A study conducted in northern Wisconsin found that slow-moving pleasure-boaters in shallow water do substantial damage to the lake's bottom.
The study conducted by David Hill, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State University, suggests using
o wake zones"" as opposed to speed limits.
""One might think that putting in a sign in shallow water that says '8 mph' would be a good way to prevent turbulence from prop wash that can stir up shallow lake bottoms,"" said Hill. ""However, our study shows that imposing a uniform speed limit can lead to significantly different impacts for boats of different size.""
The study found that boats moving either very quickly or very slowly do little damage to the lake bottom, but speeds between 6 and 8 mph can be detrimental.
The disturbances allow less light to reach aquatic species. Water temperature also was adversely affected.
