time while you wait. Plan to bring 20 copies of your written testimony or supplemental materials for committee members. Note that in-person testimony is limited to three minutes. People speaking at public hearings have been asked to not submit electronic testimony via the website. While testifying can seem overwhelming, we can assure you that legislators are friendly and the atmosphere in the committee rooms is congenial and welcoming. Legislators listen to a lot of lobbyists, but they really like to hear from “regular” people who are passionate about a bill. Plan to arrive at the committee room at the time of or a little before the scheduled hearing. Plan to be patient! Bring a book or some knitting to pass the time while you wait. Plan to bring 20 copies of your written testimony or supplemental materials for committee members. Note that in-person testimony is limited to three minutes. People speaking at public hearings have been asked to not submit electronic testimony via the website. While testifying can seem overwhelming, we can assure you that legislators are friendly and the atmosphere in the committee rooms is congenial and welcoming. Legislators listen to a lot of lobbyists, but they really like to hear from “regular” people who are passionate about a bill.
This bill will prevent the sport of wake surfing within 500 feet of the shoreline and in waters less than 20 feet deep. This will reduce wake-caused erosion, keep lake water clean, protect fragile lakeside habitats, and keep shallow waters safe for families, swimmers, and other boaters. This is not a ban on wake surfing; it only applies when specialized wake surf boats generate excessive wakes.
How are wake boats different?
How do excessive wakes close to shore put our lakes at risk?
Large wakes erode shorelines and damage fragile wildlife habitat.
Wake-surfing boats stir up more sediment than other recreational boats.
Clean lakes are valuable assets to local community members and recreational users.
Wake surfing is growing in popularity
This proposed bill will protect clean water, human safety, and wildlife habitat by:
References and Links:
1 https://community.nasbla.org/viewdocument/policy-position-on-wake-boats
2 https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/226190
3 https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu
4 https://www.luxuo.com/cars/yachting/whats-the-best-water-depth-for-wake-surfing.html
To contact the coalition, email MBIC.Maine@gmail.com
Safe boating is good for people, wildlife, and the ecosystem! Take the boating safety course, offered for FREE by the BoatU.S. Foundation. Recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard, approved by NASBLA and the Maine boating license agency.
Choose when and where to take your course. Take it on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. Stop and start anytime!
