Project Number:
WR04R005
Funding Year:
2004
Contract Period:
7/1/2004 - 6/30/2005
Funding Source:
UWS
Investigator(s):
PIs:- Lynn Markham, UW-Stevens Point, Center for Land Use Education
- ChinChun Tang, UW-Stevens Point, Center for Land Use Education
- Bobbie Webster, UW-Stevens Point, Center for Land Use Education
- Chuck Dunning, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Discipline
Abstract:
Background/Need:
Groundwater, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands are among Wisconsin’s greatest natural resources. Fish, wildlife, and plants depend on these water resources to give them life. In order for communities to plan for the future, it is essential that both the quantity and quality of groundwater be protected. Land use decisions can have signifi cant and unanticipated consequences for groundwater resources. Declining water levels and reductions in water quality have already occurred in many parts of the state.
Legislation adopted in Wisconsin in 1999 requires that by January 1, 2010 all communities that make specifi ed land use decisions base those decisions on a comprehensive plan. Despite widespread understanding among groundwater scientists and planners that groundwater needs to be addressed throughout a comprehensive plan, there have been no efforts to track how groundwater is being addressed in the plans.
Objectives:
The objectives of this project are to improve local groundwater planning efforts, and more importantly implementation efforts, by providing examples of high quality plans and real-life examples illustrating how local governments have implemented their plans.