LRB-1293/1
MGG:jlg:ijs
1999 - 2000 LEGISLATURE
September 14, 1999 - Introduced by Representatives Seratti, Albers, Musser,
Petrowski, Sykora, Kreibich, Kelso, Brandemuehl, Ryba and Gronemus,
cosponsored by Senator Zien. Referred to Committee on Tourism and
Recreation.
AB464,1,2
1An Act to create 30.26 (4) of the statutes;
relating to: construction of certain
2bridges over wild rivers.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Under current law, the legislature may designate rivers as part of the state's
wild river system. The department of natural resources (DNR) administers the
system to preserve, protect and enhance the rivers' natural beauty and unique
recreational value. Currently portions of the Pike, Pine and Popple rivers are
designated as wild rivers.
Under current rules promulgated by DNR, bridges, other than state and
municipal highway bridges, may only be constructed over scenic rivers if they meet
certain conditions. These conditions include requirements that the bridge is
necessary for access to a dwelling and that the bridge results in the least impact
possible on the natural condition and beauty of the river. The bridge must be limited
to pedestrian use unless there is a need, other than for convenience, that vehicles be
allowed on the bridge.
Under this bill, DNR may not prohibit or impose any requirements on the
construction of a bridge over a wild river if the use of the bridge is limited to
snowmobile operators, all-terrain vehicle operators or pedestrians, or any
combination of these persons, and if the bridge is constructed in whole or in part by
a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle club.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
AB464, s. 1
1Section
1. 30.26 (4) of the statutes is created to read:
AB464,2,62
30.26
(4) Restriction on department. The department may not prohibit or
3impose any requirements on the construction of a bridge over a wild river if the use
4of the bridge is limited to snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles or pedestrians, or any
5combination thereof, and if the bridge is constructed in whole or in part by a
6snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle club or similar organization.
