Slow no-wake at Campion landing to get second council reading

By Correne Martin

The Prairie du Chien Common Council decided at its meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 23, to send a proposed slow-no wake designation for the Campion Boat Landing on to its March 1 council meeting for a second reading. This was based upon recommendation from the public works committee so the public has ample opportunity to share comments and concerns regarding the change.

The ordinance proposing the slow-no wake change has been reviewed and approved by the Department of Natural Resources. It would create a slow-no wake zone in the following area: 400 feet north of the northern edge of the Campion Street boat landing, then west to a point on Hunter Island, then south along the meandering line of the Mississippi River to the southern tip of Hunter Island, then east to a point 400 feet south of the southern edge of the Campion Street boat landing, then north along the meandering line of the Mississippi River back to beginning.

If approved at the meeting next week, the slow-no wake rule will go into effect as soon as buoys are set out at the river boundaries north and south of the boat landing in May. Those exact locations are yet to be determined, however. During the council meeting, City Administrator Aaron Kramer said “no scientific guidelines” were used in determining where to place the buoys.

“We just chose the southern tip of the island and then put the other one an equal distance on the other end,” he stated.

Alderman Nate Gilberts wondered whether the boundaries could be placed at such a distance that would accommodate a commonly-used jet skiing area in the vicinity.

Kramer said the boundaries could be reduced but not expanded without going to the DNR for further approval.