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…
One of the greatest pleasures of owning or renting lakeshore or riverfront property is the ability to launch a boat or canoe to be out on the water. Indeed, use of waters is a public right available to everyone. This right is noted in the Wisconsin constitution, “Wisconsin lakes and rivers are public resources, owned…
Decomposing leaves give off nutrients which can be great for lawns and gardens. It’s not good when extra phosphorous ends up in waterbodies.
Throughout the summer of 2020, Washburn County’s lake residents were concerned about effects of high water. Simple measures can reduce erosion and protect water quality.
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.
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…
As previously reported, WCLRA and the Washburn County Board of Supervisors are part of a movement across Wisconsin calling for the repeal of those provisions in the 2015 budget bill (Act 55) that significantly altered shoreland zoning in Wisconsin. The most sweeping of the changes is the elimination of counties’ rights to adopt local shoreland ordinances…
On September 18, 2015, Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association (WCLRA) passed a resolution, shown below, urging the immediate repeal of Act 55, Sections 1922 D through 1922K, amending Wisconsin Statue 59.692 as it pertains to shoreland zoning. At their October meeting, the Washburn County Board of Supervisors passed a similar resolution. WCLRA and Washburn…
Washburn County is blessed with many high quality lakes. Unfortunately, this is not true for some parts of Wisconsin. So what makes Washburn County lakes so attractive to those who enjoy time in and on them? What have landowners, lake associations, and government agencies done to preserve and enhance the quality of our public waters?…