Channel markers – where can I get one?

I’ve seen some redidences as well as some businesses that have the channel markers from the Mississippi River.

How do they get them legally ?

I’ve been told that there is some maritime salvage law or something ? that says we can take one legally if we find a runaway marker bouy hung up in a backwater slough. I tried looking that up & have not found such a law. I know where 2 of these markers are and wouldn’t mind having one if I can legally get one.

Please pm me with details & provide a link if you know about this subject. Thanks.

I would think any lake association would have information to buy this type of thing….

Here is off the Wisconsin dnr web sight. They also have a permit application for putting one out. Also I found a number of web sights that sell them. Do a little research and you will find your answers :

Ordinances and waterway markers
Before boating on unfamiliar Wisconsin waterways, check for a sign at the public boat landing to determine if there are local regulations (more restrictive than state law) that may apply on that water body

Boating ordinances
Wisconsin law allows local municipalities to enact local regulations relative to boating in the interest of public health, safety or welfare, including the public’s interest in preserving the state’s natural resources.

Local municipalities may have regulations governing such things as water skiing, shore zones, speed limits, etc. State boating law provides a general framework of regulation, but it is up to local municipalities to provide regulations tailored to local conditions. The authority to enact local regulations is found in Chapter 30.77 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Municipalities that would like assistance or advice in drafting local regulations should contact their regional law enforcement safety specialist at your regional DNR headquarters.

Waterway markers
Once a boat speed limit or controlled area has been lawfully established, regulatory signs or buoys may be posted by the local government pursuant to a permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. The department grants permits to governmental entities pursuant to Section 30.74(2), Wis. Stats., and Chapter NR 5.09, Wis. Adm. Code, which specifies buoy standards and permit requirements. Local municipalities may also receive a permit to place aids to navigation such as channel buoys or hazard markers.

If you are talking about a run away red or green aid to navigation… they are heavy even without the chain and cement attached.

I’ve always called the out of place Anton number and the Cg picked them up even in the backwaters.

I know I’m not helping your question. Keep in mind they are federal property.

I know of 6-8 throughout the area that are no longer anywhere near the channel or water. They are also unbelievably heavy.

Would the Corps/CG care to pursue people if some of the unknown runaways went missing? Probably not. Would it take an immense feat to “discretely rescue” some that I’ve seen for personal use? Absolutely.

The maritime salvage law only pertains to the oceans. It basically states the person rescuing the vessel or cargo in distress is entitled to a reward based on the value of whatever was recovered.

On the river you are bound by state and federal laws and I’d imagine taking a federally owned buoy is not legal, even if it has broken loose from its moorings.

And like BK said those things are big and heavy. I believe they are at least 6 feet long and maybe 18” in diameter made of heavy gauge steel. Probably a few hundred pounds.

I think If I really wanted a bouy, I’d go get a keg, pay the deposit on it, drink all the beer out of it, weld a ring to it for a chain, paint it color of choice and put where you wanted it
seems like a win win

mike-west wrote:

I think If I really wanted a bouy, I’d go get a keg, pay the deposit on it, drink all the beer out of it, weld a ring to it for a chain, paint it color of choice and put where you wanted it
seems like a win win

This could be interesting.

Joe “Where did you catch the walleyes?”
Fred “Over by the Hamm’s barrel on the south end of the lake”

I think I will listen to my wife this once……

….she says “get that silly idea out of your head, you don’t need a friggin bouy in the yard!”