New WCLRA Booklet: “Washburn County Waters: Let’s Keep them Healthy”

The WCLRA Communication Committee is pleased to announce availability of a booklet covering most of the current topics and threats related to our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. This booklet is an updated version of a larger-format publication our group produced in 2016 for some special educational events held that summer. The new version includes…

Rain garden

What Happens On Your Lawn Doesn’t Stay On Your Lawn

Sometimes less is more. In the case of lawn care, that approach can be helpful to both you and the environment, lakes, wetlands and rivers.

In Northwest Wisconsin many lakes and streams provide an abundance of year-around recreation and the outdoors provides an experience of peace and tranquility. During COVID-19, we are especially fortunate to be able to de-stress with a walk in the woods, boat on a lake, or fish a stream.  Awareness of the impact of human activities and proper care will ensure continued enjoyment. Lawn care greatly impacts our waters – minimal lawn chemical treatments, leaves and grass clipping management and shoreland protection are all examples of ways to lessen the impact.

 

Shoreland Zoning Summary

As previously reported, dramatic changes have been made to shoreland zoning in the past year.  The most sweeping of the changes is the elimination of counties’ rights to adopt local shoreland ordinances stronger than the DNR’s minimum standards. Click here to read a summary of those changes prepared by Wisconsin Lakes association. Information on these…