Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area
Local Ordinance Regulates Personal Watercraft

An ordinance passed by the Town of Sherman on May 13, 2008 places time-of-day restrictions on the operation of personal watercraft on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. A similar ordinance was passed by the Town of Mercer in 1998. The restrictions have been in effect on Trude Lake since the Mercer ordinance was adopted, however, because the Flowage lies within the jurisdiction of two townships, the restrictions did not apply on the Flowage until the Town of Sherman also enacted an ordinance.

The ordinance states in part:

The Town of Sherman finds that it is necessary to enact an ordinance to provide for the safe and healthful conditions for the enjoyment of aquatic recreation consistent with public rights and interest, and consistent with the capability of the water resource to handle such activity.

The ordinance specifies that on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage no person may operate a personal watercraft at speeds greater than slow-no-wake except between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

The personal watercraft restrictions went into effect on June 6, 2008. Signs are posted at public boat access sites advising users of the new law.