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Legislative and policy updates
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes individual members and contacts of member lake groups receive detailed analysis of policy initiatives that WAL is actively working on or supporting and notifications of opportunities to participate in the policy making process.
Our policy work is entirely supported by member dues and generous donations. Please join us or donate to support our continued work on behalf of Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes.
Shoreland policy
Governor signs Slow no wake bill into law
The Governor signed the slow no wake bill (SB 12) on July 10, 2009. The new law (2009 Wisconsin Act 31) establishes a statewide slow no wake zone for motorboats within 100 feet of a lake’s shoreline. Slow-no-wake zones may be extended farther away from the shore or established less than 100 feet from the shoreline through passage of local boating ordinances. The bill was published on July 24, 2009 and will take effect seven months after the publication date.
Proposed shoreland management rules (NR 115)
On June 24, the DNR Natural Resource Board unanimously approved proposed changes to Wisconsin’s shoreland zoning rule (NR 115), which contains statewide minimum standards for shoreland development in unincorporated areas. The rule (Clearinghouse rule 05-08) was sent to the Legislature on July 22nd and has been referred to legislative committee. If the Legislature has no objections to the rule within 60 days, the rule will go into effect. WAL is committed to the successful implementation of the new shoreland standards
Groundwater policy
When Wisconsin’s Groundwater Protection Law (Act 310) was signed into law in 2004, the Legislature recognized that the new law was a first step, not a final product. The Legislature specified within the Act that a Groundwater Advisory Committee (GAC) would be formed and charged with recommending changes in high capacity well regulation. The GAC released their first report in 2006 with recommendations for implementing administrative rule NR 820. Their second report suggesting further improvements to groundwater law was released December 2007.
On July 29th, the Assembly and Senate Natural Resource Committees held an invitation only informational hearing to receive testimony and a report back from members of the Groundwater Advisory Council and other groundwater experts about the need for stronger protections for Wisconsin’s groundwater.
Wisconsin Association of Lakes has been working with a coalition of groups to advance changes in groundwater policy to increase protections for surface waters, balance competing water needs, and sustain Wisconsin’s groundwater supplies. We hope a bill will be drafted by the end of the summer. See article below about groundwater and lakes.
Aquatic invasive species policy
Aquatic invasive species transport bill (AB 162 / SB 123)
This bill offers some technical changes to improve upon the “illegal to transport” language that was passed in the supplemental budget bill in May of 2008. All aquatic plants and animals would be required to be removed from boats or any other equipment before it is transported on public highways. Enforcement authority is also broadened under the bill.
SB 123 has already passed the full Senate. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee held an Executive Session, and voted to send the bill forward to the full legislature for consideration. The bill was referred to the Assembly Rules committee, which must schedule the bill for a vote before the full Assembly.
Ballast water bill (AB 360)
On July 31st, a bill (AB 360) was introduced that will prohibit the discharge of ballast water and sediments that have settled out of ballast water in Wisconsin waters. All vessels that take on ballast from outside of Wisconsin waters will be required to a permit from the DNR to discharge ballast water into Wisconsin waters. Permits must require treatment of ballast water and sediments to kill or remove aquatic invasive species and other organisms. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
More on WAL’s AIS policy work.
Polluted runoff policy
Phosphorus in dishwashing detergent (AB 281)
On June 26, the full Assembly passed AB 281, which will reduce one of the most common causes of phosphorus pollution: dishwashing detergent. Fifteen states have such laws in place already. The bill has been sent to the Senate, where it will be assigned to a committee.
Other lake related policy
Independent DNR Secretary bill (AB 138 / SB 113)
This bill would restore authority to the DNR Natural Resource Board (NRB) to appoint the DNR Secretary. Currently, the Governor appoints the DNR Secretary. The Assembly Natural Resources committee held a public hearing on AB 138 on July 28th. The Senate version of this bill (SB 113) has been referred to Senate committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.
Banning mercury in certain products (AB 299 / SB 200)
This proposal would regulate the sale of non-essential household products to which mercury has been added during formulation and manufacture including fever thermometers, manometers (instruments for measuring pressure), thermostats, instruments and measuring devices, switches and relays, and household items. Every lake in Wisconsin is currently under a mercury advisory.
The Assembly Natural Resources committee held a public hearing on AB 299 on July 29th. The Senate version of the bill (SB 200) is scheduled to have a public hearing on August 13th before the Senate committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges & Consumer Protection.
Read about work on other policy issues important to lakes
Guide to following the legislative process
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Lakes largely left out of state's current groundwater law
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Declining water levels on many Wisconsin lakes across the state have prompted increasing concern over groundwater management. Lowland streams, lakes, wetlands, and springs are typically areas dependent on groundwater discharges. Groundwater also sustains flow to wells, which are man made points of groundwater discharge. Pumping from wells diverts groundwater that would otherwise discharge to nearby lakes and streams.
Most of Wisconsin's lakes receive all or part of their water (see lake types ) from groundwater. Water level declines can be caused natural fluctuations, by human activities, or a combination of both.
Prevention of groundwater infiltration
As watersheds are developed, the amount of area covered by impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, rooftops, etc.) increases. Hard surfaces increase runoff and prevent rain and snowmelt from infiltrating into the ground to recharge groundwater aquifers. Having less water in aquifers can lessen the flow of groundwater into lakes and other surface waters. Increased runoff can cause high surface water levels (because runoff rapidly flows directly into lakes and rivers rather than infiltrating into groundwater supplies) even though groundwater levels may be declining.
High capacity wells
Lake levels can also be affected by operations of high capacity wells, which can pump 100,000 gallons per day or more (with some pumping up to 1 to 2 million gallons per day). Whether these wells are located near or far away from the lake, they can dramatically influence the groundwater flow through the lake, lake water levels, and can impact water quality, lake ecosystems, and recreational uses.
Natural fluctuations
Natural fluctuations in lake water levels can result if less rain occurs, there is less runoff from snow, more water evaporates from the lake, or a combination of all of these factors over time. Longer-term changes in climate trends can last for many years, affecting lake levels, streamflows, and groundwater. Depending on the depth of the lake, water level fluctuations may be dramatic, or barely noticeable.
Current groundwater law fails to protect majority of lakes
Wisconsin's current groundwater law fails to protect 99% of the state’s lakes, 97% of springs, 92% of rivers and streams, and 100% of wetlands.
The 2003 Groundwater Protection Act (Act 310) sought to regulate the quantity of groundwater being pumped by high capacity wells. The law gives DNR the authority to consider environmental impacts from high capacity well pumping within its permitting process (set forth in administrative rule NR 820). The Groundwater Protection Act only applies to a limited set of waters: trout streams, Outstanding Resource Waters (ORWs) and Exceptional Resource Waters (ERWs).
In the case of lakes, only those lakes designated as ORWs (there are no lakes designated as ERWs) are covered under the statute. ORWs typically do not have any direct discharges of pollutants from sources such as industry or municipal sewage treatment plants. Currently, there are 97 lakes and 6 flowages designated as ORWs out of Wisconsin’s more than 15,000 lakes.
Wisconsin Association of Lakes has been working with a coalition of groups to advance changes in groundwater policy to increase protections for surface waters, balance competing water needs, and sustain Wisconsin’s groundwater supplies. We hope a bill will be drafted by the end of the summer.
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Wisconsin project gets Federal funding for fish habitat
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The first of what’s hoped to become a steady stream of federal money to restore fish habitat is helping expand a grassroots effort on Bayfield County’s Eau Claire Chain of Lakes.
The $15,000 in federal funding will enable the “Fish Sticks” project partners – the Eau Claire Conservation Club, the Eau Claire Property Owners Association, Bayfield Land and Water Conservation Department and the Department of Natural Resources -- to expand their work with willing landowners to place trees from upland sources in shallow water in front of their properties.
Felled trees are very important habitat. They provide refuge, forage, cover and spawning areas for almost every fish in the lake for at least part of their life cycles. The turtles, ducks, kingfisher, otter, mink, beaver and other wildlife also benefit from the trees.
The Eau Claire Chain project grew out of an earlier project on Bony Lake, another lake in the same chain, where property owners in 2007 launched one of the largest shoreland habitat restoration efforts in Wisconsin.
The next year, the Eau Claire Conservation Club got involved on Upper Eau Claire Lake, and 2009 saw a continued effort on Bony, Middle Eau Claire and Upper Eau Claire lakes by the club, the property owners and the DNR.
To date, 395 trees have been placed in Bony Lake, where there were only 89 pieces to begin with. Upper Eau Claire has added 98 trees and Middle Eau Claire, 49 trees.
Partnerships of public and private entities can apply to a National Fish Habitat Board for formal recognition, which allows them to get in the short line for federal funding from a variety of sources. So far, Wisconsin is part of two formally recognized partnerships, and part of three more “candidate” partnerships now working toward formal federal recognition.
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes seeks membership coordinator
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Wisconsin Association of Lakes, the only statewide, non-profit organization working exclusively to protect and enhance the quality of Wisconsin's 15,000 inland lakes, is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR to work part time (25 hours/week) in our Madison office.
The Membership Coordinator is responsible for assuring that Membership operations are well organized, professional, and successful. Also responsible for oversight of the membership/donor database, membership benefits, membership growth and retention.
This position requires a bachelor degree, or equivalent. A minimum of 2 years experience in membership or volunteer coordination positions, or equivalent, is preferred.
This position requires computer proficiency and familiarity with donor and membership databases. Experience with The DataBank is desirable. Excellent follow-up skills, good judgment, initiative, problem solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability are strengths. Strong organizational skills and excellent communication skills are required. Experience working with non-profit organizations is desirable.
For a position description and application details visit us online at: http://www.wisconsinlakes.org/employment.html
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Interested in more lake news and supporting statewide lake work?
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All of our advocacy, public policy, and legislative work is funded by membership dues and donations. We rely on your generosity to keep our advocacy and policy work alive.
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