Protecting our fisheries, water quality, and riparian areas for the future

Wisconsin's Stream Bank Protection Program (SBP) aims to provide public access for angling and protect water quality and fish habitat along quality streams threatened by agricultural and urban runoff.

The program purchases easements directly from landowners. In return for payment, the landowner allows public fishing and DNR management activities along the stream corridor on their property. The easement area is generally 66 feet of land from the stream bank on either side of the stream. Easements are perpetual and remain on the land even if it's sold or deeded to an heir. The SBP program has been popular with landowners and anglers. Landowners enjoy the ability to sell part of their rights in their property and in some cases get assistance from the Department or local conservation clubs in restoring the stream corridor, while anglers enjoy access to streams that provide high-quality recreational experiences.

Streambank protection program's roadmap to success

The streambank protection goal in 2014-2015 [PDF] was established to continue to provide angling access and habitat protection along many of the premier stream fisheries in our state. The Department’s specific objective in pre-defined focus areas [PDF] is to purchase riparian easements along 100 miles of the stream. The ability of the Department to meet this objective depends on our outreach efforts, coalition building, a streamlined acquisition process and local real estate markets.

Interested in an easement on your property?

Easements protect and restore corridors along cold and warmwater streams to improve water quality and provide public access. Consider leaving a legacy to those who come after. Get application materials [PDF].

Accomplishments: traveling in the right direction

For the 12-year period (2014-2026), 435 Streambank easement negotiations were established. The Department has closed or plans to close on 209 transactions along 101.87 miles of stream, costing $5,415,028.  An additional 10 negotiations established in 2026 along 3.72 miles of stream may result in future purchases.  

On March 17, 2026, the department surpassed its original FY14-15 biennium 100-mile SBP goal with the purchase of 3,912 feet of two-bank frontage on Mines Creek (Pierce County) and 2,634 feet of two-bank frontage on an unnamed coldwater tributary.  At this site Mines Creek is a brook trout stream that was historically channelized, and Fisheries Management staff are currently designing a naturalized channel restoration.

Once the easements are purchased their specific locations are available via the Department’s Public Access Lands Mapping Application; Public Access Lands Mapping Application.

Streambank protection program eligible streams

The Department maintains maps for streams and DNR properties that are eligible for streambank protection funding. Over 4,500 miles of streams located in 47 counties are eligible.