Discussion: Lake Closure Changes

 

From neighbor Dave Bodden:

I have always heard that the Lake needs to be closed when it reaches a mean sea level of 595.5 because of boat wakes that negatively affect some houses on the lake.  I have never understood how we stop the wind from creating waves when the lake is closed and causing the same effect as boat wakes.  So again, I don't understand the rational.  But, that rational certainly doesn't apply to kayaks, canoes, and unpowered fishing boats (which includes those powered by a trolling motor).  These watercraft do not cause wakes.

I would like our Association to support changing policies that eliminate any restrictions on kayaks, canoes, and unpowered boats other than trolling motor powered boats when the lake is closed.  The lake closure policy should just state that using a gas powered or electric powered boat is not allowed during lake closures with the exception of trolling motor powered boats.


Please share your thoughts and discuss in the comments below.

Comments

  1. MeOctober 16, 2025 at 10:13 AM

    Keeping all watercraft off the lake during closures is to ensure safety of the public who may get into a situation with the increased current flow that has debris floating in it. Also keeps Lake Patrol safe because they won't have to launch into the lake when called for a boater in trouble.
    The amount of days the lake is closed is low and so the minimal inconvenience is worth people's safety.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deanne KearneyOctober 27, 2025 at 7:47 AM

    Not sure how many others experience this, but when it is windy we have had to take our boat out to help kayakers, windsurfers, paddleboarders who are struggling getting back to the ramp and either had to power our boat to them and/or pull them into to our beach for help. During a closed lake situation, the Marshalls wont be out on the lake and we do not want to be powering our boat over to help due to floating debris, yet I know we would. I love to kayak, but not sure its worth the risk of others safety to allow non powered boats on the lake for the few days a year that the lake is closed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dave BMarch 10, 2026 at 9:21 PM

      Deanne, that is not true about the Lake Patrol not responding when the Lake is closed. My neighbors took their canoe out once when the Lake was closed and the Lake Patrol came after them and told them to get off the Lake. I was also out on the lake one time with my jet ski when the Lake was apparently closed arbitrarily by the Chief of the Marshalls and no phone notice was sent out to the Lake residents so that we would know it was closed. A Lake Patrol office came screaming at me to get off the Lake.

      Delete

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