Statistics for Regulatory Decision Making
Waterway & Wetlands Permits

Description

Waterway and wetland permit, approval and certification processes help protect the collective rights all citizens share in Wisconsin's public waters by ensuring adequate planning and design of projects affecting fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and quantity, natural scenic beauty and navigation. Chapters 30, 31 and 281 of the Wisconsin Statutes require written authorization for certain activities in or near lakes, streams and wetlands; for example large piers, dams, culverts, bridges, rock riprap, dredging, grading or pond building. Approximately 6000 applications were reviewed in 2002.

At this web site, we report on decision times for the total of all types of waterway alterations along with selected categories, including: short forms (projects build to standard low-impact specifications folowing limited review); expedited (generally large, complex projects for which date-certain decision is guaranteed); and grading (common development activity with standards and procedures undergoing review). Information on additional categories of interest to particular applicants is available in our annual report [PDF]. A Waterway and Wetland Permit Query System with data on all permits is available.

Application Process

Short form applications are available for smaller activities built to pre-set location and construction specifications. An application form with site photographs and other basic information are submitted and decisions are made in a short time using available inventory information.

For other locations and designs, initial applications are reviewed for completeness and suggestions may be made for modifications to avoid or reduce impacts. Some activities require a 30-day public notice. DNR biologists review project plans, natural resource inventories, visit the site and consult other experts as needed to assess impacts to fish and wildlife habitat, water quality and quantity, natural scenic beauty and navigation. Once the application is complete, a written decision is provided.

Complete instructions are found at Waterway & Wetland Permits.

Goal

Ensure that 120 day deadline for permit decisions is met in all cases by keeping the time from complete application to decision averaged for all applications at 90 days or less.

"As a result of legislation effective February 6, 2004, waterway permit categories changed dramatically mid-way through this quarter. No valid conclusions can likely be drawn from the data for the first quarter 2004 due to major changes in the permit process. New reporting categories will begin with the second quarter 2004."

Contact

Shane Archer
shane.archer@wisconsin.gov
608-276-7498