Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a bill designed to help developers secure wetland construction permits.
The measure creates a two-tiered construction permit system for wetlands in which developers can apply to the DNR for a general permit or an individual permit for more specialized projects. Individual permit applicants would have to submit mitigation plans.
The plans could include purchasing credits from entities that have already restored wetlands, either paying the DNR to support wetland restoration work, or improving or restoring other wetlands within a half-mile of the project or within the project’s watershed.
Business groups and environmentalists clashed on the merits of the bill. Walker said it balances the needs of businesses and the environment.
