Dear Members and Neighbors,
As we prepare for another beautiful season on Six Mile Lake, the stewardship of our water and shorelines remains a top priority. Many of you have noticed the increasing presence of wake-enhancing boats and the larger waves they produce.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released a comprehensive study—Fisheries Report 37—that confirms many of the concerns our association has been discussing regarding shoreline erosion, loon nesting safety, and water quality.
Why This Matters for Six Mile Lake
Because Six Mile Lake is part of the Upper Chain of Lakes and has many shallow areas (with an average depth of only 13 feet), we are particularly vulnerable to the effects of high-energy wakes. Here are the top takeaways from the DNR report:
- Waves Need More Room: The study found that waves from wake boats carry significantly more energy than standard ski or pontoon boats. These waves require at least 500 feet of distance to dissipate before they hit the shore to prevent damage.
- Stirring Up the Bottom: Wake boats are designed to push water downward. In depths of less than 20 feet, this “propeller wash” resuspends bottom sediments. For a lake like ours, this means releasing trapped phosphorus back into the water, which can fuel the algae blooms we work so hard to prevent.
- Habitat & Loon Protection: High-energy waves can wash out loon nests and destroy the “nearshore” aquatic plants where our fish spawn. As we’ve seen in past years, even our loon platforms and buoys can be dislodged by these powerful wakes.
- The Invasive Species Risk: The ballast tanks used in these boats are nearly impossible to drain completely. This creates a high risk of transporting invasive species (like zebra mussel larvae) from other lakes into our watershed.
Operating Responsibly
The DNR report recommends that wake-enhancing activities be restricted to waters at least 500 feet from shore and at least 20 feet deep. On a lake of our size and depth, there are very few areas where these conditions can be met safely.
We encourage all residents and guests to operate watercraft in a responsible manner to protect our community’s “piece of heaven.” Remember, under Michigan law, boaters can be held liable for damage caused by their wake to neighboring shorelines and docks.
Read the Full Report: You can access the official MDNR Fisheries Report 37 here: Fisheries Report 37: Wake Boat Study (Official Version)
Let’s work together to keep Six Mile Lake pristine for the loons, the fish, and our families!
— The Six Mile Lake Association