4.2 Public safety Public safety was not addressed by the 2007 process, which instead focused on issues of water quality, wildlife habitat, and neighborhood harmony. Safety is now a primary management objective following a fatal accident in 2012 involving personal watercraft and a towed inflatable device. During public hearings in 2012, the majority of lake residents and several non-motorized users were concerned that existing regulations do not adequately address safety. Current motorized use significantly exceeds the lake’s carrying capacity, contributing to increased user conflicts and a higher risk of accidents. 4.3 Education Comments received during public meetings in 2012 indicate that existing signage and have failed to educate users about the wake zones and prohibited areas. Several people suggested that lake users be required to complete a boater education course before operating on Auke Lake. The regulatory buoys now used do not comply with state law. 4.4 Enforcement There was nearly unanimous agreement among lake residents, motorized users, and non-motorized users in 2012 that enforcement of regulations is critical. Since 2007, there has been no enforcement by the Parks & Recreation Department or the Juneau Police Department due to a lack of resources. Most people agreed that if the CBJ is going to manage and regulate Auke Lake, then adequate resources must be provided to enforce those regulations. 4.5 Preserving wildlife habitat & water quality The majority of lake residents are concerned that the goals of the 2007 process are not being achieved, including the protection of waterfowl habitat and water quality. Several individuals expressed concern about the increasing number of ocean-going vessels being rinsed and flushed in Auke Lake. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation shares this concern because engines produce more hydrocarbons when first started, thus increasing pollution in the lake. Several people felt that water quality should be monitored more actively. 5. Management Issues, Alternatives, and Recommendations Active Management
4.2 Public safety Public safety was not addressed by the 2007 process, which instead focused on issues of water quality, wildlife habitat, and neighborhood harmony. Safety is now a primary management objective following a fatal accident in 2012 involving personal watercraft and a towed inflatable device. During public hearings in 2012, the majority of lake residents and several non-motorized users were concerned that existing regulations do not adequately address safety. Current motorized use significantly exceeds the lake’s carrying capacity, contributing to increased user conflicts and a higher risk of accidents. 4.3 Education Comments received during public meetings in 2012 indicate that existing signage and have failed to educate users about the zones and prohibited areas. Several people suggested that lake users be required to complete a boater education course before operating on Auke Lake. The regulatory buoys now used do not comply with state law. 4.4 Enforcement There was nearly unanimous agreement among lake residents, motorized users, and non-motorized users in 2012 that enforcement of regulations is critical. Since 2007, there has been no enforcement by the Parks & Recreation Department or the Juneau Police Department due to a lack of resources. Most people agreed that if the CBJ is going to manage and regulate Auke Lake, then adequate resources must be provided to enforce those regulations. 4.5 Preserving wildlife habitat & water quality The majority of lake residents are concerned that the goals of the 2007 process are not being achieved, including the protection of waterfowl habitat and water quality. Several individuals expressed concern about the increasing number of ocean-going vessels being rinsed and flushed in Auke Lake. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation shares this concern because engines produce more hydrocarbons when first started, thus increasing pollution in the lake. Several people felt that water quality should be monitored more actively. 5. Management Issues, Alternatives, and Recommendations Active Management wake
AukeLakeManagementPlan2013_05_01Final.docx