A proposal is to specify that beverage containers must be secured to the watercraft in the Flambeau River State Forest. This will help prevent beverage containers from being dumped into the river.
Additional modifications to this chapter may be pursued which are reasonably related to those discussed here or improve rule simplification.
Ch. NR 51 related to Administration of Stewardship Grants A proposal is to update the language regarding the state trail system to agree with legislation enacted. The language eliminates the perception that use of trails on department lands is limited to equine, bikes, cross-country skis and hikers.
A proposal is to designate the Lake Michigan State Water Trail as a designated state trail. This provides structure and authority for the new state water trail system.
Additional modifications to this chapter may be pursued which are reasonably related to those discussed here or improve rule simplification.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
In addition to the general authority granted by s. 227.11 (2) (a), Stats., to implement and interpret its statutory authority, the Department of Natural Resources has specific grants of rule making authority in chs. 23 and 27, Stats., to manage its properties. See ss. 23.09 (2), 23.091, 23.11 (1), 23.28 (3), 27.01 (2) (j), 27.01 (10) (b) and (f), 27.01(11) (b), Wis. Stats. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
The Department estimates that rule and resources necessary to develop the rule will require 200 hours of staff time.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
Nearly all users of Department of Natural Resource’s managed properties can be affected. A wide variety of groups and individuals will be interested in this proposed rule. Some groups include: Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, The Wisconsin ATV-UTV Association, Wisconsin Conservation Congress, National Rifle Association, Non-motorized Recreation and Transportation Trails Council and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
No federal regulations exist for the management of Department of Natural Resource properties.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
An economic impact analysis will be conducted as part of rule development. For now, the department thinks it may be possible that the proposed rule would have an annual impact over $50,000 dollars, a moderate economic impact.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department anticipates holding two public hearing in the month of August, 2015. Hearing cities will be: Madison and Rhinelander.
The Department will hold these hearings in these locations to provide access in both northern and southern Wisconsin.
Contact Person: Aaron Buchholz, (920) 662-5115
