WI SB613

Devil's Lake State Park in Sauk County would be granted legal "rights of nature," including the right to naturally exist, flourish, evolve, have clean water, natural water flow, and healthy biodiversity.

Government entities and businesses are prohibited from activities that infringe on these rights; state agencies cannot conduct, authorize, license, permit, or fund such activities.

Violations carry a $1,000 forfeiture per offense, plus liability for restoration damages to be deposited in the conservation fund for state park restoration.

The Attorney General and any individual may file legal action in the park's name to enforce these rights, with the burden of proof on the alleged violator.

DNR must complete an environmental study within one year and full park restoration within five years; all state agencies must review their activities within one year and remedy violations within two years.