JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS

This resolution urges Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how wake boats - specialized vessels creating large waves - impact the state's freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It specifically requests DEM to analyze environmental effects (like sediment disturbance and algae blooms), shoreline erosion, public safety risks, and invasive species transport, while reviewing regulations from other states. If the study finds significant harm, DEM would then develop regulations to limit wake boat operations, such as setting minimum lake sizes, depth requirements, or shoreline setbacks. The resolution directly affects Rhode Island's 237+ freshwater bodies (covering 18,845 acres), which are vulnerable due to their small size and ecological sensitivity.