As the new home of WISPIRG's environmental work, Wisconsin Environment can be contacted with any questions regarding this news release.
MADISON—The Wisconsin
Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) is calling on the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) to continue with its original plan to move forward
this summer with new rules, known as NR 115, to limit the impact of excessive
development along Wisconsin's lakes. The DNR initiated a rulemaking process
over two years ago to update the state's shoreland zoning rules which were adopted
in the 1960's address the growing amount of pollution in our lakes. The DNR
was planning to send the rule to the DNR Board and begin collecting public comments
from citizens throughout the summer, but that plan has been put on hold because
of opposition from developers and certain county representatives.
"The people in Wisconsin
should be able to enjoy our lakes for swimming, fishing, and scenic beauty,"
said Jennifer Giegerich, WISPIRG State Director. "If we want to stop excessive
development from ruining our lakes, Wisconsin needs to act now to put in place
sensible measures that will prevent runoff pollution, prevent soil erosion,
and preserve our lakes' scenic beauty and tranquility."
The delay of moving forward
for new rules to protect our lakes from runoff pollution comes at the same time
as residents in the Madison area are being warned about toxic algae in Lake
Kegonsa that may have caused the death of a dog this past weekend. While state
officials are still waiting for the exact nature of the toxic algae, long-term,
ongoing runoff into lakes makes them more susceptible to large algae blooms
that can host toxins.
Overdevelopment of shoreland
leads to increases in erosion and runoff pollution. Ninety-three percent of
lakes in Wisconsin are in violation of the recommended EPA standards for phosphorus.
This pollution is the key pollutant affecting the amount of algae and weed growth
that limits swimming and boating activities and decreased oxygen levels which
results in fish kills. Phosphorus originates from a variety of sources including
human and animal wastes, soil erosion, and runoff from farmland or lawns.
"The DNR needs to stand
up to those that would like to continue putting our lakes at risk. Pollution
and overdevelopment of lakes is only to get worse unless we act now," said
Giegerich.
Any revision of NR 115 should
include these four minimum steps to achieve these goals:
-
Expanding natural buffer zones to 50 feet to prevent erosion and runoff pollution;
-
Doubling lot sizes (though still not estate-size) so the land can absorb the
rainfall and trees and shrubs can filter the runoff and prevent erosion;
-
Requiring larger lot sizes for condos, hotels, motels and resorts; and
-
Preserving more shoreland by paving over less of each lot.
