Ordinary high water mark
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Ordinary high water mark refers to the highest level reached by a body of water that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence on the landscape. It may be indicated by destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of marks on trees (see image at right) or debris deposits. It is usually the point at which natural vegetation shifts from predominately hydrophytic (water-dependent) species to terrestrial species.
The U.S. state of Wisconsin has a public trust doctrine that makes rivers and lakes public resources held in trust by the state as the common property of all citizens. In the case of lakes, the ordinary high water mark establishes the boundary between public jurisdiction and private property.
[edit] References
- Diana Shooting Club v. Husting, 145 NW 816, 820 (Wis. 1914)
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- A Model Wetlands Ordinance for Indiana Communities
Categories: Hydrology | Lakes | Rivers | Wetlands
