Eliza Simon, WISPIRG’s clean water associate, educates citizens about the need for stronger protections for our lakes.

After three years, new rules are moving forward to protect Wisconsin’s 15,000 lakes from excessive development. WISPIRG is building support among property owners, recreational businesses and the public for stronger protections for our lakes after the DNR Board voted to send the rules out for public comment in May.

Boating, fishing and swimming on our lakes may be marred by huge algae blooms, fish kills, and less than-scenic views due to overdevelopment. Currently, 80 percent of lakes in Wisconsin have too much phosphorus pollution, which leads to the unsightly and smelly algae blooms.

While stronger protections are supported by a majority of citizens, there will be significant opposition from realtors and developers. Even if there is good turnout at the public hearings being held this summer, it will be an uphill fight to get the Legislature to approve these rules so citizens must also let their legislators know they support these rules as well.

“Development has increased 800 percent on some lakes in Wisconsin,” said Eliza Simon, WISPIRG clean water associate. “The more land we build on, and the more plants we take out from around our lakes, the more pollution pollution is able to run off into them, causing water quality problems.” WISPIRG is working to protect our lakes by increasing the amount of land between the water’s edge and new developments and keeping more of the native trees and grasses that help to prevent water pollution.