Great Lakes Article:

DNR reviewing Great Lakes dredging policies
By Keegan Kyle
Green Bay Press Gazette
Posted January 29, 2008

MADISON — Removing invasive species and other public nuisances from Wisconsin's Great Lakes could cost lakefront property owners less money.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reviewing policies that would reduce the cost of an individual's dredging permits to $50. Current law requires people to pay a $500 fee and wait 30 days for public comment before the permits may be issued.

The DNR has extended its public comment period until Friday so people can voice their opinions about the possible changes involving two permits.

One permit allows people to operate a motor vehicle to dredge the beds of "outlying waters" to remove algae, zebra mussels, invasive plants, dead fish and other public nuisances.

The other permit being reviewed allows property owners to remove invasive species or unwanted vegetation from an exposed lakebed using a motor vehicle.

The review is an attempt to streamline dredging permits so lakefront property owners may help the DNR remove invasive species from the Great Lakes. The DNR says the new proposals would have the permit processed within 30 days.

The DNR urges written comments on the policy changes be e-mailed to Martin Griffin at MartinP.Griffin@Wisconsin.gov or mailed to Martin Griffin, Bureau of Watershed Management, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707.