(1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT. In order to afford the people of this state an opportunity to enjoy water-based recreational activities in close proximity to urban areas, to attract out-of-state visitors and to improve the status of the state’s tourist industry, it is the intent of the legislature to improve some rivers and their watersheds. For this purpose a system of scenic urban waterways is established, but no river shall be designated as a scenic urban waterway without legislative act. (2) DESIGNATION. The following waters are designated scenic urban waterways and shall receive special management as provided under this section: (a) The Illinois Fox River and its watershed and the Fox River, extending from Lake Winnebago to Green Bay, and its watershed. (b) The Rock River consisting of all of the following: 1. The river from the point that the river flows into the city of Watertown to the point that it flows out of the city of Watertown. 2. The river from the point it flows into the city of Jefferson to the point it flows out of the city of Fort Atkinson. 3. The river from the point it flows into the city of Janesville to the Illinois border. (3) DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT. The department in connection with scenic urban waterways shall: (a) Provide active leadership in the development of a practical management policy. (b) Consult with other state agencies and planning committees and organizations. (c) Collaborate with municipal governing bodies and their development committees or boards in producing a mutually acceptable program for the preservation, protection and enhancement of the rivers and watersheds. (d) Administer the management program. (e) Seek the cooperation of municipal officials and private landowners in implementing land use practices to accomplish the objectives of the management policy. (f) Act as coordinator under this section. (g) Develop the Wisconsin Fox River scenic urban waterway, as designated in sub. (2), as a historic and recreational site. (4) DEPARTMENT AUTHORITY. The department in connection with scenic urban waterways may: (a) Acquire and develop land for parks, open spaces, scenic easements, public access, automobile parking, fish and wildlife habitat, woodlands, wetlands and trails. (b) Lay out and develop scenic drives. (c) Undertake projects to improve surface water quality and surface water flow. (d) Provide grants to municipalities, lake sanitary districts, as defined in s. 30.50 (4q), and public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts to undertake any of the activities under pars. (a) to (c).
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