Managing recreational use on the Yahara Lakes

Abstract

Conflict between water recreation users is a universal problem that is likely to become worse. Dane County, located in southern Wisconsin, has experienced growth in recreational use and increased perception of user conflict that mirror national trends. The Yahara River chain of lakes includes the County's four largest lakes, which provide more than 7400 ha (18,000 acres) of water easily accessible to residents of this, the fastest growing county in Wisconsin. This paper describes and evaluates Dane County's experiences with, and strategies for balancing the interests of increasing number of different activities using the same resources. Users have identified wakes from other boats, lack of courtesy, excessive speed, crowding, and inconsiderate behavior as problems. Dane County's recreation management efforts described in the paper include a200-ft(61 m)slow-no-wake regulation, coupled with state boating safety and equipment rules. Educational initiatives include formal boater safety education classes, and outreach materials and maps developed by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission. Future management efforts need to solicit input from all types of recreational users, focus educational efforts on recreational use impacts on aquatic ecosystems as well as the regulations themselves, and use a deliberate planning process that could resolve recreational conflicts and bring about balanced resource use. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.