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.
Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline Update – August 2025
Contested Case Hearings on DNR Water Permits Begins August 12
Prepared by Nancy Larson, WGF Water Resources Specialist
The contested case hearings on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) water permits for the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline reroute in Wisconsin begin August 12 in Ashland, WI. The hearings will be held in Ashland and Madison …
Read More >Northern Lakes Toolbox Workshops Return for Fall 2025
Northern Lakes Toolbox Workshops Return for Fall 2025!
Northern Lakes Toolbox Workshops 2025 Flyer. (Click image to enlarge.) Click here for a PDF copy of the flyer.
We are proud to announce the return of our Northern Lakes Toolbox Workshops in the fall of 2025, hosted by Wisconsin’s Green …
Read More >Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes Now Largest in the U.S.
Logos of various groups in the coalition to protect Wisconsin’s lakes, as of June 27, 2025 (not all member organizations depicted).
Coalition to Protect Wisconsin’s Lakes Now Largest in the U.S.
Surge in Group Size Hits 80 WI Groups
Membership Now in the Tens of Thousands
News Release Prepared by Steve Lyons
A coalition focused on protecting Wisconsin’s …
Read More >Op-Ed: Wisconsin’s Long History of Local Control and Wake Boat Regulations
Sunset over a Northern Wisconsin Lake, photo by Ashley Gries
Wisconsin’s Long History of Local Control and Wake Boat Regulations
by Dan Butkus, President- Wisconsin Lakes (dbutkus@wisconsinlakes.org)
and Meleesa Johnson, Executive Director, Wisconsin’s Green Fire (mjohnson@wigreenfire.org)
Note: This op-ed was prepared by WGF Executive Director, Meleesa Johnson, and Wisconsin Lakes President, Dan Butkus in early …
Read More >Coalition on Wake Boats and Lakes Grows to 60+ Groups
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 …
Read More >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 …
Read More >Wisconsin Neonics Forum – Oct. 30, 2024
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 …
Read More >Wake Boats Coalition – Focus on Local Control
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 …
Read More >Wisconsin Lakes Coalition – Policy Positions on Wake Boats
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, …
Read More >WGF Comments on DNR’s PFOAS Guidance
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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