Tribal Households Needed for “Slow No Wake” Signage

Mar 22, 2022

AKWESASNE -- The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Compliance Department is seeking tribal households located along Akwesasne’s waterways who are interested in placing a “Slow No Wake” sign on their property. The signs are intended to help prevent shoreline erosion and to keep our waterways safe for community members to enjoy.

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in boaters, sea-doos, canoers, kayakers, and other recreational watercraft in Akwesasne’s rivers. Many are operated by licensed boaters who are aware of the impact that wakes can have on the environment and others, while some are unaware of the dangers that high-speed vessels pose to smaller, slower vessels and swimmers.

Placing a “Slow No Wake” sign on your waterfront property will help prevent shoreline erosion and keep your area of the river safe by encouraging boaters to travel at a lower speed to reduce wake. This is particularly important in areas that are narrow or susceptible to crowding, such as channels and marinas.

Equally important to the protection of personal property and safety, is the impact that boat wakes can have on fish and other wildlife that live along the shoreline. Fish utilize the shallow waters for their habitat and the river’s edge also serve as an ideal location for spawning, while other aquatic wildlife and waterfowl use the waterfront and marshes for nesting.

Waterfront property owners who are interested in receiving a “Slow No Wake” sign for posting along the riverbank are encouraged to contact the SRMT Compliance Department at (518) 358-2273.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and encourage you to make your upcoming boating season enjoyable for everyone by respecting the posted “Slow No Wake” zones.

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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.