2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 36

Donald Last, University of Wisconsin-Extension Natural Resource Policy Specialist, College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Stevens Point WI 54481; 715.346.2386; dlast@uwsp.edu

This session focuses on unique partnerships between the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX) and (1) the Continuing Legal Education Office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and (2) a diverse water law publication advisory group.

1) Since 1993, the University of Wisconsin-Extension has cosponsored 5 Wisconsin Water Law Conferences with the Continuing Legal Education office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Each conference examines contemporary issues related to surface or groundwater management in the state. In particular, it brings participants up to date on changes in statutes, rules, and case law having to do with water use and management. Each conference has attracted attorneys representing business, local government, landowners, planning and zoning officials, real estate developers, and representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations (attendance averages 65 per conference). Morning plenary sessions deal with topics such as Laws and Ordinances to Prevent Water Pollution for Large Scale Animal Production Units while afternoon concurrent sessions focus on topics such as Stormwater Management: Problems and Remedies for Smaller Communities. Many presenters are attorneys. Twin tracks feature both technical and applied topics. Attorneys in attendance can gain 7 hours of in-service time toward their legal education requirements. Presenters provide written materials in advance so that at the conference each attendee receives a take-home booklet containing all presentations. To encourage participation by non-lawyers, a two-tiered registration fee allows non-lawyers to attend at one-half the registration fee.

2) In 1994 the University of Wisconsin-Extension published Wisconsin Water
Law: Guide to Water Rights and Regulations. The 187-page book was written to explain the content of water laws in Wisconsin as well as the procedures and requirement related to the application and administration. The book was a team effort spearheaded by UWEX which formed an advisory group representing state agencies, non-profit organizations, and water resource professionals. UWEX did a national search before hiring a water resource attorney to write the text. The book is aimed at county extension staff, zoning and planning officials, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, municipal attorneys, business owners, and environmental consultants. It has 12 chapters ranging from Public and Private Rights in Surface Waters, to Dams and Flowages, to Discharge of Pollutants to Surface Waters. It is indexed by key word, includes a bibliography, a table matching regulatory activity with its corresponding statute and/or administrative rule, and the body is footnoted for case law examples. A revision of the book well be released in 2000 that reflects recent changes in water law and which may also be published as a compact disc.