How does the ordinance work? 

The no-wake ordinance establishes no-wake zones on lakes Bavaria, Reitz, Pierson and Waconia triggered by high water elevations. The ordinance goes into effect automatically when water levels on these lakes reach a designated high-water elevation. The high-water elevations are based on either a lake's ordinary high-water level, set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, or on the FEMA 100-year flood elevation.

What is no-wake? 

The term “no-wake” means that watercraft must move at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than 5 mph. 

Property protection and safety 

This no-wake ordinance prevents property damage, ensures public safety, and protects shoreline areas vital to a healthy lake.  Most intact and natural shoreline can hold their own against high water levels, waves and winter ice. But many of our lake shorelines are no longer natural. They consist of grass to the water’s edge or rip rap. Grass has little roots to hold soil in place, and rip rap has potential to fail, both which lead to erosion of soil along the shoreline, loss of property, and sediment pollution in the lake. Preventing waves during high water levels greatly reduces shoreline erosion and preserves the water quality and wildlife enjoyed by communities.

When is an ordinance removed?

The ordinance is removed once the lake’s water level is 0.1 feet below the designated high-water elevation for three consecutive days.

Review and approval 

The no-wake ordinance went through public comment in fall 2021, was approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on April 11, 2022, and adopted by the County Board on May 3, 2022. Other County lakes were not included in the ordinance language because they receive management by a city ordinance, have lower use, or no past requests exist.