Legislature Hears Wake Surfing Setback Proposal

This update was received today from Andrea LaMoreaux of NH LAKES:

Dear Lake Advocates,

This afternoon, the Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 431, which proposes a 200-foot setback for wake surfing and a restriction for lakes under 50 acres. The hearing lasted approximately 75 minutes.

I testified in opposition to the bill, as did Bree Rossiter from the Lake Winnipesaukee Association, and Harry Vogel from the Loon Preservation Committee. In addition, NH Audubon testified in opposition to the bill. While the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services did not take an official position on the bill, David Neils, Chief Aquatic Biologist, explained the merits of the various studies on wake surfing setbacks and how a 200-foot setback is not supported by credible research. And, Gary York, a lake resident spoke in opposition as well.

Many from the wake sports industry and wake surfing enthusiasts testified that the bill is a reasonable compromise.

Members of the committee commented that they received hundreds of emails from lake residents about the 200-foot setback not being sufficient to protect the shoreline and the health of the lake. (Great job, all, getting the word out to your community to oppose this bill!)

I want to do a big shout-out to Bree! She brought in a map showing how a 500-foot setback for wake surfing on Lake Winnipesaukee would leave plenty of open water for wake surfing. I believe this map made an impact on some of the committee members. GREAT JOB, BREE!

Toward the end of the hearing, Vice Chair Senator Watter suggested to the industry that the 200-foot setback might not "really be a supportable setback" appropriate for New Hampshire. He further suggested that they might want to work on the bill so that there are different setbacks for different-sized lakes.

I am encouraged by this comment, but not overly optimistic. But, this is a more positive outcome than I was expecting. More to come.

That's the quick update! Thank you, again, to all of you who got the word out to your community to oppose this bill. I do think it made a difference.

You can watch the recording of the hearing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nc9U0Jjv9k