KLWA is concerned about the impacts of large boat wakes on Kezar’s ecosystems and wildlife, as well as human safety. Impacts of large wakes, especially those generated within 500’ of shoreline or in waters less than 20 feet deep include:
Erosion of shoreline and wetlands
Scouring of lake bottom, damaging fish habitat and stirring up phosphorous
Damage to natural loon nests and platforms including displacing eggs
Safety hazards for nearby small craft and swimmers
Damage to docks and moored boats
The above photos recently captured by a nest camera in Upper Bay illustrate the impact of wakes on a the loon platform. Large wakes such as these can cause the raft to pitch at angles that can either wash out, or cause the eggs to roll off the nest. Once an egg washes into the lake, it is no longer viable.
The wakes that are of primary concern are those in excess of 3’ in height, which are generated by both slow speed activities such as “plowing the water” while tubing, as well as large wakes generated by wake boats. A detailed presentation of the science behind wakes and the damage they cause can be found here.
In response to our concerns, KLWA recommends that boaters generating wakes in excess of 3’ stay at least 500’ from shore, and create these wakes only within the yellow zones in the printed map below. Your help in both upholding these guidelines and spreading the word will go a long way towards maintaining the health of our lake and the wildlife with which we share it. Please click here to download, print and share the following brochure.
