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Legislative and policy updates
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes individual members and contacts of member lake groups receive detailed analysis of policy initiatives that WAL is actively working on or supporting and notifications of opportunities to participate in the policy making process.
Our policy work is entirely supported by member dues and generous donations. Please join us or donate to support our continued work on behalf of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes.
State budget
The legislature has passed the biennial 2009-2011 state budget (2009 Wisconsin Act 28).
This biennial budget emerges out of a grim financial crisis, and funding for many state programs has been reduced or eliminated. Since August 2008, the Wisconsin Association of Lakes has been working to ensure that State’s investment in our lakes and other public waters remains a priority.
We are pleased to report several budget victories:
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Funding for lake grant programs has been preserved without reductions
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Fishing license applicants can now elect to make voluntary contributions (of at least $2) to DNR to be used for aquatic invasive species research and grants.
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Boat renewing or applying for boat registrations can now elect to make voluntary contributions (of at least $2) to DNR to be used for aquatic invasive species research and grants.
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The budget bill authorizes DNR to establish a ballast water permitting system. The bill enables the Department to issue general permits with a specified fee structure and requires the Department to promulgate permanent administrative rules governing the ballast water permit program by January 2013.
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Funding for County Conservation staff was restored through a one-time lapse in funding drawn from another account.
A provision in the budget bill would have required non-residents to pay for an annual boat sticker by 2010. The Governor vetoed this provision from the budget.
Aquatic invasive species policy
Aquatic invasive species transport bill (AB 162 / SB 123)
This bill offers some technical changes to improve upon the “illegal to transport” language that was passed in the supplemental budget bill in May of 2008. All aquatic plants and animals would be required to be removed from boats or any other equipment before it is transported on public highways. Enforcement authority is also broadened under the bill.
SB 123 has already passed the full Senate. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee held an Executive Session, and voted to send the bill forward to the full legislature for consideration. The bill was referred to the Assembly Rules committee, which must schedule the bill for a vote before the full Assembly.
More on WAL’s AIS policy work.
Shoreland policy
On June 24, the DNR Natural Resource Board unanimously approved proposed changes to Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning rule (NR 115), which contains statewide minimum standards for shoreland development in unincorporated areas. (see article below for more information). The rule will now go to the Legislature's natural resources committees. If they have no objections in 60 days, the rule will go into effect.
More on WAL's shoreland policy work
Polluted runoff policy
Phosphorus in dishwashing detergent (AB 281)
On June 26, the full Assembly passed AB 281, which will reduce one of the most common causes of phosphorus pollution: dishwashing detergent. Fifteen states have such laws in place already. The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it will be assigned to a committee.
Read WAL’s testimony and learn more about other polluted runoff policy work
Other policy issues
Mercury Products (AB 299 / SB 200)
This proposal would regulate the sale of non-essential household products to which mercury has been added during formulation and manufacture including fever thermometers, manometers (instruments for measuring pressure), thermostats, instruments and measuring devices, switches and relays, and household items. Every lake in Wisconsin is currently under a mercury advisory. This bill has been referred to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Collages and Consumer Protection committee.
Personal Floatation Devices (SB-162)
This bill would require all persons 12 years old or younger to wear a personal floatation device, be in a cabin space, or below the deck, while the boat is in operation. The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing May 28, and voted in Executive Session to send the bill forward to the full Senate for consideration. The bill may now be scheduled by the Senate Organization committee for a vote by the full Senate.
Independent DNR Secretary bill (AB 138 / SB 113)
This bill would restore authority to the DNR Natural Resource Board (NRB) to appoint the DNR Secretary. Currently, the Governor appoints the DNR Secretary. This bill has been referred to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Senate committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.
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Shoreland zoning rule (NR 115) advances
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The Wisconsin Association of Lakes has been closely involved with this evolving rule package since revisions were first proposed. The content of the shoreland rule (NR 115) has been markedly advanced by our organization’s work over the last eight years, and most especially over the last several weeks.
Since the winter of 2007, WAL has been in continuing meetings and negotiations with key stakeholders to resolve difference over the proposed drafts of the rule. There are many aspects of the proposed rule— for example, the standard for mitigation was markedly strengthened—that have been strengthened as a result of WAL's work.
WAL’s position has always been to seek standards for local shoreland regulations that respect both the property rights of lakefront owners and the natural habitat, scenic beauty, and water quality that drew us to lakes in the first place.
WAL is committed to the successful implementation of the new shoreland standards and enagaging in further efforts to more fully protect and restore shoreland habitat for future generations.
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 already developed innovative approaches to manage unique local resources within their shoreland ordinances.
WAL is committed to the successful implementation of the new shoreland standards and enagaging in further efforts to more fully protect and restore shoreland habitat for future generations.
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Root for the home team giveaway: take the AIS pledge and win great prizes!
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The Wisconsin Association of Lakes and Department of Natural Resources have teamed up to encourage anglers, boaters, and all visitors to our lakes to pledge that they will take steps to prevent spreading VHS fish disease and aquatic invasive species.
One lucky winner will receive two luxury-suite tickets to the Brewers versus the San Francisco Giants game on Saturday, September 5. All you will have to do is take the pledge to follow these simple steps:
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INSPECT boats, trailers and equipment.
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REMOVE plants, animals and mud.
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DRAIN water from boats and all equipment.
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DON'T MOVE live fish away from a waterbody.
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The deadline to enter is July 5, 2009.
Winners will be announced July 6, 2009. Contestants must be at least 16 years of age.
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July 28th workshop to explore northern low lake levels
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A Northwoods lakes workshop scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, will address low lake levels in Northern Wisconsin. Lake organization leaders, county and town officials, water resource professionals, waterfront property owners, and other lake enthusiasts are invited to learn more about:
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Implications of climate change in Northern Wisconsin.
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Connections between groundwater and surface water levels.
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Which types of lakes, in which landscape settings, are most susceptible to water level declines.
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How Northern Wisconsin’s lakes are changing and what these changes mean for long-term lake health.
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Water level management of impounded systems.
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Balancing competing water uses on the Wisconsin River system.
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Ways we can adapt to our changing lakes.
Full agenda available online
Registration
The cost to attend the workshop is $25 per person. Registration fee includes program materials, lunch, and refreshments.
Please register by July 21.
Or call Wisconsin Association of Lakes to register: 800-542-5253 (toll-free in WI only) or 608-661-4313.
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Low water levels expose lake beds: property owners can prevent lake damage
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A long term shortage of rain and snow fall in northern Wisconsin has caused low water levels and has exposed shorelines and wetland areas. These exposed shores play a vital role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and in maintaining the watersheds of the northland. Shoreland owners help can prevent inadvertent harm to these exposed areas by minimizing “clean up” activities.
Most of the exposed shoreline areas are below what is called the “ordinary high water mark,” which is the dividing line between private property and the publicly owned lakebed. Adjoining property owners get to enjoy the use of these exposed areas but also have the responsibility of ensuring their activities do not impact the public’s resource.
Most activities conducted on the exposed lake bed including beach grooming and cutting or chemically treating vegetation are regulated by the DNR, but there are a few activities that don’t require a permit.
Some minor vegetation management (except for wild rice) and some activities done by hand do not require permits from the DNR. Manual cutting and raking will be exempt from the permit requirement if the area of aquatic plant removal is no more than 30 feet along the shoreline and any piers, boatlifts, swim rafts and other recreational and water use devices.
Also the following non-native invasive species may be removed by hand in an unlimited area without a permit: Phragmites, Eurasian water milfoil, curly leaf pondweed, and purple loosestrife. All plant fragments must be disposed of outside of a waterway or wetland.
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Properly disposing of lead fishing tackle just got easier
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A list of metal recyclers that accept lead tackle is now available on the DNR website.
Many loons are killed by lead poisoning each year when they inadvertently swallow lead fishing tackle. Lead poisoning from ingested tackle usually occurs in one of two ways, a lead jig head is swallowed by a fish, or lost lead tackle is picked up along with small stones and grit from the bottom of lakes to help digest food. Fish, loons, eagles, trumpeter swans, and many other wildlife species are consuming lead in one or both of these ways, and the results can be fatal.
Using non-lead tackle and properly disposing of lead tackle can help reduce needless wildlife deaths.
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Interested in more lake news and supporting statewide lake work?
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All of our advocacy, public policy, and legislative work is funded by membership dues and donations. We rely on your generosity to keep our advocacy and policy work alive.
If you are receiving this message as a forward, please consider joining or donating to WAL. Your contributions make our work possible.
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