The researchers surveyed several dozen undeveloped and developed lakes in Vilas, Oneida and Forest counties in summer 1997, measuring the relative abundance and variety of frogs, birds, plants, trees and animal species. As a result, invasive species such as Eurasian milfoil and cowbirds are becoming more numerous, and treasured Northwoods sounds are being replaced with silence as thrushes, warblers and frogs disappear. Conversely, most birds at undeveloped lakes were species such as thrushes, warblers, and other migrating birds. The study and another recently completed report point out problems with Wisconsin's Shoreland Management Program, established in 1966 to protect shoreland habitat, water quality and natural beauty. The regulatory program requires counties to enforce minimum standards for lot size, building set-backs, and limits on cutting plants, shrubs and trees along shorelines.
Counties are free to adopt more protective standards.
Bernthal's and Meyer's reports suggest writing clearer rules about how much and where people can cut plants on the shoreline.