02/10/2026
Nearly 100 WI-Based Groups representing nearly 100,000 people Strongly Oppose Assembly Bill 1033 ("The Bad Bill").
Instead, the Group Praises the Forthcoming “Preserve Wisconsin’s Lakes Bill”
Madison… The largest coalition ever assembled to defend Wisconsin’s lakes is strongly opposing the bad bill, Assembly 1033, introduced February 9th, which threatens Wisconsin’s shoreline, fishing, and waterways, and strips away local control (the right of local towns, villages, and cities to protect their lakes with reasonable ordinances)
The coalition consists of nearly 90 Wisconsin fishing enthusiasts, advocates for local control, lake property landowners, sailors, environmentalists, supporters of riparian rights, those concerned with spreading invasive species, and others.
However, there is good news on the way. State Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Fox Crossing), State Senator Andre Jacque (R-New Franken), and State Representative Nate Gustafson (R-Omro) are introducing legislation that will establish responsible operation regulation and protect Wisconsin’s lakes from “wake-enhanced boating.”
The “Preserve Wisconsin’s Lakes Bill’s is awaiting a bill number, but it does the following to protect Wisconsin’s lakes:
➢ Mandates that wake-enhanced boating must be 500 feet from shore
➢ Wake-enhanced boating must be at depths of 20 feet or more
➢ Protects local towns from lawsuits from the wake boat industry and their allies
➢ Allows towns (and other government entities) to determine what is best for their local community and their local lakes by going above State minimums in this bill.
Scott Rolfs, President of Lakes at Stake Wisconsin, praised the efforts. “There are two competing bills – one (Assembly Bill 1033) that is supported by the wake boat industry.
The other bill, recently introduced by Senators Cabral-Guevara, Jacque, and Representative Gustafson (Still awaiting a bill number), is supported by thousands of Wisconsinites who are passionate about protecting Wisconsin’s lakes – AND they vote!”
Cody Kamrowski, Executive Director of Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, stated, “Assembly Bill 1033 calls for 200 feet from shore which is way too close to the shoreline, NO depth requirement, NO protections for Wisconsin towns. Wisconsin’s waters deserve better.”
Many fishing groups have also shared their opposition to Assembly Bill 1033.
Wisconsinites are encouraged to call their legislators and tell them that they oppose the bad bill - Assembly 1033. If you are not sure who your legislators are, click this link. https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
