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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.
Shoreland policy
Proposed shoreland management rules (NR 115)
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. The Assembly Natural Resources committee has scheduled a public hearing on this rule (now called Clearinghouse rule 05-08) for September 2nd; the Senate Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the rule for September 10th. The new NR 115 now 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.
Groundwater policy
On July 29th, the Assembly and Senate Natural Resource Committees held an invitation only informational hearing to receive testimony and a report back from members of the Groundwater Advisory Council and other groundwater experts about the need for stronger protections for Wisconsin’s groundwater. 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. We hope a bill will be drafted by the end of the summer.
Aquatic invasive species policy
Invasive species classification administrative rule (NR 40) in effect September 1st
The effective date of the DNR’s Invasive Species Classification (NR 40) administrative rule is September 1, 2009. The rule classifies invasive species into two categories: prohibited and restricted. The rule prohibits or restricts (depending on which category a species is classified) the transportation, possession, transference, or introduction of invasive species. The rule also requires several preventative measures to limit spread of invasive species, and includes permit and enforcement provisions. More information about the rule is online at: http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/classification/.
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.
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 has scheduled a public hearing on this bill for 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 scheduled a public hearing on this bill for September 10th.
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 Assembly Natural Resources committee held a public hearing on AB 138 on July 28th, and the committee has scheduled an Executive Session on the bill for September 2nd. A public hearing was held August 13th on the Senate version of this bill (SB 113)), and the Senate Natural Resources Committee will hold an Executive Session on this bill September 2nd. The Governor remains opposed to this legislation.
Banning mercury in certain 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.
The Assembly Natural Resources committee has scheduled an Executive Session on this bill for September 2nd. The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection had scheduled an Executive Session on the Senate version of the bill (SB 200) for September 2nd.
Read about work on other policy issues important to lakes
Guide to following the legislative process
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Changing Lakes, Changing policy: workshop to explore shoreland management and water levels in southern lakes
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Join us Saturday October 3rd for an in-depth exploration of science, policy, and case studies in aspects of lake management and lake living. Registration deadline September 25th.
Find out how changes to the statewide shoreland zoning rules (NR 115) will affect counties, waterfront property owners, lake enthusiasts, and others. Learn about legal tools for landowners to protect conservation values on their property from Bill O’Connor, legal\legislative counselor for Wisconsin Association of Lakes.
Other topics include:
- Concerns surrounding changing water levels in southern lakes
- Aquatic Invasive Species Smart Prevention Training
- Shoreland landscaping methods for waterfront property owners
- Lake management success stories.
Register online or call Wisconsin Association of Lakes 800-542-5253 (toll-free in WI only) or 608-661-4313.
More information and full agenda
Registration deadline September 25th
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes seeks Communications and Public Policy Director
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes, the only statewide, non-profit organization working exclusively to protect and enhance the quality of Wisconsin's 15,000 inland lakes, is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR to work full time (40 hours/week) in our Madison office.
The Communications and Public Policy Director communicates and coordinates with constituents and stakeholders regarding education, legislation, and initiatives that enrich and/or expand WAL’s ability to meet organizational goals for advocacy, education, and legislative policy. Responsibilities include direct work with the contract lobbyist on specific issues; producing monthly and quarterly publications; management of the monthly eLake newsletter, action alerts and web page; coordination with the Board of Directors, membership and the contract lobbyist; ongoing development and dissemination of public policy, legislative and educational resource materials to the membership; and, participation in conservation coalition work.
A key responsibility of this position is to take complicated and technical information and distill it to key concepts that can be clearly communicated to our membership and stakeholders.
This position requires a minimum of 3 years experience working with nonprofits, community based grassroots organizations or related membership/consumer groups in communication, journalism, desktop publishing and advocacy is required. Experience with the legislative process is a plus.
A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. Additional experience may substitute for the educational requirements if the experience is directly related to required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This position requires:
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Computer proficiency, including proficiency with Adobe Creative Suites. Familiarity with donor and membership databases a plus. Experience with The DataBank is desirable.
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Ability to design, develop and maintain web-based communication and to function as an editor, including publishing a quarterly publication, The Lake Connection, and being responsible for all aspects of producing and distributing a publication.
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Being a registered lobbyist, or becoming a registered lobbyist upon employment.
For a position description and application details visit us online at: http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/employment.html
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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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