Fish Management Agreements

Agreement between a landowner and the Department which allows for open public access to fisheries located on private property. Department would provide assistance to the landowner which may take the form of fish stockings and fisheries management. A financial incentive also exists for landowner. Form is free of charge and available online.

Landowner Authorization Form

Allows for certain fisheries management activities by a landowner or their designee on man-made waters where they control all the access. These activities can include using special types of gear (e.g., nets and electrofishing) and stocking of certain species of fish. There is no fee or expiration date. The form is free of charge and available online.

Aquatic Access Lease Agreements

: Agreement between landowner and the Department to lease private property next to waterbodies, often 1- 5 acres, but can be larger and there is no maximum. Can utilize grants (e.g., NRCS VPA-HIP) to incentivize with bonus payments (generally $500/yr for 5-year contract, $1,000/year for 10-year contract, etc.), along with annual payments to the landowner. These leases can be tailored to each specific scenario; however, for non-meandered waters, there is a maximum of 10 years for an agreement. For more information, please work with the Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist in your area.

Shoreline Restoration Program

Incentivizes landowners with lakeside property to return shoreline habitat to native vegetation and natural appearance. These projects can be tailored to each specific scenario. For more information, please work with the Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologist in your area.

Other topics to direct towards the area Aquatic Habitat and Access Biologists:

• Non-meandered waters
• Riparian work
• Alternative Water Source
• Fencing

Application to Stock a Public Waterbody

Provides authorization by the Department for and individual to stock fish into a public water (i.e., surface water) within the state. The application is free of charge and available online.

Shoreline Alteration Permit

Provides authorization by the Department for an individual to conduct alterations to shoreline property. The application is free of charge and available online.

Chemical Plant Control

Provides authorization by the Department for an individual to conduct certain activities in regard to control of aquatic plants through the use of chemicals. The application is free of charge and available online.

Boat Dock Variance

Provides authorization by the Department to allow for exemptions from the standards dimensions and placement requirements of boat docks and lifts. The application is free of charge and available online.