Wisconsin Lakes

We Speak for Lakes

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Lake Policy

Lake Policy

WISCONSIN LAKES SEEKS REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 33

Fifty years ago, the Wisconsin Legislature enacted a law creating “inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts,” which would undertake programs of lake protection and rehabilitation.” This became Chapter 33 of the Wisconsin statutes, and now in 2023 over 250 lakes are managed in part by a local lake district. Districts work to control or prevent aquatic invasive species, manage dams, work on water quality issues, and more.

While small changes to lake district law were enacted over the years, no comprehensive set of revisions has occurred since 2003.

Wisconsin Lakes, working with our partner the Extension Lakes Program at UW-Stevens Point, and with help from the UW Madison Division of Extension Local Government Center, asked Wisconsin’s lake districts for suggestions of revisions that could help the law work better. Those suggestions have been reviewed, discussed, and distilled into this proposal. Our hope is that it could see passage in 2024 or early in 2025.

Read more…

Getting Involved

Getting Involved

SUPPORT WI LAKES

Do you appreciate the work Wisconsin Lakes does on promoting effective management of wakesports and other lake recreation, working to pass needed revisions to Chapter 33, Wisconsin’s Lake District law, ensuring sound, science-based water policy, teaching individuals and organizations to be the most effective advocates for clean water, and providing education and technical assistance to lake organizations and other?

If so, consider donating to Wisconsin Lakes today! Membership starts with just a $30 contribution!

DONATE NOW

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Wisconsin Water Week

Wisconsin Water Week

IMPORTANT DATES

2025 Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention
March 26-28 – Stevens Point Holiday Inn and Convention Center

Save the date for 2025!
“The Power of Words: Working for Our Waters” 

The power of words is immense, especially when advocating for our waters. By raising awareness, promoting conservation efforts, and crafting compelling messages, words can inspire action and drive positive change to protect our water resources for future generations.

See our convention page for more information

Important Convention Deadlines:

Sponsor, exhibitor, and general registration information coming soon!
10/1/2024 – Concurrent Session and Workshop proposal deadline
12/1/2024 – WI Lake Stewardship Award Nomination Deadline
3/1/2025 – Poster Session and Lightning Talk proposal deadline
3/9/2025 – Photo Contest Deadline

Your Statewide Lake Association

We Speak for Lakes!

Wisconsin Lakes, formerly known as the Wisconsin Association of Lakes, is the only statewide non-profit organization working exclusively to protect and enhance the quality of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes. For more than 20 years, Wisconsin Lakes has worked toward statewide solutions for the challenges faced by our abundant natural water resources while supporting strong local protection efforts. We represent citizens and lake groups like you who care about Wisconsin’s lakes as a shared resource, and who appreciate the value lakes bring to our quality of life, tourist economy, and property tax base. Wisconsin Lakes seeks to protect the natural wonder of our lakes, and preserve our collective right to boat, fish, hunt, ice skate, swim and enjoy the scenic beauty of our shared public waters.

Donate

Make a contribution to protect Wisconsin’s legacy of lakes.

Become a Member or Renew Membership

Add your voice to the chorus “speaking for lakes.”