SARANAC LAKE — Six Adirondack Park-based environmental organizations welcome all to attend a webinar titled “Wake Sports in the Adirondacks: The Hidden Impacts and Dangers to Our Ecosystems” that will take place on Jan. 14. This educational presentation is free to the public and will address questions and concerns about wave-producing boat use on Adirondack lakes.

The sports of wake surfing and wakeboarding have been increasing in popularity over the past five years. These watersports are performed with specialized wave-producing boats called wake boats that, when used in “wake mode,” generate standing waves that allow wake surfers and wakeboarders to surf behind the boat without a tow rope.

The presence of wake boats on lakes in the Adirondacks has some waterfront property owners, lake stewards, naturalists and fellow boaters questioning the potential environmental and safety impacts of wave-producing watercraft on fragile freshwater lake ecosystems.

“Wake boats create waves bigger and stronger than average powerboats and have the potential to erode shorelines, uproot habitat for fish and birds, and stir up sediment and nutrients that can impact water quality,” said Sara Kelly, research scientist at the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College, in a press release. “If we want to ensure healthy Adirondack lakes tomorrow, we need smarter rules for wake boats today.”

The free webinar will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/wake-sports-webinar.

The presentation will define what a wake boat is, explain how wake boats are different from other motorized watercraft, provide a brief overview of research about the environmental impacts of wake boats and offer avenues for responsible wake boat use. The presentation will be delivered by Scott Ireland, executive director of Adirondack Lakes Alliance. Ireland will be joined by special guest Laura Dlugolecki from Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Dlugolecki played a role in enacting wake boat restrictions for Vermont lakes in 2024 and will speak about the importance of working with wake boat users to set guidelines for their use.

This webinar is co-hosted by Adirondack Lakes Alliance, Paul Smiths Adirondack Watershed Institute, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, Adirondack Council, Protect! the Adirondacks and Upper Saranac Foundation.

“As wake sports continue to grow across the Adirondacks, it’s important that we recognize both the enjoyment they offer and the environmental pressures they create. Our lakes are resilient, but they are not immune to increased shoreline erosion, wildlife disturbance and the spread of aquatic invasive species,” Executive Director of Upper Saranac Foundation Guy Middleton said in a press release. “By working together as boaters, residents and lake stewards, we can ensure that recreation and conservation move forward hand in hand.”