More than 60 lake association leaders from six northern Wisconsin counties have signed a resolution opposing state legislative actions that eliminated local control of protective shoreline zoning measures.
The resolution was brought up at a meeting in early June by the Lakes and Rivers Associations representing Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Iron, Langlade and Lincoln counties.
Oneida County Lakes and Rivers President Bob Martini says about 20 northern counties had adopted the basic standards and implemented a system that worked for their county and people, but was thrown out in 2015 when the legislature removed local control. He says the loss has affected lake protections and water quality, but says the resolution would safeguard property values, wildlife habitat and fisheries in the Northwoods.
“…This is an unprecedented change. I’ve worked in environmental protection for 40 years in Wisconsin and this attack has never occurred before. It’s always been a bipartisan program to protect the environment, but that’s not true anymore.”
Martini says in the meantime, residents can protect their individual shorelines regardless of what happens with the laws…
“…There are a lot of things they can do such as allowing buffers to grow up on their shoreline to provide fish and wildlife habitat, to filter out pollutants and to make their life easier. It’s easier to maintain to buffer than it is to maintain a lawn.”
Martini says copies of the resolution are being sent to elected officials in the six counties, and says the public needs to know about the issue before they head to the polls in November.
