Lake Friends:

Below is the letter sent by your BCLF to the DNR regarding the hearing on proposed weakening of dredging rules on waterfront property.

Please share with all on your lake, asking each waterfront owner to send a very brief email note opposing  any dredging rules changes.

Send NO LATER THAN MARCH 3 to

dnrwywrzguidance@wisconsin.gov

(Sample email note is at bottom of page)

2/24/2017

From: Bayfield County Lakes Forum

To: dnrwywrzguidance@wisconsin.gov

Re: BCLF opposed to dredging rules changes

The Bayfield County Lakes Forum stands firmly AGAINST the Wisconsin DNR proposed change to dredging permit rules. The rule currently in the books includes criteria and safeguards regarding dredging that protect lakes, rivers, streams, and wetland environments.  The newly proposed change to dredging permit rules would adversely expose our lakes, rivers and surface waters to lasting and irreparable damage.  This damage includes but is not limited to; the release of toxic materials into waters, damage to fisheries and fish habitat, destruction of ecosystems, reduction in water quality, reduction in sediment and shoreline stability.  Changes to shore land buffer zones will adversely affect habitats important to native birds, amphibians, mammals and reptiles. 

The adverse consequences of lake and stream bottom dredging would negatively affect Wisconsin waterfront properties, their natural structures, as well as property value and property taxes to the state. Our state has long relied on the Wisconsin Public Trust Doctrine which states that the water belongs to the people.  Permitting dredging implies ownership of the land under the water.  Allowing individuals to dredge will result in the long term altering of our lakebeds, streambeds, and wetlands for the short-term financial gain of a few select individuals. It will also change the face of our waters and state forever.

Wisconsin’s Waters Belong to Everyone

As previously stated, Wisconsin lakes and rivers are public resources, owned in common by all Wisconsin citizens under the states Public Trust Doctrine.  Based on the state constitution, this doctrine has been further defined by case law and statute.  It declares that all navigable waters are “common highways and forever free” and held in trust by the Department of Natural Resources.

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/waterways/about_us/doctrine.htm

The state of Wisconsin has a responsibility to protect our waters and must not allow a blanket permit that does not consider how removing material will negatively impact our waterways.  Therefore, The Bayfield County Lakes Forum, representing 22 lake associations and over 3,000 tax-paying waterfront owners urges the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources to reject any DNR rules changes regarding dredging of public waters.

Respectfully,

On Behalf of the Bayfield County Lakes Forum

Ellen Lafans, Board Member

Crystal Lake / Cable Wisconsin

715-798-2508

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​NOTE to Bayfield Co waterfront owners:

BCLF looks out for our waters and your property values.

All who value our lakes and streams should send a quick email note to
dnrwywrzguidance@wisconsin.gov NO LATER THAN MARCH 3.

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE AND INFORMATION WITH YOUR LAKE FRIENDS.

The more emails, the better.

Example: "Our family opposes any weakening of the DNR rules on dredging in or near our public waters. Wilbur & Wilma Waterwise, Pretty Lake, Bayfield County, Wisconsin."