Frequently Asked Questions
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Some Questions We Have Been Asked:
QUESTION: What is an "Ordinary High Water Mark" (OHWM)?
ANSWER: Under Wisconsin´s Constitution, lakes and rivers belong to everybody and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages them for the benefit of all citizens. The state Supreme Court has ruled that the state owns title to lakebeds (not streambeds or flowed lands) and that the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), establishes the boundary between public lakebed and private land. In 1914, the Wisconsin Supreme Court defined the OHWM as "the point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of the water is so continuous as to leave a distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation or other easily recognized characteristic."
Water marks are often at various elevations, but the most permanent and prevalent marks constitute the ordinary high water mark. The OHWM doesn´t change with temporary fluctuations in water levels, nor is it always at or near open water, as is the case with cattail marshes and bogs. The Supreme Court has ruled that the area between the water´s edge and the OHWM need not be navigable to be held in the public trust. For more information click on the following link. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/waterways/general_info/ohwm.htm
ANSWER: Under Wisconsin´s Constitution, lakes and rivers belong to everybody and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages them for the benefit of all citizens. The state Supreme Court has ruled that the state owns title to lakebeds (not streambeds or flowed lands) and that the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), establishes the boundary between public lakebed and private land. In 1914, the Wisconsin Supreme Court defined the OHWM as "the point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of the water is so continuous as to leave a distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation or other easily recognized characteristic."
Water marks are often at various elevations, but the most permanent and prevalent marks constitute the ordinary high water mark. The OHWM doesn´t change with temporary fluctuations in water levels, nor is it always at or near open water, as is the case with cattail marshes and bogs. The Supreme Court has ruled that the area between the water´s edge and the OHWM need not be navigable to be held in the public trust. For more information click on the following link. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/waterways/general_info/ohwm.htm
QUESTION: What is Riprap?
ANSWER: Riprap is a quantity of assorted rock sizes placed to reinforce shoreline to protect it from erosion. See sample below.
ANSWER: Riprap is a quantity of assorted rock sizes placed to reinforce shoreline to protect it from erosion. See sample below.
QUESTION: Why is a temporary fencing/watering system required.
ANSWER: A temporary fencing/watering system is required for the first growing season of the Cost Share project. Fencing allows new plants and trees to form a good foundation by minimizing human and animal foot traffic and helps to prevent new growth from being a food source for some types of wildlife. Watering systems are put in place to help with watering new growth during dry periods so plants can get established and have a better chance for survival.
ANSWER: A temporary fencing/watering system is required for the first growing season of the Cost Share project. Fencing allows new plants and trees to form a good foundation by minimizing human and animal foot traffic and helps to prevent new growth from being a food source for some types of wildlife. Watering systems are put in place to help with watering new growth during dry periods so plants can get established and have a better chance for survival.
QUESTION: Why must a Cost Share project include groundcovers, trees AND shrubs in a required 6-foot planting buffer zone?
ANSWER: All types of vegetation help stabalize the shoreline. Each tree, groundcover and shrub has a different root system to help create a 6-foot filtration zone before water reaches the lake. In addition, different types of vegetation provide aesthetics, attract different kinds of wildlife and provide habitat stabilization for a healthy environment.
ANSWER: All types of vegetation help stabalize the shoreline. Each tree, groundcover and shrub has a different root system to help create a 6-foot filtration zone before water reaches the lake. In addition, different types of vegetation provide aesthetics, attract different kinds of wildlife and provide habitat stabilization for a healthy environment.
QUESTION: What are Curlex* Blocs?
ANSWER: Curlex Blocs are products that are used to help protect a shoreline from erosion. Samples and descriptions are below.
ANSWER: Curlex Blocs are products that are used to help protect a shoreline from erosion. Samples and descriptions are below.
QUESTION: What is an Erosion Control Blanket?
ANSWER: A Curlex* Blanket (or erosion control blanket) is a product is used to help protect any disturbed ground. It stabilizes plantings and is seeded under or planted into preventing rain from washing away plants, seeds, or soil. Samples and descriptions are below. Being environmentally friendly, Oneida County does NOT recommend using erosion control blankets containing plastic netting incorporated into the blanket. Blankets with plastic netting are NOT used in Oneida County cost share projects.
ANSWER: A Curlex* Blanket (or erosion control blanket) is a product is used to help protect any disturbed ground. It stabilizes plantings and is seeded under or planted into preventing rain from washing away plants, seeds, or soil. Samples and descriptions are below. Being environmentally friendly, Oneida County does NOT recommend using erosion control blankets containing plastic netting incorporated into the blanket. Blankets with plastic netting are NOT used in Oneida County cost share projects.
QUESTION: What is a Sediment Log?
ANSWER: A Sediment Log is an excelsior-filled log designed to reduce sediment-laden runoff and help protect lake water quality. A sample and description are below.
ANSWER: A Sediment Log is an excelsior-filled log designed to reduce sediment-laden runoff and help protect lake water quality. A sample and description are below.
QUESTION: What is Excelsior?
ANSWER: Excelsior is a material made from fine wood shavings used for stuffing or packing. It is used in erosion control and typically made from aspen.
ANSWER: Excelsior is a material made from fine wood shavings used for stuffing or packing. It is used in erosion control and typically made from aspen.
QUESTION: Some projects cost thousands of dollars. What can I do, myself, to protect my shoreline or water quality for not a lot of money?
ANSWER: There are lots of different things a homeowner can do with just a small investment.
ANSWER: There are lots of different things a homeowner can do with just a small investment.
- Diversify your shoreline. Don't mow your grass all the way to the water's edge. Put a few native plants and shrubs close to your shoreline to help protect the shore from erosion. Many native plants and shrubs have long root systems to hold soil in place much better than lawn grass. Click on the Root Systems button below for more.
- Encourage infiltration. You can encourage infiltration around your yard by minimizing hard, impervious walkways. Instead of a cement sidewalk, use gravel or paving stones which will allow water to soak into the soil.
- Don't over-use lawn products. Products such as fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides can be a serious problem for your lake. Remember: if you put it on your lawn, it WILL end up in your lake.
- Utilize fish sticks! Fish sticks are feeding, breeding and nesting sites for birds and other mammals. For additional information click HERE.
- Be careful what you flush. If you live near a lake, chances are you are not on a city sewer/water system. Flushing items such as water-soluble medicines, soaps and wash water with harsh, chemical, cleaning solutions do not go to a treatment plant and are not filtered out. Again, if it's water-soluble when it is flushed, it WILL end up in your lake eventually.
- Install a rain garden. A rain garden is an inexpensive, bowl-shaped garden that, through the actions of spongy living soils and properly chosen plants, slows, filters, and absorbs runoff from roofs or pavement keeping it from becoming harmful storm water pollution. Rain gardens are a smart and proven way of using beautiful landscaping to: clean our lakes and waterways, and protect our precious natural habitats.
- Don't rake your leaves in the fall. Wait until late spring before doing any raking. Leaves are wonderful places for butterfly eggs to overwinter. One of the most valuable things you can do to support pollinators and other invertebrates is to provide them with the winter cover they need in the the form of fall leaves and standing dead plant material.
QUESTION: How do I know if I will a need a permit for work I want to do on my property?
ANSWER: The only way to be sure you need, or do not need a permit, is to check with the Department of Natural Resources. The website (button below), can help you with any question you may have. Or, contact Kyle McLaughlin, DNR Water Regulations and Zoning Specialist at Kyle.McLaughlin@Wisconsin.gov.
ANSWER: The only way to be sure you need, or do not need a permit, is to check with the Department of Natural Resources. The website (button below), can help you with any question you may have. Or, contact Kyle McLaughlin, DNR Water Regulations and Zoning Specialist at Kyle.McLaughlin@Wisconsin.gov.
QUESTION: Are there grants or other funding resources available for projects on my property?
ANSWER: Yes. There are grants available through the Healthy Lakes Program. Click the button below for more information. Some restrictions apply.
ANSWER: Yes. There are grants available through the Healthy Lakes Program. Click the button below for more information. Some restrictions apply.
If you have a question, please fill out the form below and hit submit. Our office will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you.
* Use of brand names is for educational purposes only and does not contstitute a recommendation or endorsement of one brand over any other.