Faster DNR Wetlands Permits
And Environmental Protection?
MADISON, WI (June 1, 2005) - 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, the Development Council of the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have announced that they have developed a new approach to issuing permits for construction projects near wetlands.
The new pilot program will allow the DNR to issue permits significantly faster for construction projects that are proposed near wetland areas. The process, which relies on private consultants determining the exact location of wetlands, should help to reduce the backlog of work at the agency.
The faster permitting approach, called the wetland delineator assurance program, was the result of a cooperative effort between environmental group leaders, land development industry representatives and the DNR.
“The new pilot wetlands permit system at the DNR represents a “sea change” in regulatory approach,” said John Kisiel, Development Council Director of the WBA. “This should dramatically expedite one of the most difficult and time consuming permit processes that we now encounter.”
The program, which does not need legislative action, will begin as a pilot project before becoming a permanent program.
“This is a classic ‘win-win’ program,” said Steve Hiniker, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin. “The program will allow the DNR to focus more of its resources on protecting wetlands rather than processing extra paperwork. There is no change in environmental standards nor is there any change in the ability of the public to participate in the permit process.”
Representatives from both sides noted the cooperative and creative attitude of all participants. The organizations pledged to continue their work to make the permit system more efficient without sacrificing any environmental protection standards.
“This first step towards improving the permit process shows that significant improvements can be made in the regulatory system when politics are thrown out and policy objectives are held as the goal,” concluded Hiniker.
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