Shoreland and the Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan

Menominee Park Restoration Plot, July 2012; M Hoefferle

The city of Oshkosh's Comprehensive Plan was formally adopted March 22, 2005 following thousands of hours of community dialogue, planning, and assessment.  Chapter 8 of the plan consists of the "Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources Element", which consists of the following as required by state law:

A compilation of objectives, policies, goals, maps and programs for the conservation, and promotion of the effective management, of natural resources such as groundwater, forests, productive agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive areas, threatened and endangered species, stream corridors, surface water, floodplains, wetlands, wildlife habitat, metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources consistent with zoning limitations under Wisconsin Statutes 295.20(2), parks, open spaces, historical and cultural resources, community design, recreational resources and other natural resources.

Under the Natural Resources section, 4 primary goals are identified, with 2 of the 4 discussing the importance of responsible shoreland management.  The following highlighted sections are all related to the community need and support for natural restored shoreland:

Goal A: Protect and preserve wetlands, shorelands, and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Obective: Participate in programs that protect and conserve environmentally sensitive areas.

-- Actions: Design and construct the Fox River Corridor with a continuous, looped trail system and an environmentally sensitive design for the shoreline.

-- Participate in the local Water Quality Initiative, including participating in the lake council for Lake Winnebago.

-- Participate in air quality meetings and educational promotions with the DNR and EPA.

-- Revise Land Subdivision Ordinance to address:

    a. Cluster development requirements for protecting environmentally sensitive areas;

    b. Improved erosion control methods.

-- Revise Zoning Ordinance to address:

    a. Design guidelines for land next to existing and future parks;

    b. Impervious surface in the floodplain.

Goal B: Protect aquatic and wildlife habitat when managing development in proximity to environmental corridors, riparian areas, and woodlands.

Objective: Develop programs that protect the environmental features during development.

-- Actions: Educate and involve public regarding:

    a. Water conservation practices.

    b. Non-point source pollution.

    c. Stormwater management techniques that address improving quality and lessening the quantity of runoff.

    d. Chemical fertilization, weed and pest control for lawns.

-- Revise Land Subdivision Ordinance to address:

    a. Cluster development requirements for protecting environmentally sensitive areas;

    b. Tree retention and tree replacement during development

-- Revise Zoning Ordinance to address the minimum lot sizes and setback standards for shorelands and other natural features.