Waterway & Wetland Permits: Aquatic Plant Control

“I want to control aquatic plants by cutting, raking or chemical treatment, or by placing a barrier to prevent aquatic plant growth on a lake or streambed. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?”

Aquatic plants are essential to good fishing and clean water and actually stabilize shorelines. You will want to limit removal as much as possible in most situations.

The Department has specific rules regarding aquatic plant removal.

Before removing any aquatic plants on your property, please contact the DNR Aquatic Plant Manager nearest your project site for additional and up-to-date information.

For valuable information regarding the management of aquatic plants, please visit the following links:

• Aquatic Plant Management and Protection page
• Management of Aquatic Plants and Algae in Ponds:
  Protecting Your Piece of Paradise

The placement of any structure below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) requires a permit. To apply for a permit to place an aquatic plant barrier, please follow these steps to file your application for a Miscellaneous Structures permit:

• Individual Permit Application: Aquatic Plants [ZIP 423KB]

Laws

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.125, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Section 23.24, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 450KB].

For manual or mechanical plant control, see Chapter NR 109, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 19KB].

For chemical treatment, also see Chapter NR 107, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 24KB]

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].