(1)    Notwithstanding ss. 30.12, 30.20, 30.44, and 30.45, and if the department finds that the activity will not adversely affect public or private rights or interests in fish and wildlife populations, navigation, or waterway flood flow capacity and will not result in environmental pollution, as defined in s. 299.01 (4), the department may do all of the following on public lands or waters:

      (a)    Cut aquatic plants, as defined in s. 30.07 (1) (b), without removing them from the water, for the purpose of improving waterfowl nesting, brood, and migration habitat.

      (b)    Develop nesting islands for the purpose of increasing waterfowl production.

   (2)   The department may use moneys available under s. 29.191 (1) (b) 1. to engage in the activities described under sub. (1).