More on DNR Pier Regs

Look for some possible changes in a package of pier regulations still pending with the Natural Resources Board.

The board is slated to meet tomorrow morning by teleconference to hear from one of their top fishing management and habitat protection experts, Mike Staggs.

Staggs will detail results from additional research regarding piers and how such structures affect habitat.

The proposed pier regulations are aimed at ensuring piers are not harmful to the environment and do not violate the public trust doctrine (which ensures public access to state waterways), DNR officials say.

However, the regulations have sparked a war of words between the agency and the Wisconsin Realtors Association, along with a few sympathetic lawmakers, who oppose the creation of rules that would apply retroactively to existing piers.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel jumped into the fray today with an editorial blasting the Realtors for using scare tactics, and backing up the DNR’s statement most of the piers will not be affected by the new proposals.