2015 Assembly Bill 600

Dec. 10, 2015 − Introduced by Representatives JARCHOW, ALLEN, CRAIG, CZAJA, HUTTON, KNODL, NYGREN, PETERSEN and TITTL, cosponsored by Senators LASEE, LEMAHIEU, NASS, STROEBEL and KAPENGA. Referred to Committee on Environment and Forestry.  Assembly Bill 600 makes various changes to the regulation of navigable waters, artificial water bodies, wetlands, and nonpoint source pollution.

 

Updated: January 29, 2016 — 3:59 am

Shoreland Zoning Bill Update

From the Jan 22, 2016 Newsletter of Devin LeMahieu, Wisconsin State Senator, District 9

Senate Bill 477: Shoreland Zoning
I worked with the Counties association to draft this bill in order to clarify provisions of Wisconsin shoreland zoning program. This bill focuses on 4 provisions with the zoning program:

  • It gives counties the opportunity to require greater setbacks when there is an existing development pattern along a shoreline because of prior setback requirements. In addition, it codifies current law that if principal structures exist on adjacent lots within 250 feet of a proposed principal structure in both directions along a shoreline the setback may be the average of the setbacks on each adjacent lot. That setback may be no less than 35 feet.
  • Clarifies that certain structures listed as exempt structures in NR 115 are still exempt structures
  • Allows a county to be able to limit dry boathouse repair and replacement within the original three dimensional envelop as opposed to the footprint
  • Clarifies and provides counties with other options to calculate impervious surfaces. DNR shoreland zoning standards must prohibit a roadway or sidewalk from being considered an impervious service.

In the end, SB 477 will add flexibility and clarity to shoreland zoning ordinances. A public hearing was held on this bill and now needs to be voted on by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.

Senator LeMahieu’s Office: 323 South, State Capitol | Phone: (608) 266-2056  | P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882

Updated: January 29, 2016 — 3:09 am

Invasive Species are Altering the Fisheries of Lake Michigan

January 2016 – The forecasts for anglers targeting Lake Michigan trout and salmon is dismal. The changing condition of the fishery was reflected last year in the lowest catch of trout and salmon in decades despite a 4% increase in angler effort. DNR 2015 creel survey showed anglers caught 269,978 trout and salmon, a drop of 11% from 2014 and lowest since at least 1990. Read more

Updated: January 18, 2017 — 10:31 pm

MCLA January Meeting

Thursday, January 28 at 6:30pm

Members and the public are invited to attend this meeting at 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc.

Cory Zickert, of Wisconsin Lake and Pond Resource, LLC will present on lake aeration, strategies and methods, and protocols. MCLA and Manitowoc County Fish and Game Association currently coordinate aeration on Carsten’s Lake and Weyer’s Lake, but last year it became apparent that aeration on Silver Lake might be required to prevent winterkills. This meeting will give all Lakes Organizations a chance to have an open discussion of the issue regarding their lakes. Particular interests might be directed to Cory prior to the meeting using the contact form. As background to discussions, a report on the programs in Barron and Polk Counties is here posted.

Updated: March 24, 2017 — 6:48 pm

Thin Ice Warnings [2016]

January 5, 2016–Residents on Silver Lake are reporting patches of hazardous thin ice due to the abnormally high activity of deep springs in the lake bed. Greater care than normal should be exercised when accessing the lake ice this year.
Read more

Updated: January 26, 2017 — 2:35 pm