Introduction, 2006 Water Quality
Report to Congress

Wisconsin residents are fortunate to live in a state bountiful with natural resources, including our many and varied lakes, streams, wetlands, aquifers, and springs. Every other year, the Wisconsin DNR reports on the quality of these water resources to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), which in turn shares this information with the United States Congress. The information we provide is considered by federal legislators as rule making, budget appropriations, and programs are evaluated or considered.

The 2004 Water Quality Report emphasized Wisconsin's strategic monitoring efforts, including creation of tiered monitoring efforts, formal strategies, and emphasis on accountability. Relatedly, this year's report introduces Wisconsin's special efforts to evaluate and adopt new assessment approaches for fish and aquatic life, recreation, public health, and drinking water designated uses that reflect science and methods advocated by national experts and regional liaisions. While the work products are under development, this work will be a significant element of Wisconsin's water quality planning and management program in the coming years.

A related high priority for Wisconsin DNR's Water Program is the preservation and management of shorelines and sensitive waters throughout the state. Thousands of people each year visit our state's treasures. Many residents and visitors alike appreciate the beauty of dusk over a quiet lake in summer, with only a loon's call or the buzz of damselflies to stir the imagination in tranquil moments. Conversely, a growing number of visitors find pleasure in active water sports, as is evidenced by the emergence of creative new recreational craft used throughout the state.

Regardless of the preferred water-based fun, it is clear that water recreation is a major theme in Wisconsin, providing an important component of our tax base , as well as a valuable incentive for better understanding, protecting and managing our water related resources. Travelers generated $11.5 b in revenue in 2005 for the state, including over 300,000 full-time job equivalents. On the resource side, Hemken and Ivers (2005) evaluated adult recreational activities over a 10-year period (1992-2002), finding that rates of participation in hunting and fishing remained stable in Wisconsin, compared declines in other regions the United States.

The trends we've seen in the past look like they will continue. Detailed projections of recreational uses, including water related outdoor activities (see: 2005-2010 Wisconsin Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) i ndicate that water (and associated resources) is becoming increasingly valued for a wider variety of activities by a broader base of individuals.

Perhaps not coincidentally, this trend is clearly emerging at the same time that water and land resources preserved in a natural state are becoming more scarce. Population Density (2004) compiled by the Department of Administration illustrates the magnitude of human pressure exerted on natural resources, with growing pockets of high density (red areas) sprinkling the north and western portions of our once sparsely populated state. The maps below show dramatic forecasts for land use change, particularly in the north, as people have moved to "the North" for primary or secondary residences.

The University of Wisconsin’s Applied Population Laboratory estimates that the number of housing units per square mile will continue to grow significantly in the North Woods; the places where housing unit density will remain low are dominated by national, state, or county forests (see forcasted densities below):

Wisconsin leaders recognize this connection and have passed Smart Growth legislation to help address the need for thoughtful, considered growth especially near those areas that help define 'who we are' as a state.

Despite, and because of, these trends, Wisconsin is redoubling efforts to strategically manage water. The Water Division has identified four critical objectives and a series of goals and performance measures and a forum for describing successful steps taken ("Success Stories") to provide meaningful evaluation of our progress over time. This 2006 Water Quality Report describes the condition of our water today through the prism of existing knowledge, an eye on future trends, and strategies for protecting and preserving this irreplaceable resource.