Wisconsin § 281.31 - Navigable waters protection law.

§ 281.31. Navigable waters protection law.

281.31(1) (1) To aid in the fulfillment of the state’s role as trustee of its navigable waters and to promote public health, safety, convenience and general welfare, it is declared to be in the public interest to make studies, establish policies, make plans and authorize municipal shoreland zoning regulations for the efficient use, conservation, development and protection of this state’s water resources. The regulations shall relate to lands under, abutting or lying close to navigable waters. The purposes of the regulations shall be to further the maintenance of safe and healthful conditions; prevent and control water pollution; protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life; control building sites, placement of structure and land uses and reserve shore cover and natural beauty. 281.31(2) (2) In this section, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: 281.31(2)(c) (c) “Municipality” or “municipal” means a county, village or city. 281.31(2)(d) (d) “Navigable water” or “navigable waters” means Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, all natural inland lakes within this state and all streams, ponds, sloughs, flowages and other waters within the territorial limits of this state, including the Wisconsin portion of boundary waters, which are navigable under the laws of this state. 281.31(2)(e) (e) “Regulation” means ordinances enacted under ss.