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Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wake Boat Lake Health Impact Concerns
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wake Boat Lake Health Impact Concerns
In July 2023, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shared a report that included information about the environmental impact of Wake Boats operating in wake sport mode on Michigan inland lakes. This report talks about how Wake Boats may erode the shoreline and stir up sediment which often has a high phosphorus content. The DNR report is available here. There are conflicting reports about the environmental impact of wake boats operating in wake sport mode. More information on the conflicting reports is available here. Based on conversations with the DNR, the Board of Directors has chosen to follow the National Boating Industries recommendations which are indicated below.
Boats operating in wake-surfing mode or wake-boarding mode, during which boat speed, wave shapers and/or ballast are used to increase wave height, operate at least 200 feet from shoreline and docks, regardless of water depth.
It is strongly advised that when operating a boat in wake sport mode, you avoid waters less than 15 feet deep.
Minimize repetitive passes in one area.
Completely drain ballast tanks before transporting your watercraft over land.
At its deepest point, Upper Silver Lake is 21 feet deep, with many narrow areas and areas 15 feet or less. Please refer to this map indicating the approximate area of wake sport usage. Please consider this information before purchasing a wake boat. The USLIA Board is proactively asking current wake boat owners to follow the above recommendations. These recommendations are designed to encourage safe and respectful boating and to maintain the health of our lake.
USLIA Lake Rules
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 the 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. If you see someone who is violating these laws or endangering other lake users, please call the Oceana County Sheriff Central Dispatch (24-Hour Non-Emergency Line) at (231) 869-5858.
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.
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