Lakes & Streams

Wisconsin’s waterways and the Public Trust Doctrine. The Public Trust Doctrine is simply the idea that no one person can claim ownership over the bounty of the lakes and streams… that these are gifts to be enjoyed and cherished by all. WGF’s analyses and educational materials are developed by the Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group.

Coalition on Wake Boats and Lakes Grows to 60+ Groups

Ice forming on Lake Mildred with rocky shoreline, evergreen trees, and blue skies.

The coalition to protect Wisconsin lakes from the effects of wake boats has grown to over 60 groups.

The strength of the coalition comes from the shared commitment to sound, science-based policy. The coalition will be active in the new Legislative Session starting this month, January 2025.

We are proud and grateful for the role of Wisconsin’s …

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Updates on Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline – December 2024

Enbridge received permits from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for oil pipeline Line 5 Reroute to cross streams and wetlands in northern Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, crude oil spilled from Line 6 in southern Wisconsin.

Enbridge Line 5 Segment Relocation Map, 2020

Prepared by Nancy Larson, WGF Water Resources Specialist

Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) has followed and commented …

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Wisconsin Neonics Forum – Oct. 30, 2024

Wisconsin Neonics Forum in Madison on October 30, 2024, attendees in crowd

Written by Paul Heinen, WGF Policy Director, Edited by Carolyn Pralle, WGF Communications and Outreach Coordinator

Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) co-sponsored the first-ever Wisconsin Neonics Forum in Madison on October 30, 2024.

Our attendees to the Wisconsin Neonics Forum included executive director Meleesa Johnson, work group members Mark Asplund and Bill Fisher, agricultural projects coordinator Ben …

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Wake Boats Coalition – Focus on Local Control

group of logos from Wisconsin lakes coalition members as of 14Oct2024

Wake Boats & Wisconsin Lakes – October 14, 2024 News Release
“Wisconsin Coalition Hails Local Efforts Regulating Wake-Enhanced Boats”

Our work as a coalition continues to advance a science-based approach to protect Wisconsin lakes from harmful effects related to wake-enhanced boats. On October 14, 2024, the coalition shared this news release, focusing on local efforts by Wisconsin …

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Wisconsin Lakes Coalition – Policy Positions on Wake Boats

flowing turbulent river with early autumn trees and blue sky

Wisconsin Lakes Coalition – September 16, 2024 Update

Sep. 16, 2024 News Release: Wisconsin Lakes Coalition Shares Policy Positions to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes

Wisconsin’s Green Fire is one of the leading organizations within a new coalition of groups protecting Wisconsin’s lakes from the effects of wake boats. On September 16, 2024, …

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WGF Comments on DNR’s PFOAS Guidance

splashing water

Responding to WDNR Draft Guidance for PFOA and PFAS in Water

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is developing guidance for minimization plans of wastewater treatment systems regarding two of the most common forms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. Those two forms include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). …

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WGF on NR 320: Protecting Navigable Waters

Kayakers paddle away on waters surrounded by trees under blue sky

Working to Protect Navigable Waters in Wisconsin

WGF members kayaking on Bark Bay Slough, Bayfield County, July 2024, Photo by Don Behm

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is updating Chapter NR 320 of the state administrative code regulating placement of bridges, culverts, other structures, and fill material in or over navigable waters …

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Wake Boats and Lakes: Updated Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire

illustration of a pink and blue wake boat on a blue and gray wave

Publication Update!

The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health: A Literature Review, May 2024

May 2024 update to our special report: “The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health: A Literature Review.”

Over the past two months, our team has been updating our literature review on wake boats and lakes. We …

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Wake Boats and Lakes: New Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire

May 2024 Update: 

The February 2024 version of this report has been updated and replaced by the new version published in May 2024. Read the new version here: Wake Boats and Lakes: Updated Report from Wisconsin’s Green Fire.

The updated content better reflects the current scientific literature and emerging information from communities around Wisconsin and other …

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Wisconsin Tribes: Leading the way in protecting and restoring wetlands and watersheds

May is American Wetlands Month, and in celebration the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and partners have collaborated with Wisconsin Tribal communities to produce videos highlighting the work Tribes have done to protect wetlands in Wisconsin. 

Tribes in Wisconsin are doing vital work to protect and restore wetlands and watersheds. The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory …

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