NASBLA Public Library

This technical white paper examines the relative contributions of wind-driven waves and recreational boat wakes to sediment resuspension in Wisconsin inland lakes. Building on the findings of Anthony and Downing (2003), the author applies established wave physics and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lake data to estimate wave height, wavelength, and sediment mobilization potential on typical 100- to 200-acre lakes. The analysis concludes that moderate wind events affect substantially larger portions of the lake bed than individual wake boat passes and argues that wind-driven wave action is the dominant basin-scale mechanism for sediment resuspension.

The paper presents engineering calculations, lake morphology analyses, and comparisons of wind-generated waves, propeller disturbance, and wake-generated waves. It also reviews findings from published studies on shoreline wave energy, turbidity, and sediment resuspension to place wake boat impacts within a broader scientific context. Intended for policymakers, lake managers, boating agencies, researchers, and law enforcement professionals, the document provides a technical perspective on sediment dynamics and the role of wind relative to recreational boating in Wisconsin inland lakes.