Contact: Tom Rudolph, LWCB member, 715-362-6222, tdrudolph@charter.net
MADISON–A Wausau forum planned for April 4 will bring together local government officials, zoning specialists, lake association leaders and others to present ideas and discuss local implementation for shoreland zoning requirements.
The Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board is sponsoring the gathering titled “Forum on Local Implementation of Revised NR 115 on Shoreland Zoning Requirements,” set for Monday, April 4, 1:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Wausau Room at the Marathon County Public Library, 300 North 1st Street, Wausau. The forum will follow the bimonthly meeting of the LWCB.
“The Shoreland Management Program protects water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and Wisconsin’s natural beauty,” said Tom Rudolph of the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Board. “This is accomplished through the use of minimum statewide standards to control development intensity around water and the establishment of buffers near lakes and rivers.”
The Shoreland Management Program is a partnership between the state and local governments. Wisconsin establishes minimum development standards and local governments adopt zoning ordinances that meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Earlier this year, the state standards in Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 115 were updated to better protect lakes and rivers while allowing property owners more flexibility to use their land. Local governments have a two year window to update their ordinances to be consistent with or exceed the state’s rules.
The forum will be of value to local government officials, lake and river protection groups, conservation staff, and shoreland landowners.
The forum will begin with an overview of NR 115 and model ordinance presented by Lynn Markham, Shoreland and Land Use specialist, UW-Stevens Point. Karl Jennrich, Oneida County Planning and Zoning director, will discuss efforts to revise their ordinance, and Bob Martini, president of the Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association will present their proposal to include provisions beyond the model ordinance.
Becky Frisch, Langlade County Zoning administrator and Karl Kastrosky, Bayfield County Planning and Zoning director, will both share information about what makes their ordinances noteworthy. Time has been set aside to receive public comments.
There is no charge to attend the forum. For questions, contact Tom Rudolph, LWCB, (715) 362-6222 or by email, tdrudolph@charter.net.
