According to s. 29.335, Stats., the department shall promulgate rules regulating feeding of wildlife. In s. 29.617, Stats., authority is granted to the department to acquire, lease, develop and maintain public hunting and fishing grounds. In addition, general authority is granted by s. 227.11 (2) (a), Stats. to implement and interpret its statutory authority. 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 development of the rule, including meetings to discuss code revisions and holding public hearings, will require 400 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:
Federal regulations do not directly apply to the management of Department of Natural Resources lands.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses):
The department anticipates an annual economic impact of over $50,000 (moderate impact) due to potential fee increases. An economic impact analysis will be conducted as part of rule development.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The department anticipates holding five public hearings in the month of January 2021. The department anticipates holding one hearing in Madison with a simultaneous broadcast to DNR regional offices to obtain statewide comments.
The department will hold these hearings in these locations to provide an opportunity for department property users in different parts of the state to attend a hearing and provide input.
Preston D. Cole, Secretary
Date Submitted
