A Vilas county group is promoting a way for property owners who have maintained a buffer to the water to preserve that shoreline.
The Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association created the Shoreland Stewardship Initiative in the summer of 2014 helped by grant money.
The covenant is voluntary and allows the property owner to place a covenant on their deed, maintaining a 35 foot buffer with the water to continue on their property into the future, regardless of ownership.
Spokesperson Sandy Gillum...
"....over the years we have learned the management of shorelines impacts the quality of lakes and rivers. Consequently, we have developed a method by which owners can pass on in perpetuity what they have worked so hard to achieve in conserving their shoreline...."
Gillum says new owners often think that they can change the shoreline before realizing there are state and local regulations...
"....they are not familiar with shoreland zoning and ordinances here in Vilas county and change or cut down the vegetation on the shoreline which impacts the quality of the water. Then after that fact learn what those regulations are...."
More information on the project is on the Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association website at vclra.us
