| Developing an efficient and effective wetland protection program in Door County |
ABSTRACT
Door County is growing, with more than 10,000 acres being developed in the last 30 years. As development continues, efforts are underway to protect wetlands. Wetlands are critical ecological resources, protecting ground and surface water and providing aquatic and wildlife habitats. About 16%, or roughly 50,000 acres, of Door County is wetland.
The purpose of this study funded by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program was to begin a conversation among citizens in Door County about wetland protection and how to develop a model wetlands program. It is also hoped that this study will serve as a platform for the next level of decision-making about wetlands and critical environmental area protection in the county. The Wetlands Organization Task Force, composed of staff from the Door County Planning and Soil and Water Conservation Departments, the Department of Natural Resources, Door Property Owners, Inc. and The Nature Conservancy believe that the results of this study will increase understanding about how to deal with complex issues through collaborative partnerships among citizens and local, state and federal governmental officials.
Working with a consultant, the Task Force identified several work activities to pursue as part of the study: 1) to have citizens identify issues with current wetland protection efforts in Door County; 2) to have them identify strategies that would improve wetland protection; and 3) to identify strategies by reviewing successful programs in other locations. Between January 1999 and August 1999, 55 interviews, 24 surveys and four focus group meetings with 37 participants were held. Table 1 lists the top six issues identified by Door County residents. The multiple layers of regulations under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the Department of Natural Resources, Door County and municipalities frustrates property owners and citizens in Door County. Other key concerns are the perceived lack of enforcement by the Corps and the difficulty of establishing wetland zoning districts using the Wisconsin Wetland Inventory Maps.
Table 1: Top Issues Identified by Door County Residents
| Issue identified by stakeholders | % of all respondents identifying as an issue |
| Regulations too complicated to understand | 95 |
| Inadequate enforcement by the Corps | 80 |
| Inaccurate maps and different delineations | 80 |
| Political constraints connected to development | 78 |
| Inadequate communication between agencies | 65 |
| Lack of public understanding of wetlands | 65 |
Stakeholders mentioned strategies that they believe will improve current efforts to protect wetlands in Door County. Table 2 lists strategies that were mentioned most often by citizens. Education was deemed most important as a strategy, followed closely by a "one-stop shopping" approach whereby property owners could go to one place (perhaps Door County Planning) to have their questions about wetlands answered. Others felt that a change in the zoning ordinance for the county was needed in order to reduce the confusion about inaccurately mapped wetlands.
Table 2: Strategies Listed by
Residents and Stakeholders to Improve Current
Wetland Protection Efforts.
Solutions identified during interviews |
% of all respondents |
| Increase public awareness of wetlands through education | 90 |
Create a single location for regulatory processes associated with development in a wetland |
80 |
| Pursue financial incentives/permanent acquisition of wetlands | 75 |
| Establish a wetland citizen advisory board | 65 |
| Eliminate wetland zoning districts OR improves the maps | 50 |
| Improve public communication | 45 |
| Increase agency interaction and cooperation | 45 |
| Identify important wetlands in need of protection | 45 |
Pursue a Special Area Management Plan or a Programmatic General Permit from the Corps |
35 |
| Encourage towns to adopt county comprehensive zoning | 30 |
Incorporating stakeholder suggestions with suggestions from other locations, the following steps are recommended to develop a model wetland protection program:
1) Recognize and build upon the county’s strengths. Door County is still rural, and its residents enjoy a high quality of life. Moreover, Door County has an effective wetland protection program in place when compared with other counties. Opportunities exist to involve people in efforts to protect environmental resources.
2) Maintain the Task Force and also establish a Citizens Advisory Board. A Citizen Environmental Board can provide input and advice to the county, but can also help educate the public on the ecological and economic value of wetlands and help establish acquisition programs.
3) Establish an interagency working group and a single wetland contact person. Creating a working group of DNR, County, and Corps staff could help to identify issues and aid coordination. A single wetland contact would help to reduce public frustration with the process. Moreover, the contact could assist the County in applying for grants.
4) Create a citizen’s guide to wetlands in Door County. A citizen’s guide would help explain what wetlands are and why they are important. It could also explain the various regulatory requirements associated with wetlands.
5) Meet to set priorities and to seek funding. The citizens of Door County should engage in long-range planning to ensure that critical environmental areas, including wetlands are protected.
Last Updated: October 6, 1999
Denise Scheberle, Chair
Department of Public and Environmental Affairs
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
2420 Nicolet Drive
Green Bay, WI
(920) 465-2595
scheberd@uwgb.edu