HEADS UP – Destructive Clear-cutting

As the bad wakeboat bill has dropped in the state legislature, another critical issue is brewing
here in Oneida County. There is nothing you need to do at the moment – just please be attuned
and watch for updates.
There is a gaping hole in our county’s Shoreland Protection Ordinance (SPO) – one that
threatens water quality, wildlife habitat, Northwoods scenic values, and the tourism economy.
As now written, the ordinance does not include a prohibition on clear-cutting in the access and
viewing corridor (AVC) on waterfront properties. OCLRA is advocating an SPO amendment to
remedy the issue. By way of background, the AVC is the 35% of a parcel’s water frontage where
cutting of trees is allowed in the otherwise protected zone within 35 feet of the shoreline.
Clear-cutting in this corridor creates the prospect of ugly and long-lasting scars on our
lakeshores. Our amendment would allow only selective cutting of trees in the AVC; it would
permit removal of no more than 50% of trees in the AVC with trunk diameter 6 inches or larger.
OCLRA believes this provision would be easy for property owners to understand and for county
zoning staff to explain and enforce. It would also allow homeowners to create appealing water
views without undue environmental disruption.
The latest version of the SPO is currently scheduled to go before a public hearing on Tuesday,
February 24, at 1 p.m., at the county courthouse. This date could change We will keep you
updated as this issue progresses and will let you know if and when your hearing testimony or
other action is needed.
A strong show of support at the appropriate time will be essential if the proposed amendment is
to have a chance of adoption. Failure to prohibit AVC clear-cutting invites the creation of more
gaping holes in our shorelands.
Respectfully,

Ted J. Rulseh
President, Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association
On behalf of and with approval