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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.
Aquatic invasive species policy
Governor to sign Aquatic invasive species transport bill into law (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 passed both houses of the state legislature and is awaiting the Governor’s signature to become law.
Ballast water bill (AB 360)
On July 31st, a bill (AB 360) was introduced that will prohibit the discharge of ballast water and sediments that have settled out of ballast water in Wisconsin waters. All vessels that take on ballast from outside of Wisconsin waters will be required to a permit from the DNR to discharge ballast water into Wisconsin waters. Permits must require treatment of ballast water and sediments to kill or remove aquatic invasive species and other organisms. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee held a public hearing on this bill September 2nd.
More on WAL’s AIS 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 Senate Environment Committee has held a public hearing and will be holding an Executive Session on the bill October 6th.
Shoreland policy
Proposed shoreland management rules (NR 115)
The state legislature has sent the proposed changes to Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning rule (NR 115, Clearinghouse Rule CR05-058), which contains statewide minimum standards for shoreland development in unincorporated areas, back to the Department of Natural Resources for modification. Proposed NR 115 that was before the legislature is a consensus product developed over eight years, which has won approval of a key group of development and conservation interests (including the Wisconsin Association of Lakes) that have historically held very different views.
More information about proposed NR 115
More on WAL's shoreland policy work
Other lake related policy
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.
The full state Assembly passed AB 138 by a huge bi-partisan vote. The Assembly version of the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources. If this issue is important to you, please contact your state Senator (look up contact information ) and ask your Senator to encourage the Senate to bring the DNR Secretary Bill up for a vote soon and to please vote for it.
The Senate version of this bill (SB 113), has passed through the Senate committee and is available for scheduling before the full Senate. The Governor remains opposed to this legislation.
Watch a roundtable discussion on Who Should Appoint the DNR Secretary on Wisconsin Eye
Governor to sign bill banning mercury in certain products (AB 299 / SB 200)
Governor Jim Doyle will sign Senate Bill 200, the mercury products bill, at 2pm on October 6th. This proposal will 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.
Read about work on other policy issues important to lakes
Guide to following the legislative process
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Progress being made toward improved statewide Groundwater policy |
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes has been working with a coalition of groups to advance changes in groundwater policy to increase protections for surface waters, balance competing water needs, and sustain Wisconsin’s groundwater supplies.
After an invitation only informational hearing about the need for stronger protections for Wisconsin’s groundwater and the work by the coalition, the Legislature has now created a Groundwater working group that is examining several issues in preparation for drafting legislation. The goal of the Legislative working group are to establish a statewide water management policy that protects Wisconsin’s water quantity and quality on a sustainable basisfor the benefit of Wisconsin’s residents and economy. The policy would establish a vision and priorities for the long-term management of the state’s groundwater and surface water resources. This policy should:
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Balance competing water uses, including environmental protection, economic stability and societal health
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Rely on sound science and the principles of adaptive management
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Encourage efficient water use while discouraging waste
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Provide for coordination among state and local government agencies
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Seek to ensure clean and adequate water supplies for future generations
Progress towards drafting of a bill is anticipated as an outcome of this group’s work.
More on WAL's groundwater policy work |
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Appeals Court to consider whether local governments have authority to protect water quality from large livestock facilities |
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The Wisconsin Association of Lakes filed a motion to submit an amicus brief in a case now before the state Court of Appeals that may determine to what extent local governments can control the siting and operation of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) within their jurisdictions.
CAFOs have more than 1000 animal units and are required to get a point source pollution permit under the federal Clean Water Act. Wisconsin's CAFOs make up less than 1% of Wisconsin's farms but produce 10% of the manure. Manure runoff from fields and/or detention ponds can cause short-term and long-term problems for lakes.
The operation of livestock facilities affects water quality, the recreational value of lakes, and the economic value of riparian lands. Polluted runoff from agricultural and other sources is Wisconsin's number one water quality problem, negatively impacting an estimated 90% of Wisconsin's lakes.
Under the current interpretation of livestock siting statutes by the Circuit Court, Wisconsin cities, villages, and towns have the authority to protect public safety, heath, and welfare by using their zoning and police powers. The Wisconsin Association of Lakes is supportive of this ruling.
In the case before the appellate court, the plaintiffs argument would, if accepted by the court, eliminate the power of local governments to adopt and enforce zoning and other police powers to protect their citizens in any matter subject to the Livestock Siting Board’s statutory review jurisdiction.
How does manure runoff effect lakes?
Keeping many animals in a limited amount of space concentrates the pollution they generate. The volume of manure produced can exceed the land’s storage capacity. Manure runoff from detention ponds and/or saturated land can have disastrous effects on our groundwater and drinking water supplies, lakes, and rivers.
Immediate consequences of manure spills include fish kills, and an influx of nutrients that can trigger smelly algae blooms. Spreading manure on saturated lake watershed soils leads to reoccurring and long- term negative impacts on our lakes by contributing to chronic phosphorus loading.
Manure pollution undermines the private and public investment property owners and taxpayers are making to keep our lakes clean, safe, and healthy. Property owners bear an undue burden when their lake quality and property values decline because of pollution elsewhere in the watershed. |
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes welcomes new staff! |
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Barbara St. John—Development Director
Barbara joined WAL in September 2009. She has an extensive and diverse background in communications and fund raising for things she believes in. She has a passion for preserving the legacy of Wisconsin lakes so they will continue to be resources for future generations to come. "Nothing is more memorable to me than the times I spent on lakes in Wisconsin. Healthy lakes bring families and communities together. Their waters flow through our veins. I want to do my part to preserve and protect them so future generations can enjoy the same simple pleasures."
Mike Engleson—Membership Coordinator
Mike comes to WAL with over a decade of experience working with non-profits as a staff person and volunteer. In addition to serving for six years as the Finance and Office Manager for the River Alliance of Wisconsin, he has served on the boards of the Tenant Resource Center and Prairie Music Academy, helping the community music school gain non-profit status in 2006. A graduate of Lawrence University, Mike is an avid hiker, gardener, aspiring fisherman, and occasional trombonist.
A lifelong resident of Wisconsin (except for those four great years in Kentucky) some of his fondest memories are of camping with his dad and canoeing the lakes of the northwoods, and enjoys sharing the same experience with his daughter. He's happy to be working to expand the membership of WAL and thereby help protect all the wonderful lakes this state offers. |
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Wisconsin Lakes Convention Call for Posters |
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The 2010 Wisconsin Lakes Convention is March 30 - April 1 in Green Bay, and will focus on all aspects of our caring for our shorelands and shallows. Lake enthusiasts of all kinds will gather to explore lake policy updates, research, management options, and educational strategies.
Highlight your noteworthy research findings, project results, or success stories at the Lakes Convention Poster Session. Submit your poster session proposal by December 15, 2009 online at: http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/uwexlakes/conventions/Call/Call10P.htm |
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Do you know a person or group doing extraordinary things for your favorite lake? |
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The Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Awards are a great way to say Thank you! to the people who are really making a difference in your lake community. The Lake Stewardship award categories are: citizen, organized group, public service, youth, and business.
The Wisconsin Lakes Partnership presents the Lake Stewardship Awards each year at the Wisconsin Lakes Convention to celebrate the outstanding volunteer and professional efforts made to protect and improve our lakes. The Stewardship Awards represent our best collective effort to pay tribute to all the incredible work that goes into securing a bright future for Wisconsin’s lakes.
Stewardship Award nominations are due by January 29, 2010.
To nominate an individual or group
Complete the Wisconsin Lake Stewardship Award Nomination Form and see instructions for providing supporting materials.
Contact Wisconsin Association of Lakes for more information or questions: 608-661-4313 or 800-542-5253 (toll-free in WI only), or email wal@wisconsinlakes.org |
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Southeast area lakes workshop rescheduled to February 13, 2010 |
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The workshop for Southeastern Wisconsin lake communities planned for Saturday, October 3 has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 13, 2010. The event will be held at the Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee.
Workshop topics will explore science, policy, and case studies in aspects of lake management and lake living. The event is an opportunity for lake enthusiasts to network with area lake group representatives, natural resource professionals, local decision-makers, volunteers, and others interested in protecting Wisconsin’s lakes.
More information about the February 13 event will be available soon at Wisconsin Association of Lakes’ web site: www.wisconsinlakes.org |
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Now Available: “Land Use and Wetlands: A Local Decision Makers’ Guide to Wetland Conservation" |
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The Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA) has released a new publication Land Use and Wetlands: A Local Decision Makers’ Guide to Wetland Conservation.
The purpose of the Local Decision Makers Guide is to improve wetland conservation and reduce wetland controversies by providing town, village, city and county land use officials with basic information about how wetlands contribute to the economic health, public safety, and quality of life in Wisconsin’s communities. The publication also explains how wetlands are regulated under state law and identifies practical steps that local governments can take to improve consideration of wetlands and wetland laws in land use decision-making.
Though tailored specifically for use by local land use decision makers, the Guide can also be used by citizens and lake groups to help engage local land use officials about the benefits of protecting and restoring wetlands. In fact, the publication was developed in direct response to northern Wisconsin lake leaders who expressed a need for tools and information to help them educate local officials on the public benefits of protecting wetlands.
Download the publication |
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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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