COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners decided during their work session on Thursday to schedule a public hearing for November 20 on the possibility of a No Wake Zone being established near East Long Lake.
After the public hearing, the Commissioners are expected to vote on a resolution requesting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to investigate whether or not to enact a No Wake Zone.
Coldwater Lake Association President Tom Manning says the entrance to an inlet of water at the southeast portion of the lake is where “No Wake” buoys would be placed in order to get everyone to idle back. He says while many boaters have slowed down in the area where they are less than 100 feet from the shore, there have been some jet skiers and powerboats that have cruised the inlet at normal speed which creates disruptions to the shoreline.
The D.N.R. recently turned down an application from Manning for a permit to place buoys on East Long Lake.
D.N.R. First Lt. Richard Nickols told Manning in a September 22 letter that there would no backing under statute and that the placement of buoys does not automatically create a slow-no wake area. He added existing state laws can be enforced in the area in question.
Manning feels the No Wake buoys would protect the shoreline from erosion and support the continuance of a wildlife habitat. He adds the Coldwater Lake Association is willing to assist the Branch County Marine Patrol with the cost of implementing buoys for this purpose.
Comments