The public weighs in on a proposed slow/no wake zone on Squaw Bay, and quite a crowd turned out for Monday night's hearing.

More than 200 people packed the Monona Community Center to voice their opinions on the proposal, which is now under review by the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission.

The proposal would amend the county code to establish a slow/no wake zone on Squaw Bay, which is part of Lake Monona.

Opponents of the change say they feel their rights are being taken away for the benefit of a specific small interest group. But supporters say it boils down to safety.

"It's an accident waiting to happen out there. They're getting more and more boats every year, the boats are getting bigger and faster, and there is a great deal of congestion out there," says Stuart Brandes, who supports the No-Wake Proposal.

"We need to be looking more at law enforcement and community support, maybe to report people who are breaking laws. But to use no wake regulations, it's not going to solve a problem in fact it might create other problems," says Teri Larson, who is against the No-Wake Proposal.

There is already a 200 foot no/wake zone at every boat launch on the bay.

No action was taken from the committee Monday night. The proposal will go before the Dane County Board once all committees have acted on it.