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Aquatic Plant Management Strategic Analysis

Aquatic plants are a critical component of the state's freshwater environment. They help to ensure good water quality and clarity through their influence on sediment stability, nutrient uptake and oxygen content, while providing habitat and food for fish and wildlife. Sometimes, however, aquatic plants can become overabundant and interfere with water recreation and other uses of lakes, rivers and ponds.

The DNR is responsible for balancing the protection of aquatic plants with the management of problem species. Aquatic plant management (APM) is important to Wisconsin's people and communities. Recreational users, property owners and the tourism industry benefit from an effective APM program. The DNR's strategic analysis of APM in Wisconsin was conducted to help decision-makers and the public to better understand the topic and to aid in the crafting of future policy.

The final strategic analysis report summarizes current information on APM, including known and possible environmental impacts, applicable regulations, economic considerations and potential management alternatives for the future.

Feedback and public review of the strategic analysis

The DNR invited the public to review and comment on the draft strategic analysis report between Dec. 11, 2018 and Jan. 25, 2019. We received public comments from 45 individuals and organizations, as well as the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission. A summary of the comments received, along with the department’s responses, can be found in the response to public comments document.

Before initiating the analysis, the DNR invited the public to help determine the scope of the analysis, between Oct. 18 and Nov. 16, 2016, and received comments from 20 individuals and organizations.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed and commented on the strategic analysis.

Strategic analysis process

A strategic analysis evaluates factual information to inform policies and approaches for contentious resource issues. This process is outlined in Chapter NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code.

The purpose of the analysis is to inform future discussions and decisions.

Strategic analysis follows these general steps.

  1. Public announcement and scoping - defining the topics and information sources to be considered and the analytical methods to be employed. This step includes public input and consultation with other agencies and tribal authorities.
  2. Information gathering and analysis.
  3. Document preparation.
  4. Public review - at least 45 days will be allotted for public review of the analysis.
  5. Comment response - the department will consider all comments received and may revise the analysis if warranted.
  6. The final version of the analysis document and all comments and supporting information will be made available to the public. < we are here
Contact information
For more information about this strategic analysis, please contact:

Carroll Schaal
Natural Resources Program Manager
608-261-6423