Changes are proposed to Wisconsin's forty year-old shoreline protection rules. Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank says the proposed updates are the result of thousands of public comments and input from business and environmental groups. Frank says the bottom line is that owners of existing properties located with seventy five feet of a shoreline don't have to worry of they don't plan changes, while those looking to increase the footprint of structures will be required to provide environmental offsets.
Frank says the proposed rules should make it easier for property owners to work with local zoning offices and the DNR, while at the same time protecting lakes and rivers in the state. Shoreland protection rules have not been amended since 1968.
The proposed new rules will be presented to the state Natural Resources Board when it meets in New Richmond on June 24th.