Waterway and Wetland Permits

Activities

Fish or Wildlife Habitat

Question: I want to place a fish crib or other fish or wildlife habitat structure on the bed of a lake or river. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: Installing a fish or wildlife habitat structure is generally exempt from permit requirements, provided your project meets certain standards and is not in a specially designated water. For projects in designated waters, a general permit or an individual permit is required.

Follow the steps below before starting your project.

Step 1

Determine if your waterway has a special designation that might affect the exemption or permit requirements.

Visit the search page below, enter the information about your waterway, and record any designations that it may have.

Step 2

Determine if your project is exempt.

Certain types of fish and wildlife habitat structures are generally exempt from permit requirements. To qualify for the exemption, key requirements are that the fish and wildlife habitat structure may not be located in an "areas of special natural resource interest" (ASNRI), and that you report the placement of the structure to your local DNR fisheries biologist.

If your fish and wildlife habitat project will not be in an ASNRI, you may qualify for an exemption if your project meets specific standards. Click on one of the checklists below to help you determine if your project qualifies for an exemption.

If you would like assistance from the DNR to determine if an activity is eligible for an exemption, download and print the Exemption Determination Request [PDF 25KB], or obtain the form at your local DNR Service Center. Fill in all of the requested information, sign the form, and submit it by mail or FAX to the address on the form. You will receive a response within 15 days of our receipt of your request (provided the owner of the project site has signed the form).

If your fish and wildlife habitat project is not exempt, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 3

Determine if your project qualifies for a General Permit.

A General Permit is available for Habitat Structures. Review the permit conditions found in the application materials in Step 4 to see if your project will qualify. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit (see Step 5).

Step 4

Apply for a General Permit.

To apply for a General Permit, open and print the Application Packet and Fee Sheet found below.

Submit the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the location identified on the form. If your project will not meet the conditions of a General Permit, you'll need to apply for an Individual Permit.

Step 5

Apply for an Individual Permit.

To apply for an Individual Permit, open and print BOTH of the following files:

Send the completed application materials, along with the fee and Fee Sheet, to the county where your project is located. For more information about how your application is reviewed, see our web page on the Permit Process.

Laws

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.12, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB] and Chapter NR 323, Wis. Adm. Code [exit DNR], [PDF 39KB].

Local permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations may also apply. We advise you to contact your local zoning office and your regional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office [exit DNR].

Last Revised: Tuesday March 04 2008