Despite Wisconsin Law, DNR Still Can't Provide Public Access To One Large Waukesha County Lake

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources bought a site on North Lake in 2005 to make sure boaters are provided water access that is guaranteed in the state constitution's Public Trust Doctrine - - a principle and tradition that dates to 1787, before statehood - - but neighbors continue to stand in the way.

That leaves North Lake as the largest body of water in Waukesha County - - Lake Country as they call it - - without adequate public access.

Even real estate agents point it out:

North Lake: 437 acres; Quiet lake; upscale residences and older cottages. Evergreen Condominiums. No public boat access.

Public access to Wisconsin water is so basic and clearly embedded in Wisconsin law and tradition that the DNR has an entire web page devoted to it:

The Public Trust Doctrine

Wisconsin's Waters Belong to Everyone

Wisconsin lakes and rivers are public resources, owned in common by all Wisconsin citizens under the state's Public Trust Doctrine. Based on the state constitution, this doctrine has been further defined by case law and statute. It declares that all navigable waters are "common highways and forever free", and held in trust by the Department of Natural Resources.

So about a year ago, and citing delays to that point, I asked, "how come."

Still a fair question.