Let the Macbride rule stand

By The Gazette Editorial Board

---

For years, those who want to change the boat-motor rules at Lake Macbride have said it's unfair to keep an exception in force.

We understand why they see it that way. But “fairness” isn't the only thing legislators should consider as they weigh yet another bill aimed at eliminating the 940-acre man-made lake's special status.

The issue: Macbride is the only state lake that restricts boat motor size to 10 horsepower or smaller from Memorial Day through Labor Day. That's because the Legislature made an exception to Iowa Department of Natural Resources rules.

And now state Sen. Swati Dandekar, D-Marion, is the latest legislator trying to do away with the restriction. SF54 would allow boats with motors bigger than 10 horsepower at any time on Macbride.

Here's the biggest rub for those who oppose the proposed change: All state lakes, including Macbride, must abide by a no-wake rule. Those in support of the motor rule at Macbride believe that boats with larger motors are more likely to violate the no-wake requirement. And that, they say, would spoil the lake's serenity for residents and users alike. It would reduce its appeal to those folks who use kayaks, canoes and sailboats, as well as campers and anglers in boats with small motors. Such status is special, worth making an exception, they say.

We agree with the status quo on this one.

What's so wrong with preserving the uniqueness of this lake? Especially when you consider that right next door - literally a few feet - is a larger water venue: Coralville Lake, where people can operate boats with bigger motors and accommodate water skiers and such. It's the best of both worlds.

We don't believe that the motor restriction discourages or blocks much public use of Lake Macbride. Legislators should back off. This exception is worth keeping.