(1)    Rules.

      (a)    Generally. The department shall promulgate rules necessary to administer this chapter.

      (b)    Financial aids. These rules shall provide for the administration of financial aids to districts and shall prescribe data to be secured, methods of analysis and evaluation, duration of data gathering and other technical regulations for the efficient administration of the program and efficient intergovernmental organization.

      (c)    Priorities for funding levels. These rules shall establish priorities for different methods utilized in implementing lake protection and for lake rehabilitation based on cost-effectiveness and factors considered under s. 33.16 (4) especially s. 33.16 (4) (f).

      (d)    Funding levels for different methods. These rules shall establish differing levels for the share of state funds to be provided for financial assistance for implementation work depending on the methods to be utilized on the projects based on priorities established under par. (c).

      (e)    Priorities when inadequate funds. If the department does not have adequate appropriations to provide financial assistance under s. 33.16 for eligible projects, it shall establish priorities based on the type of project and methods to be utilized in implementing the projects and these priorities shall rank dredging, other than dredging to provide public access, as a low priority.

      (f)    Dredging; sedimentation control. These rules shall require that an application for financial assistance for the implementation of any project involving dredging include the identification of long-term controls which are being or will be undertaken to prevent sedimentation.

      (g)    Algae abatement; nutrient control. These rules shall require that an application for financial assistance for the implementation of any project involving algae or aquatic plant abatement programs include the identification of long-term controls which are being or will be undertaken to reduce or prevent nutrient pollution.

      (h)    Guidelines for feasibility and implementation grants. These rules shall establish guidelines for providing financial assistance for feasibility studies and implementation costs.

   (2)   Studies, inventories. The department shall undertake studies and inventories to assist the council in carrying out its duties.

   (3)   Aids. The department shall administer a program of financial assistance to districts, using such funds as are appropriated by the legislature or made available from other sources.

   (4)   Assistance. The department shall assist districts seeking technical aid in any phase of lake protection or rehabilitation activity.

   (5)   Clearinghouse. The department shall serve as a clearinghouse for scientific data on lakes and information on accepted and experimental lake protection or rehabilitation techniques.