In 2006 a grass-roots collaborative called the Milwaukee River Work Group formed to protect 878 acres of along the Milwaukee River within the City of Milwaukee and nearby suburbs. The Village of Shorewood and the City of Milwaukee crafted protective ordinances which passed in 2006 and 2010 respectively that permanently protect natural areas along the river, limit building heights, and establish setbacks to preserve the scenic beauty of the river valley and protect wildlife habitat. There are strict standards for storm water management, noise and light pollution guidelines, and landscaping provisions for native plants.
Shorewood
On October 23, 2006, the Village of Shorewood passed a protective Shoreland Ordinance. The link to that ordinance is here.
Milwaukee
Final overlay for Milwaukee River Greenway. http://www.mkedcd.org/planning/zoning/MilwRiver/index.html
Federal Clean Water Act
The clean water act passed by the federal government in 1972 mandates that all waterways be “fishable and swimmable”. http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/lcwa.html
