Dane County is seeking public comment and information related to Chapter 71: Regulation of Icebound Inland Waters. This ordinance is intended to promote the public safety on the icebound lakes in Dane County. The ordinance was adopted in May 1991 and was last updated on July 31, 2020.
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Land & Water Resources Department, and Board of Supervisors have received public questions and comments regarding the ordinance -- these comments are summarized in the Public Comments document.
In efforts to engage and hear from members of the public, we are asking that comments regarding the proposed ordinance changes be submitted utilizing the methods below. Information gathered will be shared with relevant Dane County Departments, Committees, and Board Supervisors. Additional information and resources regarding Chapter 71 are also provided below.
Draft documents with changes:
In general the changes include:
Note that all received comments will be aggregated and shared with relevant Dane County Departments, Committees, and Board Supervisors.
The public can submit written comments using the form below, open until March 9, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the comment form above, Dane County will also host a public informational meeting in which individuals can attend and provide either oral or written comments.
| Date: | Wednesday, March 4, 2026 |
| Time: | 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. |
| Location: | Lyman F. Anderson Agriculture & Conservation Center / USDA Service Center 5201 Fen Oak Drive, Madison, WI 53718 |
Purpose & Authority
The purpose of the Chapter 71 is to promote public safety on icebound lakes in Dane County and its authority comes from sections 30.81(2), 59.02 and 59.07(64) of Wis. Stats.
Jurisdiction
The provisions of the ordinance are applicable to all icebound inland waters located within or partially within the geographical boundaries of Dane County, Wisconsin, which are not regulated by valid local ordinances adopted under sec. 30.81(1), Wis. Stats.
Ordinance Summary
For a summary and additional information regarding the ordinance please visit the Ice Ordinance Information webpage (Dane County Sheriff’s Office).
Following the public comment period, edits to Chapter 71 may be considered by the County. A draft ordinance amendment to Chapter 71 will be made available to the public once introduced to the County Board at a future meeting. This webpage will be updated as the process unfolds.
Kyle Minks, Watershed Manager
(608) 669-1864
minks.kyle@danecounty.gov
