Jellystone Camper Question

I am in Jellystone Park in the town of Koshkonong.

Part of the campground pays the lake district assessment and part do not. I do.

What do I get for my money?

Do I have lake rights and use of the lake that people who don't pay get?

If so could you explain my rights?

Thank you,

Jim

Jim -
The Rock County Board established the lake district boundaries in 1999, after a public hearing.

Much like a school district, boundaries are not drawn perfectly - sometimes a boundary is marked by a street, excluding those from attending a school that may indeed be closer to those same residents.

This is the situation with Jellystone.

Since the boundaries were established in 1999, the campground has expanded, and apparently, there is now camp sites beyond the lake district boundaries. You may want to petition your campground board to attach the entire campground to the RKLD boundary. Unfortunately, the RKLD does not have the power to annex new territory like a city can annex.

Your "rights" to use the lake are protected by the WI Public Trust Doctrine - which irritates many WI residents that WI cannot tax IL residents and other out-of-staters at a higher rate. I believe the Public Trust Doctrine should never be reversed.

Be proud that you are one of more than 4000+ lake district residents dedicated to improving the safety, recreation and ecology of WI's 3rd largest inland lake.

Thank you for your great question and your cntinued support.