Introduction

Rural communities especially in northern Wisconsin are facing many changes. Many people from urban areas are choosing to spend more time in rural areas by purchasing a second home. This community welcomes secondary home and land owners. However, living in a rural area is in many ways much different than living in an urban community. This Rural Living Guide has been developed to inform those who are considering purchasing a rural property and those that already have. It is hoped that this information will help people consider issues that may affect them when living in a rural area.

Law Enforcement and Rescue
Response time tends to be longer than in urban areas and can be affected by inclement weather, illegible address signs, travel time, and poorly maintained and designed private roads. The summer population in Burnett County almost triples and puts extra demands on deputies and other personnel. The Burnett County Sheriffs Department is responsible for responding to calls in most areas of the county. Village officers and St. Croix Tribal Police may respond and assist in some situations.

Citizen Patrol
Citizen patrols assist professional law enforcement by adding voluntary patrols and informing law enforcement of security situations throughout the community. However, not all towns have a citizen patrol. Contact your town chairman to find out if you have one in your area or would like to join.

Fire Protection
All fire departments are currently served by volunteer fire departments. The level of protection provided depends on the access to water, distance of a structure from a fire station, type and number of vehicles, and number of volunteers and training. Your home owner insurance rates will be affected by these factor and/or the presence of a wood burning stove. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is responsible for fighting all forest fires.

Ambulance Service
Ambulance service is provided to all areas of the county by North Ambulance. Ambulances are based at Grantsburg, Webster, Danbury, and A & H. Staffing is varied at each base to serve the needs of that area. Service may be affected by distance, weather conditions, and condition of public and private roads. Skilled EMT's and First Responders combine to provide emergency services.

Permits
Building permits are needed in all towns prior to building. Permits can be obtained at the County Government Center and your Town Board. Be aware that there is great variance in soil types that can restrict the type of sewer system you must build. Not a all soils are suitable for building. Some are significantly affected by heavy rains. New state rules require that all buildings built after 1980 have certified inspections. Contact your Town Board for more information.

Zoning
Not all towns have zoning. If you live in a un-zoned town you may end up living next to a salvage yard or strip joint. Other uses unfriendly to residential use may also occur. However, all lands within 1,000 feet of the waterways are zoned by county government. Lakeshore properties must also maintain a natural shoreline except for a 30 foot access corridor to the lake. Contact the county zoning office at to find out if your property is zoned and to receive more information on lakeshore regulations. If your town is zoned permits can be obtained at the County Government Center. Minimum setbacks are required for new and expanding construction.

Septic Systems
Where there is not public sewer, private septic systems are the responsibility of the land owner. Failure to properly use and maintain your septic system could lead to problems in your well water. Blue baby syndrome is just one problem that can occur when septic systems are not properly used and maintained. A free water test can be obtained from the County Health Department. A lab in Madison will test it for a small fee.

Public versus Private Roads
County or towns are responsible for the upkeep of public roads. It is the responsibility of the owners along a private road to build, maintain and plow snow. A road/home owners association may be a good idea to create, however most private roads do not have a body to coordinate services or collect funds.

Electric Service
Electric service is provided by Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company, Rural Electric Association, and by Polk-Burnett Cooperative. They serve rural areas with many trees. Some interruptions may occur. Outages are being reduced by tree cutting in utility easements. Utilities have easements on each side of the land extending into the air. Branches of a tree outside of an utility easement may be legally cut.

Water, Sewer, and Natural Gas
Currently, public water, sewer, and natural gas can only be provided in villages. Unless you live in the villages of Grantsburg, Siren, or Webster you will be responsible for your own well water, septic system, and propane. Most often, two types of wells can be drilled: sand point and drilled. A sand point is usually cheaper but results in "rusty" water." Drilled wells are drilled deeper and cost more.

Lake Associations v. Lake District
Lake associations are non-profit organizations that involved in educational programming and information sharing. They have no power to enact building regulations or lake use rules. They may however suggest voluntary recreation use rules. Lake Districts, however, are a special government district that can enact regulation and also has taxing authority. Depending on which lake you are on, you may be a part of either or both.

Driving
Enjoy "grilled venison?" You may get some if you don't pay extra attention when driving. Each year thousands of deer are killed and injured by automobiles. Extra caution is needed when driving, especially at night. Seasonally, deer activity increases starting in early October through November. During the rut (or mating season) bucks chase does more frequently and through all hours of the day and night.

Living with Wildlife
Living in a rural area requires a lot of consideration of wildlife. Deer, although beautiful, can ravage a garden or even expensive plants. Carefully consider which plants you will use in your landscaping or if you want a garden. It's not the deer's fault that your rose bushes taste so good.

Bears are numerous in the county. Some weigh up to 600 pounds. Bears are omnivores and are known to eat bird food including the sugar water in humming bird feeders. They especially love garbage. If your bird feeder gets raided by a bear, either hang it high enough where it can't be reached or remove the feeder completely. Each year a couple of dogs are killed by bears due to people luring bears to their homes.

Wood and deer ticks are parasites that suck blood from people and animals. The deer tick even spreads lyme disease. The symptoms can vary in degree and include a bulls eye bite and fatigue. It is usually treated with antibiotics but also can linger. Awareness is key and tick checks should be done daily on people and pets. Mosquitoes, deer flies, and black flies also are part of living in the area.

Pets and Stray Animals
Just like in cities, pets need to be registered and have their rabies vaccinations. Animals must be under control at all times. Be aware that bears or other varmints may injure or kill a pet if you do not keep your pet safe.

Stray animals can be taken to the Burnett County Humane Society (715-656-7177) or Lost, Found, and Fostered (715-349-5446). Neither organization is affiliated with local units of government.

Town Government
All unincorporated areas are governed under "town" government. A town government's primary responsibility is road maintenance and snow plowing. Some town will plow private driveways for a fee. The road that services your property may or may not be scheduled for maintenance in the near future. Check with you town board for more information.

Snow Plowing
Outside of the incorporated villages snowplowing can take some time. Do not expect your road to be plowed before you have to leave in the morning. Snowplowing takes longer to get done in a rural area. Major roads such as state highways and county roads get first priority. If you live on a private road, snowplowing may be your responsibility. See the section under development for further explanation of public versus private roads.

Garbage and Recycling
Town governments generally do not provide garbage pickup at your residence. Private services are available for a fee. Some towns provide transfer stations where you can drop off both garbage and recycling while others do not. You may have to provide proof you live in a garbage service association. A private transfer station is available on Midtown Road in the Town of Meenon. You will pay a fee by bag or weight to use this facility.

For more information visit the web at http://www.burnettcounty.com/gov/index.html.

Agriculture and forestry are important businesses in Burnett County. Do not expect government to intervene in their normal business activities. "Right to farm" legislation has been passed to protect these activities.

Manure
Manure is an inevitable and valuable by-product of livestock production. Unfortunately the odor does not smell like money to some people. Most farmers have a nutrient management plan for their farms which is based on soil test and the crops grown. The applications are done to grow crops efficiently and reduce run off. Burnett County has a manure management ordinance which spells out procedures to deal with problems arising from poor manure management.

Fences
State law (chapter 90 of State Statutes) states that if livestock is present on one property, a fence must be maintain on the property line by BOTH property owners. Other accommodations can be made if both parties agree. Fences make good neighbors. See the Country Acres publication from the University of Wisconsin Extension for more information.

Logging
Burnett County has over 150,000 acres of publicly owned forests and many more of private forests. Both public and private woodland owners participate in logging for both revenue and habitat improvements. Your neighbors mature woods may not be that way for long. Large trucks and increased traffic may also be associated with logging.

Slow moving vehicles
Farm vehicles are allowed on all roads and may back up traffic. Please watch for and be patient with slow moving vehicles. Most drivers of slow moving vehicles will wave you through when it is safe to pass.

Housing in forested areas
Living in the forests of Burnett County is very rewarding. However, those trees are also threats to your home. When building or purchasing an existing home, maintain a buffer between your home and the forest to reduce the fire danger to your home. Contact your local DNR office for more information. More information can be found at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/Fire/index.htm.

Fireworks
Fireworks are restricted and require a permit from the Town Chair or Village President. Permits are not for personal use. Restrictions are needed to preserve homes and forests from fire. Each year fireworks cause many fires and threaten many homes.

Outdoor Burning
Wildfires happen most often during the months of April and May. The primary cause of these fires is debris burning. Permits are needed for all outdoor debris burning whenever the ground is not snow covered. Burning permits may be obtained from an emergency Fire Warden, Ranger Station, or DNR office. No permit is needed when the sole purpose is for cooking and warming.

Hunting, fishing and trapping
Killing game and fish through hunting, fishing, and trapping is a tradition. There is a season for many species some of which are open the entire year. Most hunting however is done in the fall. Wisconsin has hunter harassment laws that make it criminal to interfere with legal hunting. Respect those who partake in these activities or join a local sportsman club to learn how to participate yourself.

Trespass
You are criminally trespassing on private land unless you get permission from the owner. Land does not have to be posted with signs unless it is adjacent to public land (includes private forest lands open to public hunting/use). Respect private property and ask before you use.

ATV Use
Strict rules are in place for ATV use on public lands and roads. Check with your town for the rules where you live. The county has trail and forest use rules on their web site at http://www.burnettcounty.com/gov under County Departments-Forests and Parks.

Tribal Hunting, Fishing, Spearing
The St. Croix Tribe of Chippewa Indians has treaty rights that give tribal members different hunting and gathering rights that non-tribal members. Gun deer hunting may also occur outside of the typical nine hunt around Thanksgiving.

Tribal Police
Tribal police not only serve the reservation, but may also assist and work on off-reservation lands. All tribal policing on non-tribal lands is done according to state law and agreements with local units of government.

Country Acres (G3309)

Care and Maintenance of Residential Septic Systems (B3583)

Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin (G3564)
(a guide to noxious insects, plants and wildlife)

This information is by no means all inclusive. There may be issues that you may encounter that we have overlooked. Look for the unexpected and surprises when purchasing rural property.