Who Controls What?

When you consider making changes to your lake property, there is one very clear line in the sand.  That line is the "OHW" or ordinary high water mark.  From the OHW and into the lake, you need to contact the DNR for permits and questions on changing what currently exists.  Be sure to ask questions before you work on an ice ridge.  FYI, you only own up to the established OHW.  If land exists beyond the OHW, and it normally does, you get to use this land, but is not technically your property.  All setbacks are measured from the established OHW.

For work being conducted from the OHW to the back of the property, permits are required from the city or county with jurisdiction over the property.  Building stairs and clearing trees along the shore require permits.  Also check with the sewer district, if applicable, as to the cost of permits for hooking up to their system.  Costs vary from one jurisdiction to the next.