Proposed Improvements to the Shoreland Development Standards

Why Do We Regulate Shorelands?

Video Length 1:32

Did You Know?

Lakes and rivers belong to the state's citizens. See: The Public Trust Doctrine
The number of homes on lakes of all sizes increased 216 % from the '60s to 1995. See: Development Trends in Northern Wisconsin [PDF 537KB]
As northern lakes are developed...
- Songbirds decrease and grackles, cowbirds and other common species increase
- Green frog populations decrease
- Musky, trout and bluegill populations decrease
See: Preserving Fish and Wildlife Habitat [PDF 145KB]

Forty-year-old shoreland development standards for unincorporated areas -- those areas outside city and village bounderies -- are being updated to improve lake and river protection, provide more flexibility for property owners, and streamline permitting. These minimum standards are only one tool Wisconsin uses to protect shoreland areas critical for clean water, habitat, and natural scenic beauty. Learn more about these other tools: Safeguarding Our Shorelands for the Future.

The Natural Resources Board approved the revised rules on June 24, 2009. Lawmakers reviewed the rules and sent them back to the DNR for unspecified changes. After meeting with lawmakers to learn what changes they wanted and with stakeholder groups, the DNR is asking the board to consider proposed changes Nov. 13. The following materials have been updated with the proposed changes.

Information for the Natural Resources Board: Adoption of Board order WT-28-04, revisions to NR115. Wisconsin's Shoreland Management Program [PDF].
Shore land zoning factsheet - A Bright Future for Our Waters [PDF] - Proposed changes to shoreland development standards better protect clean water and habitat for generations to come.
FAQ [PDF] - Questions & Answers for the proposed statewide shoreland development minimum standards

Contact Information

For more information

Gregg Breese
Shoreland Team Leader
(608) 261-6430

Last Revised: Wednesday November 11 2009