Why Protect Shorelands?
 
The natural qualities of Wisconsin's lakes and waterways are important, not only for local economies, but also in defining the character of our state.  Wisconsin is blessed with an incredible wealth and variety of trout streams, floodplain forests, streams and creeks, inland lakes and wetlands created by ice-age glaciers, and the vastness of the Great Lakes.  These waters provide fish and wildlife, natural beauty, serenity, and opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation.
 

Unfortunately, because shorelands are beautiful and desirable, development pressures have exploded along lakes and streams throughout Wisconsin.  This development could easily destroy the very qualities people are rushing to enjoy.  If you visit or live on a lake, river, or stream, you probably know that certain developments damage water quality.  Good water quality is essential for many wildlife species and for providing us with good fishing, swimming and boating.  We need to have protections for our waters in place  so they will be maintained as attractions for business, homeowners and vacationers.
 
Shoreland ordinances help protect the water quality and the natural scenic beauty by maintaining appropriate land use around these waters.  In fact, given the rate and extent of current development,these ordinances are too weak.  We must strengthen Shoreland Zoning  and eliminate variances in both compliance and enforcement, while we still have natural shoreland to protect.
 

Shoreland Facts
 

• Two out of three lakes in Wisconsin that were undeveloped in the 1960s now have development along their shores.  A typical 500 to 1,000-acre lake now has 9 times as many homes as it did in the 1960s.

• Fish feeding activity is 7 times higher along undeveloped shorelines, because brush and trees shelter their prey.  Thus, higher populations of fish are supported.

• Several species of birds are becoming rare due to loss of shoreland cover, food, and nest sites cleared for lawns and homes.

• Loon populations decline when two or more cottages occur within 250 meters on a lake shore.

• Green frogs establish breeding territories within 2 feet of a lake's edge.  As the density of shoreland homes increases, green frogs disappear.

• Phosphorus run-off (and other pollutants) can increase 200-700% when shoreland lots are developed, leading to excess fertilization and choking algae growth.

• Clearing shoreland often increases water temperature, leading to lower oxygen in the water and stressed fish.

The following sections of this report discuss key details:

Back to Front of this DNR Report
Political Involvement
Conclusion and Recommendations
Methods and References