January 23, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives Bodden, Gustafson, Green, Murphy, Rettinger, O’Connor, Penterman, Schmidt and Tusler, cosponsored by Senators Stroebel, Cabral-Guevara, Cowles, Feyen and Jacque. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR106,,22Relating to: recognizing the importance of sturgeon to Wisconsin and designating the second Saturday of February in 2024 as State Sturgeon Spearing Day. AJR106,,33Whereas, Wisconsin is blessed with a robust sturgeon population, contributing significantly to our state’s biodiversity and cultural heritage; and AJR106,,44Whereas, the cultural impact of sturgeon, including the practice of sturgeon spearing, holds deep historical and traditional value for the residents of Wisconsin; and AJR106,,55Whereas, the sale of sturgeon spearing tags and hook and line tags generate funds for sturgeon research, having a substantial positive effect around the country in terms of sturgeon conservation and longevity; and AJR106,,66Whereas, it is imperative to address potential threats to the sturgeon population while maintaining a balance between conservation efforts and cultural practices; and AJR106,,77Whereas, the Department of Natural Resources plays a crucial role in managing and preserving our state’s wildlife resources; now, therefore, be it AJR106,,88Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin State Legislature acknowledges the significance of Wisconsin’s strong sturgeon population and the cultural importance of sturgeon-related activities; and, be it further AJR106,,99Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature does not support listing the lake sturgeon as endangered in Wisconsin or the Lake Winnebago region; and, be it further AJR106,,1010Resolved, That the second Saturday of February in 2024 will be designated as State Sturgeon Spearing Day; and, be it further AJR106,,1111Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature requests the Department of Natural Resources continue to collaborate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in implementing proactive measures to ensure the continued well-being of the sturgeon population; and, be it further AJR106,,1212Resolved, That the Wisconsin State Legislature urges the Department of Natural Resources to work diligently towards maintaining the sturgeon’s status outside the endangered species list in Wisconsin, fostering a balance that preserves both the natural environment and cultural traditions of Wisconsin.
