Town of Spider Lake Supervisors continue to work to restore the "Quiet Hours" boating ordinance.  As discussed in the "Informational Session" on March 13, town leaders anticipate a public hearing in April.  Send your opinion on the need to restore the boating ordinance to town leaders at Tim.Sheldon@TownOfSpiderLakeWi.gov

Boating Ordinance Informational Session March 13, 2024:  For full summary and details go to TownOfSpiderLakeWi.gov/

From the summary of the 3/13/24 session: "The main goal of Board Action is to have an ordinance in place soon for the 2024 boating season.  The new ordinance is intended to resemble the old Ordinance #12 and contains similar restrictions."  The March 13, 2024 informational session was intended to increase understanding and transparency about the ordinance process.  "This session did not and will not replace the formal public hearing, which will likely be scheduled in April, 2024."

Background

On October 11, 2023 a circuit judge issued an Order For Summary Judgement that found waterskiing hours on Spider Lake and the “Quiet Lakes” speed limit of 10 mph on all other lakes in the town to be invalid and “of no legal effect.”  This change overturns nearly 70 years of partial quiet hours on the Spider Chain of Lakes.  It also removes the “Quiet Lakes” designation of Teal, Lost Land, and Ghost lakes.  

The current town boating ordinance for Spider Lake was first drafted in the 1950s as a compromise.  It was designed to accommodate folks who wanted unlimited speed 24/7 and those who wanted a quiet, safe place to fish, paddle, swim, or simply enjoy the serenity of the lake.

With a minor administrative adjustment, this nearly 70 year old “quiet hours” ordinance can be re-instated by the Town Board of Supervisors.  In advance of that vote, a public hearing will be held to allow members of the public to voice their thoughts.  

To share your thoughts with town leaders, contact them (email addresses on TownOfSpiderLakeWI.gov). You can also attend any Town Board Meeting in person or by Zoom.  You can request (a day in advance) to speak at ANY Town Board Meeting. You can submit email to be read at ANY Town Board Meeting. To learn more, including dates and agenda packets for meetings email the Town Clerk, Ann Schultz or call her at (715) 462-3977.