Sawyer County Lakes Forum advocates for improved shoreland zoning regulations

In a recent meeting held on April 15, 2025, the Sawyer County government discussed critical zoning issues affecting the region's lakes and shorelines. The meeting featured input from Jean Acla, vice president of the Sawyer County Lakes Forum, who emphasized the need for updated zoning regulations to better protect the county's water bodies and their ecosystems.

Acla highlighted that Sawyer County's current zoning ordinances permit higher development densities and smaller lot sizes compared to neighboring counties, which could jeopardize the quality of local lakes and shorelines. She pointed out that recent changes in Wisconsin state statutes have allowed for more flexibility in shoreland zoning, suggesting that the county should consider adopting a more nuanced classification system for its lakes. This system would establish dimensional requirements based on the unique characteristics of each water body, a practice that was previously in place before statutory changes.

The Lakes Forum's proposal includes a request for the committee to examine the dimensional requirements of other lake-rich counties as a benchmark for Sawyer County. Acla noted that the county's existing minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet may be insufficient given current development trends and environmental considerations.

Linda Zilmer, another participant in the meeting, echoed Acla's concerns and suggested that the committee explore legal options to increase minimum lot sizes across all districts. She referenced a Wisconsin Supreme Court case that allows for larger lot sizes through subdivision ordinances, indicating that Sawyer County's current regulations may not adequately protect its lakes.

The discussions also touched on the historical context of Sawyer County's zoning regulations, particularly the impact of Act 67, which limited development options in certain areas. Participants acknowledged the challenges of balancing development with environmental protection, especially given the county's abundance of lakes—252 named and approximately 250 unnamed.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing these zoning issues as the county faces increasing pressure from development. The committee's next steps will likely involve a legal review of the proposed changes and further discussions on how to implement more protective measures for Sawyer County's valuable water resources. As the community continues to grow, the decisions made in these meetings will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region's natural landscapes.