Wetlands
WGF reports and educational materials about the values of wetlands, and state and federal regulation affecting wetlands in Wisconsin, developed by the Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group.
Vista Sands Solar Farm – WGF Public Testimony
WGF’s Public Testimony on the proposed Vista Sands Solar Farm
An update on how we’re fighting for renewable energy and wildlife conservation.
Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) continues to seek several modifications to the proposed Vista Sands Solar Farm development. We’re working so this unprecedented expansion of renewable energy production – a necessary step toward attaining the …
Read More >WGF on NR 320: Protecting Navigable Waters
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 …
Read More >US Supreme Court Decision Reduces Protections for Wetlands
By Michael Cain, Chair of the WGF Public Trust and Wetlands Work Group
The US Supreme Court recently rendered a decision which reduced the scope of protections for wetlands and small ephemeral waterways under the Clean Water Act. In the case, Sackett v. EPA, a 5-4 majority of …
Read More >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 …
Read More >Wetlands and Waterways in Wisconsin: Navigating Changes to the Federal Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule – Wisconsin’s Green Fire Opportunities Now 2021-2023 Report
Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) new report explains the history of the Clean Water Act and the frequent changes to the definition of “Waters of the United States”, which is critical to interpreting and implementing meaningful protections under the law. The report examines the intersection and overlap between federal and state water protection authority; explains the increasingly important functions, environmental benefits, and ecosystem services provided by wetlands, especially in light of the impacts being experienced as a result of climate change; and concludes with recommendations for policy and actions at the federal and state level that will help assure consistent and effective protections for wetlands and the many invaluable benefits they provide.
Read More >Enbridge Line 5 Oil Pipeline Relocation – Wisconsin’s Green Fire Analysis of Waterway and Wetland Permit Application
On July 1st, 2020 the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a public hearing on a Waterway and Wetland Permit Application from Enbridge Energy for their proposed re-route of portions of their Line 5 oil pipeline which currently runs through the Bad River Indian Reservation in Ashland and Iron Counties. Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) has …
Read More >A Guide to WATER RESOURCE PERMITTING for Pipeline Construction in Wisconsin
Pipeline construction impacts water resources through filling and disturbing wetlands, grading on the bank of waterways, crossing waterways and placing structures on or under the bed, or discharging stormwater runoff from construction. This 2 page guide outlines the permits needed in Wisconsin and public input opportunities.
Read More >Governor Signs 2019 Wetland Mitigation Bill
On November 25, 2019 Governor Evers signed Senate Bill 169 into law as 2019 Wisconsin Act 59. The bill was designed to steer wetland mitigation closer to the site of a development project by requiring developers who elect to purchase mitigation bank credits to try to buy them near the site and within the same …
Read More >WGF Comments SB 252 Flood Risk Reduction Pilot
As a member of Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) and a resident of Ashland County, I write to express my appreciation to the sponsors of Senate Bill 252 for this investment in green infrastructure approaches to flood reduction. Prior to my retirement from the Department of Natural Resources, I worked on several initiatives to reduce runoff in the Lake Superior basin. The demonstration projects that would be funded pursuant to SB 252 would build on a long history of partnerships among local residents, watershed organizations, and government at the local, tribal, state, and federal levels. This investment by state government would be timely and much appreciated.
Read More >Follow up to WGF Testimony on Senate Bill 169 Related to Wetland Mitigation Banks
Thank you again for allowing me to comment on SB 169 at the hearing on April 30, 2019. I would like to add an additional comment as a follow-up to my testimony.
Both DNR and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are involved in wetland mitigation banking. Wetland compensatory mitigation requirements are specified by USACE-St. …
Read More >