Permits

Permits, Licenses and Public notices are often required for projects in aquatic environments. ABI staff can help you determine requirements for your project, provide assistance with paperwork and/or work with an engineering firm if warranted. The summaries below describe a few common lake and pond activities that many times require permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For more information, please contact ABI or your local WI DNR office.

Erosion Control: Every shoreline is exposed to different natural events and human activities that can cause erosion. A small amount of soil erosion may not be a cause for any concern, but intervention may be needed on some shorelines. If your property is on a river or stream, permits will generally be required to place streambank structures such as fiber logs, rock riprap or any type of seawall. Visit the WI DNR Erosion Control Page (Exit Site).

Aquatic Plant and Algae Management: Includes several subcatagories...

Chemical: includes herbicides and Aquashade. Only those chemicals registered with the U.S. EPA and Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) are used through Aquatic Biologists, Inc. You are required to have an Aquatic Plant Management Permit (Exit Site) or a Type 1 Fish Farm License (Exit Site) before conducting chemical treatments in Wisconsin. Those individuals in other states wishing to conduct chemical applications to their lake or pond should check with their local environmental regulatory agency.

Biological: includes herbivores and bacteria. Currently the most common biological control is the Galerucella beetle, which is used to control the invasive plant Purple Loosestrife. It is illegal to transport or stock carp or crayfish in Wisconsin. Biological control of aquatic plants always requires a permit. Contact Brock Woods (608/221-6349) at the WI DNR for further details.

Manual/Mechanical: includes hand-pulling and raking or mechanically harvesting plants. The regulation of mechanical and manual control of aquatic plants is new in Wisconsin. The Department may require an Aquatic Plant Management Plan before it issues a permit for these control methods. Mechanical control always requires a permit; manual control may require a permit. Mechanical / Manual Aquatic Plant Control Application 3200-113 (PDF) (Exit Site)

Physical: includes bottom plant barriers and water drawdown. These methods are used only in special circumstances. Because they involve placing structure on the bed of a lake and/or affect lake water level, a Chapter 30 or 31 permit will most likely be needed. A Wisconsin DNR Chapter 30 or 31 permit will most likely be needed.

To renew your current Type 1 fish farm license (Exit Site) or contact DATCP at datcpfishfarms@wisconsin.gov

Fish or Wildlife Habitat: Installing a fish or wildlife habitat structure is generally exempt from permit requirements, provided your project meets certain standards and is not in a specially designated water. For projects in designated waters, a general permit or an individual permit is required. Visit the WI DNR's website for more information.

Intake/Outfall Structures: Installing an intake or outfall habitat structure is generally exempt from permit requirements, provided your project meets certain standards and is not in a specially designated water. For projects in designated waters, general permit or individual permit is required.

Lake Levels: Establishing or changing levels on lakes or flowages will generally require DNR approval. A fee is required. Changing water levels can have a variety of impacts on water users, property owners, fish and wildlife. Project review can be lengthy and locally controversial.

Piers: Chapters 30 and 31 of the Wisconsin Statutes require written permits for certain activities on or near a waterway: for example, to place any material below the ordinary high water mark (such as rock riprap, fish cribs, culverts, fords, etc.); to construct a bridge, dredge material from a lake or stream; create a pond; or to construct, operate, or maintain a dam. For more information visit http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/permit_apps/pack07b.pdf

Pond Building: A general permit or individual permit is required to construct, dredge or enlarge any part or a pond or artificial waterbody that is either:

Remember to contact your county, city, villageand/or township zoning department to find what if any local permits may be required additionally.