Boating Reminders
Wake Boat Pending Michigan Legislation
HB 5532 was introduced on February 28, 2024 by Michigan State House Representative Julie Rogers (D) Kalamazoo with bipartisan support. This legislation will require watercraft in “wake sport mode” to be 500 feet or more from a shore or dock and at a depth of 20 feet or more. More information on this legislation and other wake boat resources can be found here.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wake Boat Lake Health Impact Concerns
In September 2022, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shared a report that included information about the environmental impact of Wake Boats on Michigan inland lakes. This report talks about how Wake Boats erode the shoreline and stir up sediment which often has a high phosphorus content.
In this report the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shared the following recommendations:
When wakesurfing or wakeboarding, during which boat speed, wave shapers and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, operate at least 500 feet from docks or the shoreline, regardless of water depth.
When wakesurfing or wakeboarding, never operate in water less than 15 feet deep.
Completely drain ballast tanks before transporting your watercraft over land.
More information is available here.
At its deepest point, Upper Silver Lake is 25 feet deep, with many narrow areas and areas that are 15 feet or less.
USLIA Lake Rules
No high-speed watercraft from 7:30 PM - 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.
In addition to lot numbers, motorized watercraft must be designated with a USLIA member decal after your MC number and registration sticker. (It is recommended that this decal be placed on the side that faces the shore when traveling around the lake.)
Guests with watercraft must be able to present a USLIA guest pass.
Watercraft cannot be anchored to Common Area sea walls or moored directly on beaches.
Watercraft can be anchored in the water for up to 7 days in front of Common Areas as space allows but must not block any swimming area.
Violating USLIA rules will result in a fine. The USLIA Board reserves the right to seek damages in addition to fine.
If you need a replacement guest pass or decal, please email uppersilverlakemichigan@gmail.com.
While a private lake, Upper Silver Lake, is monitored by a Marine Patrol Officer and follows all Michigan Boater Safety and Michigan Department of Natural Resource laws. Tickets may be issued for violations of these laws and regulations.
NOTE: Persons born on or after July 1, 1996 shall not operate a motorboat unless they have been issued a boating safety certificate. A person who was born after December 31, 1978 shall not operate a Personal Watercraft on Michigan waterways unless they have obtained a boating safety certificate.
Please visit www.boat-ed.com/michigan for information on how to obtain a boating safety certificate.
Important things to remember for Upper Silver Lake:
Help us keep our lake free from invasive species. Before you launch and pull your boat, ensure your trailer and boat are free of algae, living or dried plant matter, and invasive species.
High-speed boating and water sports are allowed between 11:00 am and 7:30 pm Eastern Standard Time.
All boats and personal watercraft must observe posted no-wake zones and speed limits (5 mph) in bays and channels.
Boats overtaking slower boats must pass on the left. In the narrow section of the lake, there is not enough space to pass another boat legally or safely.
State law states that boats, personal watercraft, and persons being towed must maintain a 100-foot distance from the shore and dams, docks, diving platforms, other watercraft, and other towed riders. There are sections of the lake where this distance is more difficult to maintain. These areas should be avoided when towing riders.
MIDNR fishing regulations and licenses also apply for Upper Silver and Upper Upper Silver lakes details are available here.