Gov. Doyle signs river protection bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a bill he says will preserve the Totogatic River in northern Wisconsin.

The measure designates free-flowing portions of the river a state wild river. The designation restricts new dock, bridge and culvert construction. It also allows removal of natural obstructions to maintain steady water levels.

The river flows through Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Sawyer and Washburn counties. Doyle signed the measure Friday morning at a cerermony at Totogatic County Park, just west of Minong.

Doyle signed another bill Friday that establishes a no-wake restrictiions for all motorboats within 100 feet of all lake shorelines.