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
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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
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
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)
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