UMN Boat-Generated Wake Study: Overview of research, findings, and next steps – Recording
Feb 18th, 2022 by Keith Worrall
Modified Feb 18th, 2022 at 2:53 PM
UMN Boat-Generated Wake Study: Overview of research, findings, and next steps
An evening with ground breaking St. Anthony Falls Lab researchers Jeff Marr and Andy Riesgraf
Last night was a significant step forward in our effort to protect water quality in Minnesota’s lakes and rivers. MLR has always based our work on four legs; science to inform public policy decisions, media outreach and education to inform public of issues and solutions, public policy formation, and civic organizing of committed lake advocates.
The presentation by Jeff Marr and Andrew Riesgraf of their research into the wake height and wake energy is excellent science, it will inform best practices that boaters can use to prevent ecological damage to lakes, serve as the basis for public policy that lake home and cabin owners can rally around.
This work was the result of a broad partnership. In 2022 MLR will work with our partners to advance legislation to create a watercraft operator’s training and certification program. This study will be key in developing education so that boaters can avoid damage to lake ecology as they recreate. Other units focused on Best Practices for Clean, Drain and Dry for various watercraft will ensure all boaters know how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
We hope that by ensuring all boaters are well informed we can see significant behavior change out on our lakes. It is a critical first step.
View the Wake Dynamics Webinar Here
Thank you for all you do. Together we can protect our shared heritage of clean and healthy lakes in Minnesota.
Jeff Forester