One of the essential ways in which we must respect and protect both the shoreline and the creatures who live there is by abiding by the protective buffer zone created by Presque Isle Town Ordinance (subchapter 501.01(3), motorboats): no motor boat shall be operated faster than slow-no-wake within 200 feet of the mainland shoreline or island(s) on any lake or on any river at any time, except when leaving or returning from shore while towing a water skier, as provided in 501.03(4). Ski boats leaving or returning to shore shall yield the right-of-way to all other watercraft within the 200 feet shore zone.
By limiting our high speed boating activities to the area of the lake beyond 200 feet from shore, we reduce the amount of suspended sediment, disturb fewer aquatic plants, lessen the disruption of fish and loon nesting areas, create less erosion of the shoreline, and provide a safe area for swimming and other non-motorized activities. The limitation of the buffer zone is clearly offset by its important benefits to the most essential part of Presque Isle – our lakes. See the buffer zone in the map below.
