JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The topic of boat wakes has rippled across the Lake of the Ozarks this year; large wakes were blamed for multiple swampings and injuries, and the Lake was under a rare No-Wake restriction in the days leading up to the July 4th weekend. As the waters grow calm with the summer's end, state representatives for the region are wondering whether legislation could better regulate wakes on the Lake.

David Wood is one of three Missouri House members who speak on behalf of Lake of the Ozarks. Annually, Wood joins Representatives Rocky Miller and Diane Franklin to fight for the Lake’s share of tourism dollars. In early November, they will team up to listen to ideas about best practices on Lake of the Ozarks.

Summer 2015 was an unusual one. It included a mandated no-wake zone for the entire Lake of the Ozarks due to extraordinary rainfall and flooding in and around the Lake. The Governor’s no-wake restriction was generally applauded, as it protected property from damage. However, when the Governor lifted the no-wake mandate for the 4th of July weekend, that too was praised by local businesses and others who depend on the Lake—and the busiest weekend of the summer—for their recreation or their livelihood.

No-wakes on the lake inspired many to imagine a permanent no-wake Lake. When LakeExpo polled readers about the idea or some compromise, a majority favored changes that would restrict wakes to some extent. Wood, Miller, and Franklin have received calls that indicate the same sentiments.

Should the Lake of the Ozarks be periodically restricted to "No-Wake"?

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Property owners have asked legislators to take action, and Representative Wood has said he will introduce legislation affecting the Lake and wakes in the next session. He added his hope that more people will call his office, write to him, or attend the open forum to be held at Wilmore Lodge in early November so that the legislation will serve businesses and homeowners well.

Wood acknowledged that businesses thrive if boaters can reach waterfront restaurants quickly. Their futures must be considered, he contended. Wood also acknowledged that property owners expect that their sea walls, docks, and boats will not need constant, expensive repair due to damaging wakes.

One proposal being considered is to restrict to No-Wake any Lake space that is 1,250 feet or less from shore to shore while leaving larger, more open spaces unrestricted. Wood added that legislation is easier to change before it’s introduced so he is asking for the public’s input as early as possible.

Roadways & Real Estate

Wood also noted the consequences of budgetary limitations on the Missouri Department of Transportation. He says only Highways 5 and 54 will be maintained, leaving countless roadways to deteriorate. Wood believes that poor access will deter potential buyers and tourists. He offered the Highway 54 bypass as an example. When the old, congested roads to and from the Lake were improved, some businesses failed and those now located on the west side of the Osage Beach Parkway struggle. Similarly, now that Highway 135 has been widened and shoulders provided, drivers are using 135 from Stover instead of going through Versailles, and businesses have noted the difference in traffic.

In Wood’s opinion, voters need to be mindful of their responsibilities to insure good roadways. He says Neighborhood Improvement Districts, for example, should vote to extend funding responsibilities in order to preserve and protect property values.

Finally, Wood noted that the Gravois Arm is but one area of the Lake with a great deal of property for sale. He invited the real estate industry to promote sales in that area in order to improve the overall economy.

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