Citing concerns about public safety and potential liability, the El Dorado Irrigation District board has called for a ban on personal watercraft on Silver Lake. The ban would apply to personal water craft only- ski boats and fishing boats would still be allowed giving water skiers a temporary reprieve.

District directors will ask the Amador County Board of Supervisors to adopt an ordinance prohibiting personal watercraft on the lake off Highway 88. The El Dorado Board also agreed to establish a task force in an effort to resolve conflicts between speedboat users and those who prefer more placid pursuits such as fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Irrigation Board member George Osborne said liability in case of an accident is a major concern. "We are not the enforcement agency; whatever action is involved will be done by the Amador County Board of Supervisors," he said. "But as a public entity, we are deep pockets."

A board committee recommended the restrictions last month after fishermen complained of dangers posed by fast boats, and, in one case, harassment by personal watercraft users. In that incident, William "Dub" Kramer, a fly-fisherman and resident of El Dorado County's Apple Hill area, reported that two young men on personal watercraft came by his boat and said, "Let's see if we can dump the old guy in the float tube." The former law enforcement officer said he warned the two he had pepper spray and wasn't bothered further. Publicity on the issue generated about 180 letters, e-mails and phone calls, said Don Pearson, the Irrigation district recreation director. About 130 of those letter, emails and telephone calls favored banning personal watercraft and setting a 10-mph speed limit that would effectively eliminate water skiing, he said, while about 50 opposed the restrictions. Lake users packed the boardroom for a nearly 2 1/2-hour hearing last week , giving what were passionate arguments on both sides, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Most speakers agreed the harassment incident was unacceptable and supported the ban on personal watercraft, but they objected to the speed limit, saying that lake users such as water skiers historically have gotten along well. Michael Chapman, president of the Echo Lakes Association, suggested a committee be formed to educate boaters about boating laws and safety practices. Under the plan, violators would be counseled by volunteers. Chapman said the approach was successful at Echo Lake. Some speakers supported Chapman's view that a variety of uses can coexist at the lake. Others favored a strict speed limit, saying boats have been damaged by underwater hazards, and canoers and kayakers feel intimidated and unsafe around fast boats and personal watercraft. Jane LaBoa, the U.S. Forest Service Lead in Amador County, supported restrictions. She said Forest Service officials have received complaints about noise created by speedboats and personal watercraft from lake users and area hikers. The task force is to report to the district board in 90 days.