Welcome to Waterway & Wetland Permits

On these pages, you can learn how Wisconsin laws protect public waters and how you can help. You'll also find information about any permits that are needed for a project, and instructions and forms to help you apply for a permit.

Wisconsin's public water regulations have been in place for decades. The program is founded on the Public Trust Doctrine, the body of law made by the Legislature and the courts that guides how DNR protects public rights in navigable waters. You can learn more about these rights and how Wisconsin citizens fought to secure them by viewing this preview of Champions of the public trust.

For projects in or near a waterway or wetland, we have provided step by step instructions regarding the permits required to complete your project activities. Each project may involve one or more activies, so please consider this when you are collecting and submitting permit application materials, and planning your project timeline.

You may visit our Activity Index to learn about determining your project activities and permitting requirements. We have also provided Permit Intake & Contacts available in your area for further information about the waterway you have interest in learning about. The project activities for which we provide permitting instructions include:

The contents of these Web pages are for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon solely. Please acquire, read and review any recommended pamphlets, brochures, statutes, codes, ordinances and other informational items before beginning a project. Also, remember that there may be changes to statutes, codes and ordinances or other informational items and the latest updates should be referred to. Please consult with the appropriate DNR personnel if you have additional questions.