The pilot program is in effect now and lasts through October 2015. After that date, the rule will be evaluated to become potentially a permanent rule.
The specific text of the rule states: “No person shall operate or permit the operation of a powercraft with a motor or combination of motors exceeding a horsepower rating of 10 horsepower at a speed greater than idle speed or at a speed that creates a wake.”
“We’re going to allow people to use large horsepower engines, but it’s idle speed only. No wake is no wake … you can go down the lake in a small outboard, and you’re going to make a wake. But if you have a larger motor, you can’t make a wake. So you’re not going to be able to move as fast,” Miller said. “It’s an opportunity for people to maybe use different types of boats.”
Miller asserted, “We’re not going to put up with people doing something they shouldn’t do. That’s only fair to people that want to do it the right way to keep this, because it’s a good thing to have,” he said.
Other lakes in Ohio, such as ones in Knox County in northeast Ohio, have tried a no-wake rule, and “We’ve had very few problems. We’re hoping the same thing takes place here,” said Miller.
ODNR officials explained the change to a few dozen area residents Thursday at the Hueston Woods Lodge, with the idea getting a mixed reception.
Peter Lask, of Oxford, rows his boat on the lake several times a week and is in favor of the pilot program, although he’s not sure people will follow it.
“If people abide by the rule as it’s written, then it would probably be OK if it doesn’t increase traffic on the lake drastically. My concern is that people do not adhere to the rules that are currently on the lake and I don’t see how they would be any better about adhering to the new rule,” he said.
For example, people have been violating the 10-horsepower limit that stood before this pilot program started. “I’m on the lake for one hour, five days a week, and I see anywhere from one to six bass boats with oversized engines … that’s been the story all spring,” Lask said.
Tina Cope, of Franklin, said she is against the new rule. “I think it should never be implemented. I’ve come here since I was a child. I learned to sail here. It is a peaceful, clean, good lake. I’ve been to other lakes where they have the bigger boats. It kills the lake.”
She said the larger boats have fluids that leak into the lake and stir up the sediment, which is harmful to the fish.
“Somebody who thinks they can will try to violate (the rule.) Stupid is as stupid does,” Cope said.
Gwen Marshall, of Cincinnati, said she is also against the new rule. “The problem is that if this change goes into effect these people are likely to kill the goose that laid the golden egg in that they would change what they like about Acton Lake into what they dislike about lakes like Caesar’s Creek. …this could greatly change the nature of what the current users of Hueston Woods and Acton Lake like about the park.”
Frank Peters, of Liberty Twp., said, “I think it’s a good move. The key to it, I think, the proper signage at the launch ramps to tell people what the rules are. And maybe we’ll get a higher success rate.”
People who have questions or comments on the rule change can email watercraft@dnr.state.oh.us or write to ODNR Division of Watercraft, 2045 Morse Road A-3, Columbus, OH 43229.
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