CBSN MinnesotaWatch Now
Filed Under:Adam Carter, Bill Hudson, Board Of Directors, Boats, Lake Minnetonka
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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — In what is believed to be an unprecedented move, a minimum wake restriction is going into effect for Lake Minnetonka — yes, all of it.

Due to high waters, officials are enforcing a minimum wake restriction for the entire lake. That means boats, jet skis and other watercrafts cannot go above 5 mph while the restriction is in place.

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The minimum wake rule is effective immediately.

The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District Board of Directors approved an emergency high water ordinance on Thursday, making it unlawful for anyone to operate a watercraft at a speed that results in more than a minimum wake.

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“If your wake behind your boat (or watercraft) is causing problems to other watercraft or to the shoreline, that’s not minimum wake,” said Greg Nybeck, executive director for the Conservation District. “The standard in most cases is five miles per hour.”

He said this is the first time he can remember such an ordinance going into effect for the entire lake.

The minimum wake restrictions will be in place for an undetermined amount of time. Nybeck said they need some dry weather to bring lake levels down.

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Penalties for violators could be as much as $150.