Wisconsin is falling even farther behind its neighboring states on a plan to ensure the preservation of water in the Great Lakes system.

In a letter to the Joint Legislative Council Monday, Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, announced the disappointing end to a year-long special study group working to agree on a plan to draft legislation prohibiting other states and nations from draining too much water.

In 2005, the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact called for all eight Great Lakes states to pass at least baseline, or minimum, legislation through its state government and eventually through Congress.

According to Anne Sayer, program director of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, Minnesota and Illinois have already finalized their legislation and the five other states have parts of legislation in the works. Wisconsin is the only state with nothing on paper.

"Wisconsin is in a rather unique position among the states, as more than one-third of its land mass lies within the basin and more than two-thirds of its population resides within that area," Kedzie said in his letter.

Sayer said the news was discouraging, but shouldn't have negative repercussions on the future of legislation.

"It was kind of depressing news today, but it was a worthwhile endeavor," Sayer said. "They just have a hard time agreeing."

Ryan Smith, spokesman for Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Allouez, who served on the committee, said although it was a disappointing end, it was apparent the group had run its course and needed to address the situation in a different manner.

"[Cowles] wants a strong compact to protect the Great Lakes," Smith said. "It's just sort of running out of steam — it’s not over yet, it’s just time to regroup and see how we're going to go from here."

Wisconsin likely has until 2011 before it could run into problems with the federal government, so Smith said they would send the issue through the standing committee process to produce legislation.

With shortages throughout the world, Sayer said Wisconsin needs to be mindful that 20 percent of the world's available fresh water is retained within the Great Lakes Basin.

"We are growing more and more attractive," Sayer said. "We have to act now to protect those water resources."

Sayer also pointed out after the next census, there is a good chance Great Lakes states could lose representation, while "thirsty states" like California and Florida will gain population and therefore have more legislative power in Congress.

Kedzie said he is hopeful the work the committee did conduct in its existence should eventually help when legislation is drafted.

"It is unfortunate the amiable and respectful process we have been engaged in for the last year may eventually turn to partisanship and rhetoric," Kedzie said in his letter. "I firmly believe the success of the Great Lakes Water Resources Compact in Wisconsin is directly tied to the success of the Study Group."

Kedzie also pointed out the compact itself took more than five years to draft with the collaboration of all eight governors involved.