Who owns the beach? One man's ticket for walking along Lake Michigan's shoreline in Shorewood could change Wisconsin laws

SHOREWOOD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- One man’s walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline has turned into a legal battle about where private property lines along the beach end and where public access begins.

For Paul Florsheim, most days are spent walking along the water at Atwater Beach in Shorewood.

“It’s one of the most wonderful things about Milwaukee, about this whole area are the Great Lakes,” said Florsheim.

In July, Florsheim was on his usual walk when he was flagged down by a resident for walking past their private property along the beach.

“I said this part of the beach is yours and private and this part of the beach is public and I’m just gonna go for a walk,” said Florsheim.

Florsheim was cited for trespassing and issued a ticket that he’s now fighting. He says he was told the fine would be waived if Florsheim promised to no longer walk on the beach that the resident was arguing was private property.

“And I said no, I’d rather have my day in the court,” said Florsheim.

CBS 58 reached out to the owner of the private property but didn’t hear back.

Other state Supreme Courts, including neighboring Michigan, have ruled in favor of the public, giving them the right to walk on beaches as close to the water as possible.

“It hasn’t been definitely settled in Wisconsin,” said Florsheim.

A judge is expected to rule on this case by the end of the year.

Florsheim says he believes it’s simple – enjoying Lake Michigan's shoreline should belong to everyone.

“It is given to us through the public trust and I think it’s really important we hang on to it,” said Florsheim.