Jefferson County

Jefferson County is NOT under a slow no wake at this time.

A slow no wake issued by Jefferson County applies to all rivers and streams within Jefferson County. Lakes are under the jurisdiction of the local municipality. For information on whether a lake in under a slow no wake, please contact the local municipality.

What determines a slow no wake?
Jefferson County issues a slow no wake at a reading of 779.5 or higher at the Newville gauging station. The determination is issued by the Office of Emergency Management.

How is a slow no wake calculated?
1. Go to: NWS - Hydrologic Prediction Service
2. Click on the Newville location
3. The Newville Gauge Datum is at 770.0.
4. Add today's level to 770.0
5. If the level is at or above 779.5, a slow no wake is in effect.

ORDINANCE NO. 96-36

THE JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

An Ordinance to regulate boating on the rivers and streams of Jefferson County.

SECTION 1. APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT. (a) The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the rivers and streams of Jefferson County.

(b) The provisions of this ordinance shall be enforced by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department which is authorized to issue citations in accordance with Section 66.119, Wis. Stats., for violations of this ordinance.

SECTION 2. INTENT. The intent of this ordinance is to permit the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department to issue citations for violations of state boating laws incorporated herein.

SECTION 3. Sections 30.50 through 30.71, Wis. Stats. (1995), inclusive, except Sections 30.67, 30.68(2) and 30.681(2) are incorporated herein and hereby adopted by reference, including all changes and amendments hereafter made thereto.

SECTION 4. SLOW - NO WAKE AREA. The term "Slow - No Wake Area" shall mean that area within which boats shall be operated at the slowest speed at which said boat can be operated and still maintain forward motion and steering control. Slow - No Wake Areas shall be so designated by notices posted at points of public access and buoys. Such posting and buoys shall be made when the water level is 779.5 feet above sea level at Jefferson County Hydrologic Unit 07090001 which is located 80 feet east of Pottawatomi Trail Bridge at Bingham Point Estates on Lake Koshkonong. No person shall operate a power-driven boat faster than a "Slow - No Wake" speed in an area so marked.

SECTION 5. PENALTIES. For violations of the incorporated statutory sections above, the penalties shall be the Wisconsin State Boating Penalties as found in Section 30.80, Wis. Stats., which is hereby adopted by reference with all references to fines amended to forfeitures and all references to imprisonment deleted. Deposits for citations issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be those established in the Uniform Deposit and Bail Schedule promulgated by the Wisconsin Judicial Conference which is hereby adopted by reference, with all references to fines amended to forfeitures and including all applicable state assessments and court costs.

SECTION 6. SCHEDULE OF CASH DEPOSITS. Jefferson County Ordinance No. 96-17 is hereby amended to include the applicable portions of the Uniform Deposit and Bail Schedule described above for citations issued for violations of this ordinance.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and publication.

Adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Supervisors the 11th day of March, 1997.