BOAT WAKES CAUSING DAMAGE

Property owners are complaining that bank erosion has increased markedly since the new boat landing was installed here.
Two residents with property on Bayou Amy told the Town Council at the June 8 meeting that after eight or more years, erosion losses in the last year have become much worse. They believe that the great increase in boat traffic in the bayou is the main reason.
A boat landing was opened just north of Pat’s Restaurant about a year ago. No–wake zones in the area are being ignored, say the residents. A 300–foot no–wake zone exists in each direction from the ramp, but property owners want it expanded to include the entire length of the bayou in Henderson’s incorporated area and they say that enforcement measures also need to be taken.
One of the residents, Tracy Carlson, brought a printout of the controlling statute showing that Henderson had the authority to institute no–wake zones in the bayou.
Mayor Sherbin Collette said that the parish was having a sign made to post at the landing making the no–wake zones clear and making an appeal to boaters for better voluntary cooperation.
Police Capt. James Thibodeaux told the residents that police do not have to be present for the laws to be enforced. He said that actions could be taken if registration numbers of offending boats are reported.
Councilman Jody Meche said that measures are needed for safety in the congested area as well as for erosion control.