Shoreland Development

The health of the LCO lakes depends on careful management of the surrounding landscape. As more and more people recognize the splendor of LCO and its setting, the challenges increase as well. COLA is dedicated to responding to these challenges by providing guidance and promoting sustainable practices.

Degraded, eroded shoreline

Native shrubs and other traditional vegetation hold the upland soil in place and prevent runoff. In many areas, LCO’s shoreline has been eroded by irresponsible boating practices and poor shoreland management. Most property owners and visitors care about and are protective of the LCO lakes, but we need to do more. High-powered boats with large wakes come too close to shore. Many properties have manicured and fertilized lawns that extend to the water’s edge. Sawyer County zoning regulations on building setbacks, impervious surfaces, and shoreline access are often ignored.

What COLA is doing about it

Protecting LCO’s shoreline is a community-wide responsibility. COLA has provided information and tools so that property owners, agricultural/forestry operations, and Sawyer Co. can take on their share of practicing and promoting the best possible management of shoreland. Examples include:

Shoreland Buffers

COLA received a Wetland & Shoreline Habitat Restoration Grant from WDNR to help property owners improve their shoreline. The grant allowed COLA to develop restoration plans and designs, make bulk plant purchases, and arrange construction and installation services from area landscapers. Several projects have been completed. COLA is recruiting volunteers to continue this effort

Shoreland Surveys

COLA conducted a shoreline assessment and restoration project that examined the extent of shoreline vegetative cover, erosion, slope, and seawalls for each waterfront property on the LCO lakes. Shoreline assessment identified properties where enhancement or establishment of shoreline buffers would move toward the goal of 100% buffered properties, COLA has since been working with property owners who wish to improve their shoreland buffers.

Zoning

COLA assists Sawyer County and local townships by participating in zoning committee meetings and has developed a land use policy statement designed to protect Lac Courte Oreilles. COLA has also identified building projects with negative impacts on the lakes and helped provide viable alternative plans acceptable to all parties (example).

Water-level Monitoring

COLA works with the LCO Conservation Dept., WDNR, and Sawyer Co. to improve the monitoring of water level. This is a difficult task – misleading or inaccurate measurements have potentially damaging and widespread impacts on shoreline erosion, boat navigation, and plant/animal eco-systems.

Public Outreach

COLA promotes boating, building, and landscape practices that reduce runoff and shoreline erosion. Monthly newsletters and eBlasts routinely examine issues such as boat wake regulations, impervious surfaces, inappropriate use of riprap, and invasive/native shoreland vegetation.

More …

Sawyer County Zoning Shoreline-Wetland Protection Ordinance

This ordinance was created for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and promote and protect the public trust in navigable waters of Sawyer County.