At the hearing, DNR Secretary Darrell Bazell expressed serious concerns with this wetland bill.  These concerns were iterated by the conservation community, including Wisconsin Wetlands Association. The concerns include:
 

• LRB 2921 includes considerable language to change Chapter 30 Drainage District law.  This issue is being addressed by a special legislative committee and has nothing to do with the issue of isolated wetlands.  The proposed changes, proposed by the Farm Bureau, would negatively impact wetlands.

• LRB 2921 attempts to change wetland classification, already a contentious issue, through definition.  This is language that would be potentially detrimental to wetlands.

• LRB 2921 proposes a significant change to the existing water quality certification process (NR 103) by exempting wetland fill activities less than one acre from the "practicable alternatives" test.  This language directly contradicts the process spelled out in the new wetland mitigation law passed in 2000, and would considerably weaken wetland protection for small wetlands.  This is a concession to the devlopment community.

• The DNR would have limited inspection authority under LRB 2921; without inspection authority, it would be difficult for the DNR to determine whether there was a potential violation or not.

• Overall, LRB 2921 makes major concessions to the agri-business interests and to the development interests. This is NOT a "return to status quo protection" bill for isolated wetlands.

We encourage interested parties to attend the hearing on LRB 2921 Tuesday, April 10 in Whitehall.  The Wisconsin Wetlands Association will happily provide a copy of the draft bill LRB 2921 if you request it.  To obtain a copy, email the organization or call 608-250-9971.

If you are interested in making comments but cannot attend the hearing, the Wetlands Association also will provide appropriate contact information for you.

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