As a RWVL newsletter reader, it’s likely you’re well aware the Agency of Natural Resources’ new wake boat\/wake sport rules that went into effect on April 15th. It’s also likely you’re wondering – as we are – how smoothly the rollout of the new regulations will be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The DEC, charged with implementation of the new rule, has been hard at work since mid-February gearing up for the summer season. New signs will be posted soon on state owned boat launches indicating whether wake sports are prohibited or permitted. On the 30 lakes allowing wake sports, the sign will delineate the wake sports zone, and a QR code on the sign will provide access to an app that will display the zone on a cell phone. Cell coverage will not be required to use the app. A separate QR code will provide access to a DEC website where incidents, concerns, and suggestions can be reported. This information will be critical as the DEC evaluates how well the new rules are working after a season in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Home Lake provision requiring certified decontamination of ballast tanks before moving wake boats from one body of water to another was included in the new rule to address the potential spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Unfortunately, there was insufficient lead time to implement two major components of the Home Lake rule for this season: 1) a decal system to identify home lakes; and 2) a network of certified decontamination stations throughout the state. RWVL has contacted the DEC and proposed the following stopgap plan to address spread of aquatic invasive species for the current summer boating season: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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