Victory: the Dockominium case

The Dockominium case illustrates the importance of maintaining the Wisconsin Association of Lake's ability to pursue legal action. A "dockominium" is a property interest created under condominium real estate law. It allows the sale and purchase of cubic space within the shoreland structure so boat slips can be sold as part of a private property deed.

We argued that Dockominiums would allow private ownership of public waters, a violation of the state's Public Trust Doctrine. The Wisconsin Association of Lakes argued that the Public Trust Doctrine is violated when a riparian owner aims to establish 'lots' on the surface of a public lake and sell the exclusive right to occupy each lake. WAL was the only party that argued for an all out prohibition against "dockominium." The legal vigilance and persistence of the Wisconsin Association of Lakes resulted in Dockominiums being declared unconstitutional by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2002