Fords (Stream Crossings)

Question: I want to construct a ford to cross a stream. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: A general permit or individual permit is required to install a ford in a navigable waterway.

A ford consists of rocky material placed flush with the streambed to aid vehicles in driving through the water while crossing the stream. The placement of erodible materials, such as sand, is prohibited.

Follow the steps below before starting your project.

1. Determine if your waterway has a special designation that might affect the exemption or permit requirements.
2. Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

Apply for a General Permit.

Apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 1

Determine if your waterway has a special designation that might affect the exemption or permit requirements.

Visit the search page below, enter the information about your waterway, and record any designations that it may have.

• Designated Waters Search

Step 2

Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

A General Permit is available for Fords and Temporary in-stream Crossings. A key requirement is that the ford may not be located in an "area of special natural resource interest" (ASNRI) unless it is for an agricultural use. Key qualifications for Temporary in-stream Crossings is that the stream may not exceed 10 feet in width, from ordinary high water mark to ordinary high water mark and that the crossing shall be used to provide temporary access for forest management activities to establish, maintain or enhance a forest. If your project will not be in an ASNRI, review the permit conditions found in the application materials in Step 3 to see if your project will qualify. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 3

Apply for a General Permit.

To apply for a General Permit, open and print BOTH the Instructions and General Permit application form found below.

• Ford Application Packet [PDF 153KB]
• Temporary in-stream Crossing Application Packet [R1-06, PDF 113KB]
• Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A, PDF 105KB]

Submit the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the location identified on the form. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 4

Apply for an Individual Permit.

To apply for an Individual Permit, open and print BOTH of the following files:

• Miscellaneous Structures Individual Permit Application [Form #3500-53P, PDF 18KB]
• Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A, PDF 105KB]

Send the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the county where your project is located. For more information about how your application is reviewed, see our web page on the Permit Process.

Laws

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.12, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 329, Wis. Adm. Code. [exit DNR], [PDF 42KB].

Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].