The following information comes from Wisconsin Lakes Associaiton (WAL)
Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning rule (NR 115) contains statewide minimum standards for shoreland development in unincorporated areas. The proposed rule revision that has been referred to the state legislature includes the first changes to shoreland standards since 1968.
This revised rule includes important new provisions to prevent over-development of shorelines in order to minimize impacts on water quality, habitat, and natural scenic beauty, while protecting the legitimate interests of people who own cottages and other structures built before Wisconsin first undertook to regulate shorelands 40 years ago.
Proposed NR 115 is a consensus package on a substantive rule that has impacts on a wide range of stakeholders including water advocates, Realtors, builders, and county governments. The proposal reflects consensus by conservation groups and development interests. As with any consensus package, there are imperfections.
The Wisconsin Association of Lakes (WAL) has been closely involved with this evolving rule package since revisions were first proposed. The content of NR 115 has been markedly advanced by the WAL’s work over the last eight years. WAL’s position has always been to seek standards for local shoreland regulations that respect both the property rights of lakefront owners and the habitat and water quality that drew us to lakes in the first place.
Next Steps in the process
As part of the administrative rule revision process, the Senate and Assembly standing natural resource committees have scheduled a hearing to take public comments. An informational hearing has also been scheduled. It is possible that the legislature may make suggestions to the Department on further revisions to NR 115.
You can read the full proposal online at http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/wm/dsfm/shore/news.htm
If you feel that the new proposed standards are not strong enough, or the content of the rules should be different, you can attend the public hearings or send your comments to the Senate and Assembly committee chairs.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Assembly Natural Resources Committee
Chair: Rep. Spencer Black (Rep.Black@legis.wisconsin.gov)
Public Hearing, Clearinghouse rule 05-058 (NR 115)
1:00 PM
412 East
State Capitol
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Informational hearing
6:00p.m.
Three Lakes High School Auditorium
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Thursday, September 10, 2009
Senate Environment Committee
Public Hearing, Clearinghouse rule 05-058 (NR 115)
10:00 AM
300 Southeast
State Capitol
Beyond NR 115
NR 115 sets a baseline of MINIMUM standards applicable across the state. Nothing in the proposed rule changes the core authority of counties and other local governments to establish more restrictive shoreland regulations for the lakes and streams within their boundaries. Many counties have developed innovative approaches to manage unique local resources within their shoreland ordinances in the past 40 years, and they can continue to do so. How the County chooses to implement NR 115 and/or strengthen county ordinances beyond the statewide minimum is critically important.
A one-size-fits all approach cannot possibly do justice to Wisconsin’s marvelous and globally significant collection of lakes that range from the largest in the world—Lake Superior—to more than 15,000 smaller ones. Some of our lakes are remote and little used. Others are busy with boaters and anglers and have densely developed shores. Pristine North Woods lakes certainly warrant different development standards than those for highly developed shores in more populous areas.
As a new rule is implemented, we encourage citizens to become actively involved in the process and make sure their elected officials set standards the best suit the lakes in their communities. WAL is committed to the successful implementation of the new shoreland standards and engaging in further efforts to more fully protect and restore shoreland habitat for future generations
