Protecting Waters of the State through the Public Trust Doctrine

2007-09, Issue Area, Goal

Mississippi River

• Effective communication and coordination is assured within the state and all interstate and interagency efforts that serve to satisfy the dual purpose needs of commercial navigation and a viable riverine ecosystem on the Upper Mississippi River System.

Dams and Floodplains

• Program elements and services are evaluated to determine what would constitute effective Dam and Floodplain programs in the State of Wisconsin.
• Dams and Floodplains,Minimum state and federal zoning regulations are enforced by local communities through local ordinances.
• Digital floodplain mapping for the state is developed by 2010 through partnership with FEMA.
• Dam programs which protect rights in public trust waters while also protecting life, health and property from unsafe dams are maintained by assuring timely dam safety inspections, remediation of deficient dams, and issuance of statutorily required permits and approval in a timely manner with appropriate conditions.

Waterways Protection

• Chapter 30 permits are reviewed in a clear, consistent fashion that promotes reduced habitat impact, enhances natural scenic beauty and protects navigation and water quality rights in state public waters.
• When shoreline and littoral zone alterations are authorized, compliance with protective permit conditions of greater than 80% is achieved; and the frequency of unauthorized activities is reduced.
• Loss of diverse, natural shoreline habitat, natural scenic beauty and other public rights is prevented by setting and implementing minimum statewide shoreland zoning standards that provide protection at least equal to the current rules.
• Public access to program information, permitting requirements and application packages is improved.