Applying wetlands regulations to lakes is misguided and counterproductive. It ignores the fundamental differences between these ecosystems, does nothing to prevent HABs, hinders invasive species management, damages local economies, wastes resources, and diverts attention from where it is most needed. We need smarter, more focused environmental protections, not blanket regulations that harm both ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
Environmental Impact
Invasive Species Control Will Be Hampered: Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a major threat to lake ecosystems, and effective management requires flexible, targeted strategies. Wetlands regulations, focused on preservation, would restrict proactive measures needed to control these species, allowing them to devastate native ecosystems.
Lakes and Wetlands Are Distinct Ecosystems: Wetlands and lakes serve different ecological roles, and applying the same regulations to both undermines their unique functions. Wetlands act as biodiversity hotspots and filtration systems, while lakes support different species and serve recreational, water supply, and economic functions. Treating them the same will lead to ineffective environmental management.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Require Targeted Management: While upland wetlands can help filter nutrients, HABs primarily impact the open water sections of lakes. Wetlands regulations don’t address nutrient control or other necessary interventions for HAB prevention. Specific, targeted actions are needed to reduce nutrient runoff and mitigate HAB risks—wetlands regulations don’t provide those tools.
Resource Diversion from Critical Wetlands: Wetlands are among the most ecologically valuable and threatened ecosystems. Extending wetlands regulations to lakes dilutes efforts to protect actual wetlands, which perform crucial roles in flood control, water purification, and carbon sequestration, and require more focused attention.
Economic Impact
Recreational & Business Impact: Overregulating lakes as wetlands will have ripple effects on recreational use, tourism, and local economies. Lakes contribute to local livelihoods, and overly broad regulations risk harming communities that rely on these water resources.
Property Value and Tax Base Impact
Lakes significantly drive property values, especially waterfront homes. Wetlands regulations will lower property values and negatively affect not only homeowners’ wealth, but the assessed values. When the contribution from lakefront homes deceases, it will need to be made up elsewhere in the county tax levies or by cutting vital local services.
Bureaucratic Inefficiency: Adding wetlands regulations to lakes introduces unnecessary regulatory overlap and confusion. This not only wastes time, resources and tax dollars but also delays critical action and weakens overall environmental management effectiveness.