DNR Public Hearing

Tuesday, November 1, 7:00 p.m. to end of agenda

Public hearing on revisions to Chapters NR 45 and 51 Wis. Adm. Code related to public use of department properties and implementation and administration of the stewardship grant program.

Fitchburg DNR Service Center, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road

Contact: Scott Loomans, 608-267-2452

Detailed information: Proposed administrative rule LF-02-15 is related to public use of department properties and implementation and administration of the stewardship grant program. Proposals were based on recommendations from department staff to improve public use management, protect public safety and natural resources, implement certain fee authorities and clarify rule language.

Rule Information: These rules eliminate prohibitions on the possession and requirement to enclose in a carrying case firearms, air guns, bows and crossbows on certain property types and on department lands in certain counties. Actually discharging firearms in these areas would continue to be prohibited in much the same way that municipal ordinances typically regulate firearms in certain places for safety related purposes. The  proposal creates general rules for department shooting ranges which are modeled off rules at existing state ranges that have been established by lessees of the state. A provision of this rule would increase the fee to use the swimming pool at Blue Mounds State Park in Dane and Iowa counties from $2 to $3 for adults and from $1 to $2 for children 2-12 years of age. Proposals provide camping guidance  and address a variety of general and specific property uses governed by rule.  Language in Ch. NR 51 updates the statement of purpose of the state trail network, defines water trails, and a state water trail is added to the list of state trails making that project eligible for funding under the Stewardship program. These provisions, the entire rule package, an d associated  documents can be viewed through the link provided.  

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, by email to DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@Wisconsin.gov or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:

Department of Natural Resources

Attn: Scott Loomans

P.O. Box 7921

101 S. Webster Street,

Madison, WI 53707-7921