For More Information Contact:
Bill Cosh
608/266-1221
WINNECONNE – Winneconne contractor Radtke Contractors, Inc., has been ordered to pay $15,000 in forfeitures, assessments and costs for placing unpermitted structures in the Wolf River at and adjacent to property located at 8943 and 8951 State Road 110/County Highway II, Town of Wolf River, Fremont, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, previously known as Weber’s Landing and redeveloped as Wolf River Condominiums, in 2006 and 2007.
Wisconsin law prohibits the placement of any structure on the bed of a navigable water without a permit. According to the complaint, Department of Natural Resources staff worked with Radtke Contractors to develop a permit for piers at the Fremont property that would generally protect the Wolf River shoreline and near shore habitat and specifically protect the habitat for 15 mussel species, including one Wisconsin Threatened Species, which reside in the Wolf River at the site. Radtke Contractors constructed and placed 1 pier, 7 boat lifts and 5 permanent boat shelters not authorized by any permit, resulting in a footprint increase of 300% over what was permitted to the detriment of the Wolf River resource and statewide waterway permitting programs.
“Wisconsin law requires that contractors obtain and follow permits designed to protect public rights in the state’s navigable waters,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. “The Wisconsin Department of Justice will continue to work with the DNR to ensure that Wisconsin’s water resources are safeguarded through compliance with the law.”
Assistant Attorney General JoAnne F. Kloppenburg prosecuted the case for the State. Winnebago County Judge Thomas J. Gritton signed the order imposing the forfeitures.
