The Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association is hoping to influence the Oneida County Board of Supervisors into adopting a stronger shoreline protection ordinance for the county.
The state requires some protection, but this association would like to ensure new buildings are built 75 feet from shore, current buildings take steps to reduce run-off such as planting native plants and using rain barrels. In addition, they are asking the county to get more involved with permits and inspections.
Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association includes individuals, businesses, towns and qualified lake associations and districts. Member Kathy Noels says the association "has been hoping to make our ordinance more protective than most ordinances in the state given that our lakes and rivers are so critical to our economy and our quality of life."
But, some have concerns the association's recommendations would take away certain property owner rights.
The association is urging the Oneida County Planning and Development Committee to adopt their plan. Committee member Billy Fried says he wants the same thing the association does, but one size does not fit all.
"We must find balance, we have the same goals," Fried said.
The ordinance is a state mandate and must be adopted by Sept. 2016.
The association invites member of the public to join them in discussing the issue at their meeting, starting at 8:30 this Friday morning at the Cedric A. Vig Outdoor Classroom, located at 4321 South Shore Drive in Rhinelander.
