Spring 2026 Local News Updates for Waterfront Property Owners in WI and MN

Here are some unique local news updates for WI and MN waterfront property owners this February and heading into March! It’s great to stay informed on these so we can better plan and serve lakefront customers! Even if these updates don’t affect your immediate area, they are still great to be aware of as new changes are being introduced into how our waterways are regulated in the Northern U.S. We will include links for further research, but please contact your local DNR or County Representatives for more detailed questions you may have!  

As always, reach out to us at Waterfront Refresh anytime to discuss your waterfront or shoreline project in MN or WI in 2026, and thank you for stopping by! For more unique information on our bodies of water please visit our ‘Lake Warrior’ blog at https://www.waterfrontrefresh.com/thelakewarrior

Have a great week!

Devante Scholfield | WaterfrontRefresh.Com | 715-309-3177

Shoreline Management and Project Consultant

To see reviews or find out more of what we do please visit WaterfrontRefresh.Com / Google / Facebook / Youtube

Spring Shoreline News for Waterfront Property Owners - Feb 2026

1. Wisconsin Wake Boat Regulations

• A new bill is being proposed for wake boat sports regulations across Wisconsin

Link - https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/.../proposals/ab1033/_13

2. Municipal Zoning Changes in Northern WI (And our anticipation of other cities/counties to follow)

• The city of Cumberland WI proposes a new and detailed shoreline ordinance covering updated shoreland zoning requirements. (We expect there may be more northern WI counties to follow suit in the future years) -

Link - https://storage.googleapis.com/juniper-media-library/26/2026/02/Proposed%20Shoreland%20Zoning%20Ordinance%20Amendment.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBrmlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJFaHFFUmlNQm5mWDg4UWJhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoerY-s6YME7ljj0StEGstplmaPi3TGdkthNtksshfxfQkxngtqP1--aTHKx_aem_ZWRl4bFzazP-M00SnzfC4w

3. Public Beach Access Debate

• A Wisconsin man was fined for trespassing after walking along a privately posted stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline, renewing debate over public beach access. As of Feb 2026 the ruling is under appeal, raising the possibility of broader judicial review of Wisconsin shoreline access laws.

Link - https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/midwest-environmental-advocates-files-appeal-in-legal-dispute-over-publics-right-to-access-great-lakes-shoreline/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBrwdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJFaHFFUmlNQm5mWDg4UWJhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmH11d8Fq72jOtoaKZ0RxDFEQrnSQZB4Z6H69aT-TVvDctvOni5MabUwqpV0_aem_zpWPRmKSaPwcFC8qBCXeIQ

4. Spring Flood Outlook for WI/MN River Properties

• Spring Flood update for WI/MN River Properties. Spring Flood Levels expected to be Below Normal. Often as snow melts water levels can drastically increase especially around river systems such as the St. Croix and Mississippi.

Link - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/c511c8edf0c048f8a81a297bfddcc389