Wisconsin § 31.187 - Abandoned dams.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 31.187 — Abandoned dams., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31.187. Abandoned dams.
31.187(1) (1) The department may remove or cause to be removed, in such manner as it deems fit, old and abandoned dams in streams in this state, upon giving 60 days’ notice in writing to the owner thereof, if the owner can be found. If the owner of the dam is unknown or cannot, by due diligence, be found, the department shall publish a class 3 notice, under ch. 985 , in the county in which the dam is situated. 31.187(2) (2) Whenever the department determines that the conservation of any species or variety of wild animals will be promoted thereby, the department may maintain and repair any dam located wholly upon lands the title to which is in the state either as proprietor or in trust for the people after giving due consideration to fixing the level and regulating the flow of the public waters. 31.187 History History: 1983 a. 27 s. 687 ; Stats. 1983 s. 31.187; 1991 a. 316 . 31.187 Annotation This section, and not s. 31.185 or 283.31, governs removal of a dam by the Department of Natural Resources. There is no statutory authority to grant injunctive relief against the department when it causes damages during a dam removal. Froebel v. DNR, 217 Wis. 2d 652 , 579 N.W.2d 774 (Ct. App. 1998), 97-0844 .
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 31.187
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 31.187 cover?
Section 31.187 ("Abandoned dams.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 31.187?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 31.187" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 31.187 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.