Enforce no-wake rule at Lake Macbride

Regarding a Feb. 13 letter by Kirk Witzberger, “How we all benefit from two lakes two different rules”: One lake with a different rule is Lake Macbride. The only man-made state lake over 100 acres in Iowa with the 10-horsepower rule. All others are no-wake, no motor restriction. No wake means going slowly enough to not make waves. That leaves out water skiing, tubing and that “different” kind of fun.

Many times I have been fishing at Lake Macbride and a pontoon boat would come by with a 9.9 horsepower motor and almost wash me out of the water. I guess those who live around the lake and have pontoons don't have to live by the no-wake rule.

The lake itself was built back in the Depression. In the 1950s, the dam was raised to accommodate Coralville Lake. This was done with taxpayer money.

Due to poor water quality in 2001, the state at the cost of $2.4 million worked on the lake and 10 miles of shoreline was armored with riprap to protect from wake damage and the speed limit stayed at 10 horsepower, no wake.

In 2008, high water did some damage and it was drawn down again in 2009 to repair that damage. All was done with taxes and money from hunting and fishing licenses.

It is my understanding that no-wake should apply to everyone regardless of the size of the motor. Lake Macbride should be enjoyed as all other Iowa lakes since we all pay our share.

Gary Roberts

Cedar Rapids