Federal Consistency

Federal Consiste​​ncy​

The federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires that all federal actions that may have reasonably foreseeable effects on the uses o​​​​r resources of a state’s coastal zone be consistent with the enforceable policies of the state’s coastal management program. ​

Review Proces​s​

​Through its federal consistency review authority, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) has broad opportunities to influence federal government activities, construction, funding, permitting and other actions ​proposed within the coastal zone. It promotes coordination between state and federal policies, programs, and agencies.

The review process relies on and seeks to improve existing state programs. Federal regulations (15 CFR 930) establish the basic policies and procedures for coastal states, federal agencies, and other affected parties pertaining to the federal consistency review process.

1. If you are involved in a federal action that may be subject to federal consistency review, please see the relevant federal consistency section of the program document and the Specific State Coastal Policies. The program document describes the federally-approved Wisconsin Coastal Management Program​​​​​.
2. ​For more general information on federal consistency, please see the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s website, Applying Federal Consistency​. 
   
3. Questions? Need to submit a consistency certification or consistency determination? Please contact WCMP Federal Consistency staff. 
   

​Documents:

Projects Under Review​:​​

Saxon Harbor Federal Navigation Channel Dredging and Sediment Placement: Saxon, Iron County, Wisconsin

​The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP), State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, has received a consistency determination and supporting information and data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Detroit District, regarding dredging and nearshore placement of material from the Saxon Harbor Federal Navigation Channel, in Saxon, Iron County, Wisconsin. The proposed action includes maintenance dredging of the Saxon Harbor federal navigation channel, with placement of up to 17,000 cubic yards starting 600 feet west of the western harbor breakwater and extending for an additional 1,900 feet from the ordinary high water mark to the -8’ underwater contour.

View or download the letter to the WCMP and supporting information. 

The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency under the enforceable policies of the WCMP. Federal consistency is a provision of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, to encourage coordination and cooperation between state and federal agencies. Generally, federal consistency requires that federal actions that will affect coastal uses or resources be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's coastal management program. The state’s enforceable policies are included within the WCMP’s Specific State Coastal Policies. (Please note that not all of the Specific State Coastal Polices are enforceable policies.)

For additional information on the proposed project and federal consistency, contact WCMP staff at federalconsistency@wisconsin.gov. 

Comments will be accepted through March 5, 2026.​

USDA Wildlife Services: Environmental Assessment on Beaver Damage Management in Wi​​​​sconsin 

The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP), State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, has received a consistency determination and supporting information and data from the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal, and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (WS) regarding their Environmental Assessment (EA) on alternatives for beaver damage management in the State of Wisconsin. 

Beaver damage management activities in Wisconsin may be conducted within the state coastal zone which includes the 15 counties adjacent to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, as well as watersheds that drain into the Great Lakes. The proposed action includes WS continuing its partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in conducting beaver management for the restoration of select coldwater streams in Wisconsin. 

View or download the letter submitted to the WCMP including the report "Beaver Damage and Conflict Management in Wisconsin: Environmental Assessment". (PDF, 199 pages)

The project is subject to review for federal consistency under the enforceable po​licies of ​the WCMP. Federal consistency is a provision of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, to encourage coordination and cooperation between state and federal agencies. Generally, federal consistency requires that federal actions that will affect coastal uses or resources be consistent with the enforceable policies of a state's coastal management program. The state’s enforceable policies are included within the WCMP​’s Specific State Coastal Policies​​. (Please note that not all of the Specific State Coastal Polices are enforceable policies.) 

For additional information on the proposed project and federal consistency, contact federalcons​istency@wisconsin.gov. 

Comments ​will be accepted through February 28, 2026. ​​​

Projects Recently Reviewed​:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Na​​​tio​​​​nwide Permits​

The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) received a consistency determination and supporting information and data​ from the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), St. Paul District, regarding the reissuance of Nationwide Permits (NWPs). NWPs are issued by the Corps to authorize categories of activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 that have no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. WCMP’s public comment period ended August 5, 2025.

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