Wakesurfing legislation call to action

[Lakegeezer]

An alert came out from NH Lakes regarding legislation on wakesurfing. A study has come in that concludes wakesurfing damages the shoreline more than other boats and suggests regulation. Action in Concord will be on February 9'th.

Text from the alert....

The long-awaited, peer-reviewed wave-action study by the University of Minnesota was released this week. It confirms that waves produced during the activity of wakesurfing are measurably larger and more powerful than waves created by non-wakesurf boats in terms of maximum wave height, total wave energy, and maximum power. The study concluded that at least 500 feet are needed for wakesurfing waves to diminish compared to waves created by non-wakesurf boats.

On Wednesday, February 9, at 1:45 p.m., House Bill 1071 relative to wake surfing, is being heard in the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee. This bill would require a 250-foot setback for the activity of wake surfing. The data from the Minnesota study indicates a clear justification for increased setbacks for wakesurfing and that 250 feet would not be sufficient to protect lake health.

Wakesurfing is a water sport in which a rider on a surfboard rides the boat’s wake without the assistance of a tow rope. In order for the participant to surf behind the boat without being towed, wakesurfing requires large, enhanced wakes—much larger than wakes required for other tow sports like waterskiing and tubing.

When produced in certain areas, enhanced wakes can erode shorelines and disturb lake bottom sediments—these actions can release nutrients into the water and cause toxic cyanobacteria blooms that are harmful to wildlife, swimmers, and pets. These enhanced wakes can also disturb critical fish and bird nesting habitats, damage shoreline property, and make recreating unsafe for others.

There is strong opposition to this bill. Our lakes—including YOUR favorite lake—need you to write or call the House Resources Committee before Wednesday, February 9, urging them to support this bill with an amendment to reflect this credible, scientific data.

To weigh in on HB 1071. Do one of these today
Send an email to:
HouseResourcesRecreationandDevelopme....state.n h.us.

Mail a letter:
NH House of Representatives
Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee
Legislative Office Building, Room 305

Call committee members:
For phone numbers, see committee member bios

Register in support below. It only takes about 30 seconds. Share this information with your lake association, conservation commissions, and communities—the more who sign in, the bigger our voice!

http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx

Here's how to register in support:

Add Your Personal Information
Select Date of Hearing: February 9, 2022
Select the Committee: House Resources, Recreation, and Development
Choose the Bill: HB 1071
Indicate Who You're Representing
Choose Your Position: Support, Oppose, Neutral