Urban development, industrial expansion, increased tourism and climate change are placing significant pressure on water resources in Wisconsin and neighboring states. As we learn more about the interconnections between land uses and water resources, federal, state and local regulatory agencies are developing new programs to manage, protect and limit the use of those resources. Uses of property in a way that may affect groundwater, surface waters or wetlands require careful planning and compliance with an increasing maze of environmental and land use regulations.

Axley attorneys have extensive experience in all areas of water law, representing municipalities, businesses and individuals. We are well-equipped to successfully guide our clients through the regulatory process and disputes that may arise, to achieve practical, cost-effective results. Axley attorneys have many years of experience relating to water resource management and regulation in areas such as:

• Riparian rights and easements
• Shoreland and floodplain zoning
• Wetland delineation and management
• Public trust doctrine
• Piers and pier usage rights
• Lake levels and lake boundaries
• Construction and development
• Navigability issues
• Lake districts
• Drainage districts