The purpose of this page is to draw attention to environmental issues affecting the State of Wisconsin, its cities, and our planet, also functioning as a clearinghouse for informational, educational, and politically active organizations dedicated to preserving the environment.
Recent changes in state environmental policy have adversely affected the well-being of our beautiful rivers, lakes, and streams as well as our wetlands. Permits given out to large agricultural firms for high-capacity wells have depleted Wisconsin aquifers and resulted in rivers, lakes, and streams disappearing. New laws permitting damaging alterations to shorelines on Wisconsin lakes and rivers are now in force in some Wisconsin counties.
Other environmental issues, including at-risk bee and monarch butterfly populations, pesticide use, and endangered species status will also be discussed. As always, any and all feedback is appreciated.
Contact Us
The Wisconsin DNR
For general information about Wisconsin environmental issues, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Webpage contains a wealth of information about wildlife, forestry, policy, and state regulations.
Wisconsin DNR Website
I. INFORMATION ABOUT THE WISCONSIN HIGH CAPACITY WELL CONTROVERSY:
City of Waupaca 2013 High Capacity Well Study:
Wisconsin’s Disappearing Lakes and Rivers
CLEAN WISCONSIN WORKS TO STOP HIGH-CAPACITY WELL LICENSING:
Clean Wisconsin 2017 lawsuit to nullify high-capacity well licenses
MAP OF HIGH CAPACITY WELLS PRESENTLY OPERATING IN WISCONSIN:
Wisconsin High Capacity Well Map
WISCONSIN ATTORNEY GENERAL KAUL GRANTS DNR EXPLICIT AUTHORITY TO LICENSE HIGH CAPACITY WELLS:
The Wisconsin State Farmer; June 25, 2020
II. PROTECTING WISCONSIN’S SHORELINES
AN OVERVIEW AND HISTORY OF WISCONSIN SHORELINE ZONING LAWS:
Wisconsin Shoreline Zoning Laws History and Updates: March 16, 2017: UWEX
WHAT THE NEW ZONING LAWS DO TO A LAKE:
This Land Ain’t Your Land
EXPLAINING THE LEGISLATION: ACT 55 AND HOW IT IS HURTING WISCONSIN SHORELINES:
Oneida Country Lake and River Association Report: Shoreland Zoning in Wisconsin–A Step Backward
CURRENT PROBLEMS
Nitrate in our Drinking Water:
NPR Report: Report Finds Wisconsin is among ten states where nitrate levels in our drinking water is getting worse.