NR 1.91(4)(c)(c) The department may provide resource protection services for pollution abatement or prevention, natural resources protection, public safety or public boating access if public boating access is not available on a waterway.

NR 1.91(4)(d)(d) A waterway has reasonable public boating access and is eligible for natural resource enhancement services when public boating access meets the following standards:

NR 1.91(4)(d)2.2. In addition to these standards, additional parking for handicapped individuals meeting the federal and state standards shall also be met. Lakes greater than 50 open water acres in size shall be provided with facilities capable of launching a trailered boat unless exempted by an approved plan.

NR 1.91(4)(d)3.3. Parking shall be contiguous with the launch site unless the department determines that resource protection, spatial restrictions or other factors require a greater distance. At each site parking for persons with disabilities may be provided at a location different from that for the general public if necessary to comply with federal accessibility standards.

NR 1.91(4)(d)4.4. Public boating access shall be available free or at a fee meeting the requirements of sub. (11).

NR 1.91(4)(d)5.5. Public boating access support facilities such as toilets, waste containers, lights, etc., shall be provided where necessary for public safety, or to protect resources or resolve conflicts with affected property owners.

NR 1.91(4)(d)6.6. Public boating access shall, at a minimum, be open during normal operating hours for outdoor public recreational facilities in the vicinity and year-round unless public safety requires closure. An exception may be made when public boating access is provided through agreement with a private provider. Any boat launched during operating hours may not be denied egress from the water at any time through the public boating access. Any designated parking unit when found unoccupied shall be considered available for use regardless of prior occupancy, except those designated for handicap use.

NR 1.91(4)(d)7.7. Public boating access shall provide for use which is consistent with protection of navigable water and generally enjoyed by all users.

NR 1.91(5)(a)(a) Local units of government or the department may pursue more public boating access to waters than is required in sub. (4). The department may pursue public boating access to achieve the maximums in par. (b) unless local governments or the department adopt and implement a plan.

NR 1.91(5)(b)(b) The department has determined that granting permits for boating access on bodies of water where the maximum access standards are exceeded will materially impair navigation and is detrimental to the public interest. The department may not pursue public boating access development nor may it approve permits or provide financial assistance for public boating access beyond the levels described in this subsection unless greater levels are established in a plan.

NR 1.91(6)(a)(a) Natural resource enhancement services may be provided for waters that have less public boating access than that in sub. (4) (d), and public boating access may be developed that exceeds levels in sub. (5) (b) only if local governments or the department implement a plan. Plans developed by local governments require written approval by the department prior to adoption.

NR 1.91(6)(b)(b) Plans shall identify and assess the effects of waterway use on natural resources, describe mechanisms to protect public safety and natural resources, and identify public boating access that meets the objectives of s. NR 1.90. Plans may apply to individual waters or groups of similar waters. Plans shall consider environmental as well as social and developmental factors which may include: