External Services
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Shoreland programs
The legislature has established four programs to protect our shoreland areas. The department is legislatively mandated to oversee three of these programs, shoreland zoning, shoreland-wetland zoning and St. Croix Scenic Riverway zoning. While the…
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Wisconsin’s Shoreland Management Program
A partnership between state and local government The Wisconsin Shoreland Management Program protects water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation and natural beauty through shoreland zoning ordinances. Local communities adopt zoning…
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Resources on shoreland restoration
Restoring your shoreline can improve fish and wildlife habitat while protecting against erosion. See the resources below for best practices, finding the right plant species, and funding opportunities
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Resources for local government
The information below covers the adoption and administration of shoreland zoning ordinances for local government officials and staff.These standards seek to create a balance between private rights and public interests in compliance with statewide…
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Publications on shoreland management
Laws and regulationsPublication numberPublication informationChapter NR 115Wisconsin's Shoreland Management Program. Wisconsin Administrative Code.Chapter NR 116Wisconsin's Floodplain Management Program.
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Resources for waterfront property owners
This page covers best practices and regulations for property owners with shorelines along lakes or rivers in Wisconsin. If you have questions about shoreland zoning restrictions on your property, please contact your local county zoning authority.
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Shoreland Protection Funding
Owning sensitive shorelands outright or securing agreements with property owners to keep their shorelands in a natural state in perpetuity are increasingly popular tools to protect water quality and habitat along lakes and rivers. The DNR buys…
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What we are doing
In 1997, the department underwent an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the shoreland program in meeting the legislative goals of protecting water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and natural scenic beauty.Rulemaking processAs a result of…
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Floodplain Zoning and Management Resources
State Model Zoning OrdinanceAn updated standard model floodplain ordinance went into effect in March 2022. This is the model version that should be used by any community amending or repealing and recreating a floodplain ordinance. The state model…