I had the pleasure of attending the Lakes and Watershed Commission public input session earlier this evening and learned a few important things from the commission’s presentation. 

First of all, apparently there’s no rush on this.  It’s going to take years and years and years.  It's also a very simple and easy thing; they're just standardizing zoning across the county.  Nothing to see here, no reason to be concerned.  It sounded like we were expected to just all go home and come back when everything is decided.  Silly people showing up to public hearing. 

Second, all of this won’t really do anything.  It’s just advisory and the county really doesn’t have the authority to make these changes – it’s up to the state!  Apparently this is just a fun thing to do on a Tuesday evening.  Like a scary movie where the victims keep heading off alone to explore the dark and scary rooms even though they know a killer is on the loose, this process reminds me so much like the Dane County RTA all over again.  We all know this ends for the poor kids in those scary movies and it doesn’t bode well for the property owners of Dane County.

It’s all sleight of hand.  This commission isn’t going to be responsible, the county won’t be responsible, and the state won’t be responsible but the property owners are going to end up paying for it. 

Lastly, and my favorite part of the evening, several of the Shoreland Zoning “myths” were exposed.  One person’s “myths” are another person’s “concerns”.  According to the presentation, the “myth” is that about 50,000 parcels would be affected by these changes.  According to the commission, the “reality” is that only 7 parcels per year would be affected.  Huh?  On one hand we’re told of the dire environmental consequences of not enacting these changes but then we’re told only 7 parcels per year will actually be affected.  How is this number arrived at?  Using the statistical method that “not all shoreland would be equally affected”.  Frankly, it doesn't make sense to me either. 

The most positive note for me though was the fact that of the approximate several hundred people in attendance, it was clear a vast majority were opposed to these changes.  It would be fair to say an overwhelming majority were opposed.  However, unlike the members of the commission, I believe it’s important that we keep showing up and keep our voices heard.  If you'd like to learn more about this you can visit the following sites: 

Dane County Property Rights  - This is an independant look at this initiative.

Dane County Office of Lakes & Watersheds - The official site to find out about upcoming hearings.