NR 115 is the code that stipulates minimum shoreland zoning regulations. Some of the basic rules include how close structures can be to the water, how much of a natural vegetative buffer must remain intact, amount of impervious surfaces allowed, and walking and viewing corridors that are allowed around water bodies. These rules are in place to protect the quality, fishery, and integrity of the state’s water resources. Currently, these rules apply to non-municipal areas areas only. In other words, cities and villages are required to make their own rules and regulations regarding shoreland regulations. (WI DNR)
In my opinion, shoreland zoning in Wisconsin does not go far enough. “Protecting and Preserving Shorelands,” explains that for good water quality and prime wildlife habitat, at least 300 feet of buffer is needed around water features. For noise reduction, shoreline stability, and aquatic habitat at least 100 feet of buffer is needed to “exceed management goals.” (UWEX) With this in mind, even the minimum requirement of 35 feet of vegetated buffer, and 75 feet for buildings does not do nearly enough for water resources. These laws need to be adjusted to levels that scientific evidence and research backs up.
Obviously, a balance between economic and environmental needs is necessary, but current regulations don’t really aide either. The degradation of resources that current laws provide causes for decreased property values over time. Decreased water quality and fishery quality will cause for decreased desire for lakefront properties. People don’t want to live on a lake that has green algal blooms on a large portion of its surface. Poor water quality from septic tanks too close to the water also raises health issues for local beaches and boating opportunities. Finally, there is the issue of who the law applies for. Currently cities and villages do not have to follow shoreland regulations listed in NR 115. These municipalities often have lax regulations that degrade water quality more than the outlying towns who abide by NR 115.
Shoreland zoning is an issue that more people need to be aware of, along with improved enforcement measures. The consequences of shoreland regulations have a direct impact on Wisconsin’s water resources. Further regulation is needed in shoreland zoning, and people need to be made aware of current regulations to improve water quality throughout the state.
Work Cited
"Protecting and Restoring Shorelands." University of Wisconsin- Extension, 2003. Web. 13 Feb. 2012.
Shoreland Zoning Minimum Standards. Ed. Gregg Breese. Wisconsin DNR, n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2008.
3 comments:
Wow! I had no idea that this was such an issue! I have learned so much, and I think that is the problem. The public does not know anything about this. Learning that the current laws and the science-based facts that we have are not matching up certainly need to be addressed. The public does not realize that if we do not follow the scientific facts, we will lose things like water quality, wildlife, and proper vegetation. Unfortunately this is a major problem in cities. The cities are not looking at these kinds of problems, and the main reason is that they are so far detached from the natural resource world. This is very hard to swallow for a lot of us here at UW-Stevens Point and Wisconsin in general. We are so passionate about what we want to do within the natural resources and wildlife programs. We need to somehow educate the city public because they are the most detached from the natural resource world.
I have been aware and do agree with a lot of the content in this blog post. There are so many lakes in Wisconsin that have been "Intruded" upon by houses and other forms of development. The laws should be more strict about how large of a buffer there should be around bodies of water. I understand that everybody (especially people from the cities) wants that "little slice of heaven" on a lake up north. As of right now, there is not much stopping them from putting up a cabin close to shore overlooking the scenery. I think its good that people find beauty in these things but they need to start exploring better options when building a cabin or landscaping near bodies of water.
Makenzie and jreni515 both make good points. It is impossible for everyone to own their "slice of heaven." The same can be said for the northwoods which is being more and more fragmented by parcelization. I also agree that cities are not looking out for Natural Resources. I think people are aware of the issues, but ignore them for the sake of what they want for themselves.
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