As a result of a recent incident on the lake, the TCFLA Board wanted to provide this follow-up communication to help clarify an important distinction: what a property owner may do on their shoreline versus what may be done in the lake.

There is a tendency to think:

“It’s my shoreline, so I can make it look however I want.”

“It’s out in the lake, so I can just remove it because it’s not anyone’s property.”

That is not necessarily how Wisconsin shoreland law works, nor does private shoreline ownership give a property owner unrestricted authority to alter or remove things within a navigable lake.

Why Shoreline and In-Lake Activities Are Regulated

Wisconsin’s shoreland regulations recognize that privately owned shoreline has important public-interest considerations, including:

Water quality
Fish and wildlife habitat
Erosion control
Natural beauty
Protection of navigable waters

That is why shoreland zoning can regulate certain activities and vegetation removal even on privately owned property.

There is also an important ecological reason for some of these protections. Fallen trees and woody debris in the water can provide valuable fish and wildlife habitat. As a result, “cleaning up” every tree, branch, stump, or piece of woody debris is not necessarily environmentally desirable—or legally permissible.

Not Everything Is Regulated the Same Way

There are important distinctions between:

Cutting or removing trees on the land
Removing a tree that has fallen into the lake
Removing stumps from the shoreline or lakebed
Removing floating trees, branches, or woody debris
Altering vegetation in or near the water
Performing other work below the Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)

Because these activities can fall under different regulations and authorities, it is important to determine where the activity is occurring and what is being done before taking action.

Who Regulates What?

The key distinction is the Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM Fact Sheet).

Above the High-Water Mark (OHWM)

Sawyer County zoning regulations generally govern activities occurring within the regulated shoreland area above the OHWM, including applicable vegetation removal and other shoreline activities.

For questions or guidance on a project above the OHWM, contact the following:

Jay Kozlowski
Sawyer County Zoning & Conservation Administrator
Sawyer County Zoning & Conservation
10610 Main Street, Suite 49
Hayward, WI 54843

main office: 715-634-8288
direct line: 715-638-3224
jay.kozlowski@sawyercountygov.org

Sawyer County Zoning & Conservation (Shoreland & Wetland)

If you have a question or believe there may be a shoreland zoning violation, Sawyer County provides a Zoning Complaint Tip Line (you can remain anonymous, if desired)

Below the Ordinary High-Water Mark (OHWM)

The Wisconsin DNR regulates many activities occurring in the water and below the OHWM, including activities that may affect Wisconsin’s navigable waters, lakebed, aquatic habitat, and public rights.

When in doubt about whether work or removal is allowed in the lake, contact the Wisconsin DNR before taking action:

DNR’s Violation Hotline provides Wisconsin citizens with the opportunity to confidentially report suspected wildlife, recreational and environmental violations using a toll-free number. Call or text 1-800-847-9367 or use the online form.

The Bottom Line

Private ownership of shoreline does not necessarily mean that a property owner has unrestricted authority to alter the shoreline or remove materials from the lake.

Before cutting, removing, relocating, or altering trees, stumps, woody debris, vegetation, or other materials near or in the water, take a moment to determine:

Where is the activity occurring?
Is it above or below the Ordinary High-Water Mark?
Which agency has regulatory authority?
Is a permit, authorization, or approval required?

When there is uncertainty, ask first rather than remove first.

Our goal as a lake association is not to tell individual property owners what they can or cannot do on their property. Rather, we are here to educate, inform, and work collaboratively to protect the resources we all share. Tiger Cat Flowage is more than just another lake—it is a unique ecosystem, community, and legacy. By understanding and following the regulations and practices that protect our shoreline, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and natural resources, we can preserve what makes the Tiger Cat Flowage special for generations to come.

More Resources Coming

Phase II of our website enhancements will expand the educational resources available at Protect Our Flowage – Tiger Cat Flowage Lake Association under “Your Shoreline Matters.”

When this content is updated, members will be informed.

Thank you for helping us protect, preserve, and improve our shared watershed and the Tiger Cat Flowage.

Tiger Cat Flowage Lake Association Board