Trempealeau County Board of Supervisors adopted the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance on November 9, 1971. This ordinance protects surface water and groundwater quality within the county by regulating what activities can and cannot occur in shoreland zones. Shoreland zones are the areas within 300 feet of the ordinary high water mark of a navigable waterway. Waterways that have intermittent flow of water are often classified as navigable waterways.

The Shoreland/Wetland Ordinance also addresses wetland protection. Wetlands in the past were often viewed as wastelands, useful only when drained or filled. Recently, the common view of the value of wetlands has changed. Although the value of wetlands is now being recognized, the need for continued protection is still evident with wetland losses still occurring each year.

A wetland is "an area where water is at, near, or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation, and which has soils indicative of wet conditions" [Wis. Stats. s.23.32 (1)].

Wetlands provide a variety of ecological and social values. Most people recognize the aesthetic, recreational, and wildlife habitat importance of wetlands. However, many other important functions are far less obvious. Wetlands can improve downstream surface water quality by trapping sediment, nutrients, and pesticides. Wetlands can also act as natural flood control areas by retaining and delaying the release of floodwaters. Off-site wildlife benefits may also be overlooked, as many species depend upon the presence of wetlands only during mating, migrating, or other critical periods.

Important! - Prior to doing any construction, earthmoving, filling or grading in Trempealeau County contact the Zoning Department for information on any applicable local regulations.