(Wahpeton)– Proposed changes to Iowa’s boating laws will be the topic of a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. May 25th at the lodge at Gull Point State Park.
Rich Jordet, Supervisor of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Bureau tells KUOO news the changes are intended to improve consistency and clarify what’s currently on the books.
Jordet says the proposed changes include establishing zones that restrict boat speed to less than five miles-per-hour to address concerns over decreased visibility, water turbidity and soil erosion.
Jordet says another proposed change decreases the speed boats can travel within 300 feet of shoreline on the Iowa Great Lakes from 10 miles-per-hour to five.
Any interested person may make written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendments on or before May 25th. Written comments should be directed to the Law Enforcement Bureau’s website at www.iowadnr.gov or may be sent to the Law Enforcement Bureau Chief, Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East 9th Street; Des Moines, Iowa…50319-0034 or by fax at (515) 281-6794.
Based on public comment, Jordet says the proposed amendments would then go before the Natural Resource Commission. If approved, it would then go to the Legislative Rules Committee. If things go accordingly, Jordet says the proposed changes could become law by mid-summer.
