Section 31.01. Definitions.

  Terms used in this chapter are defined as follows:

(1)  “Corporation" means a private corporation organized under the laws of this state.

(2)  “Department" means the department of natural resources.

(3)  “Grantee" means the person, firm, corporation or municipality to whom a permit is granted, and all subsequent owners of the grant.

(4)  “Municipality" means any town, village, city or county in the state.

(5)  “Navigable waters" means all waters declared navigable by ch. 30 .

(6)  “Permit", unless the context otherwise requires, means legislative permission granted under s. 31.06 to construct, operate and maintain a dam in or across navigable waters, or under s. 31.08 to continue the operation and maintenance of any dam so situated which was constructed before such legislative permits were required.