Chapter NR 193

NR 193.63 NR 193.63 Eligible projects.

NR 193.63(1) (1) Prevention. Prevention projects are intended to prevent the introduction of new invasive species to a waterbody or control the spread of invasive species among waterbodies. Eligible projects include:

NR 193.63(1)(a) (a) Watercraft inspection projects, which shall comply with all of the following:

NR 193.63(1)(a)1. 1. Watercraft inspectors shall be trained by attending a department-approved training workshop and receiving program materials approved by the department prior to the initiation of inspections.

NR 193.63(1)(a)2. 2. Trained inspectors shall conduct inspections of watercraft or equipment at waterbody access points. Watercraft inspectors shall collect and report data, provide education, and collect or report specimens that may be aquatic invasive species.

NR 193.63(1)(a)3. 3. Trained watercraft inspectors shall accumulate a minimum of 200 inspection hours. Hours may be spent at one waterbody access point or spent across 2 access points. Grantees shall prioritize spending grant-funded time when public activity on waterbodies is the highest, including weekends, holidays, fishing tournaments, and during other special events.

NR 193.63(1)(a)4. 4. Data collected through watercraft and equipment inspection shall be reported through the department’s statewide database. Data uploaded to the statewide database shall serve as progress reports and the final report required under s. NR 193.19.

NR 193.63 Note Note: “Clean Boats, Clean Waters” is the department-approved watercraft inspection program and the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System is the department’s statewide database.

NR 193.63(1)(b) (b) Prevention projects intended to reduce the spread or risk of introduction of AIS as approved by the department. Eligible educational activities shall be limited to those that are directly related to the implementation of a prevention project funded under this subsection.

NR 193.63 Note Note: AIS Education grants available under this chapter are outlined in s. NR 193.31 (2).

NR 193.63(2) (2) Early detection and response projects. Early detection and response projects will assist applicants in the planning and management of verified populations of prohibited species and of verified pioneer populations of restricted species. Pioneer populations are in the early stages of colonization. The department may use best professional judgement, considering the population extent, abundance, and spatial distribution, to determine whether the population may be qualified as a pioneer population eligible for funding under this subsection. For rooted invasive aquatic plant species, a pioneer population is one that covers a small area, is typically sparse, and will have been verified during the preceding 5 years. A pioneer population will cover an area that is less than 3 acres in size or has colonized less than 3% of the habitable area of the lake, stream reach, or wetland, whichever is greater.

NR 193.63(2)(a) (a) For a restricted aquatic invasive species, one grant for any one population may be awarded for an early detection and response project under this section.

NR 193.63(2)(b) (b) The grant period for early detection and response projects shall begin on the date the project is authorized by the department.

NR 193.63(2)(c) (c) Projects may include work to develop a management plan, carrying out a department-approved watercraft inspection initiative in accordance with sub. (1) (a), the purchase of portable boat washing stations, and other activities approved by the department.

NR 193.63(2)(d) (d) Notwithstanding s. NR 193.65 (1), aquatic invasive species control activities proposed under this subprogram should be developed in coordination with the department and shall be subject to department approval considering the projected risks and likely outcomes of control activities. Eligible control activities are those that are likely to result in population removal or significant reduction such that the population may be managed in the future at a small size.

NR 193.63(2)(e) (e) The department may specify aquatic invasive species control measures and monitoring and reporting activities for a project funded with a grant awarded under this subsection.

NR 193.63(3) (3) Large-scale population management projects. Large-scale population management projects shall consist of aquatic invasive species control projects that will result in long-term, multi-season suppression of one or more established populations of aquatic invasive species in a substantial portion of a lake, stream reach, or wetland; or aquatic invasive species control projects that employ a strategic approach to address multiple populations within a defined region. Management projects shall implement activities recommended in a management plan following a determination of eligibility under s. NR 193.53.

NR 193.63(4) (4) Small-scale population management projects. Small-scale population management projects shall consist of aquatic invasive species control projects that will maintain low abundance or frequency of one or more small established aquatic invasive species populations or further reduce them in size. Grant funds awarded under this paragraph may be used to manage a small populations resulting from a successful large-scale population management project. Small-scale management projects shall implement management activities with the goal of continued suppression of the target species on a localized scale, where the management actions are unlikely to affect the entire lake, stream reach, or wetland. Management projects shall implement activities recommended in a management plan following a determination of eligibility under s. NR 193.53.

NR 193.63(5) (5) Research and demonstration projects. Aquatic invasive species research and demonstration projects are intended to be a cooperative activity between a grantee and the department. Such projects shall be designed to increase scientific understanding of the ecological and economic implications of aquatic invasive species and their management and to assess experimental and innovative techniques for their prevention, containment and control. Procedures for applications and grant awards include the following:

NR 193.63(5)(a) (a) Proposals for research projects shall include the goals and objectives of the project, a brief description of the methods for the project, the estimated costs and a timeline for completion of the project.

NR 193.63(5)(b) (b) The department may solicit research proposals through a request for proposal process.

NR 193.63(5)(c) (c) Prior to each biennium the department may consult with the invasive species council regarding priority aquatic invasive species research.

NR 193.63(5)(d) (d) The department has sole discretion to award a grant under this subprogram and will work with the grantee to develop a study design and grant application.

NR 193.63(5)(e) (e) No more than $500,000 shall be awarded annually for projects under this section.

NR 193.63 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20; correction in (2) (intro.), (c), (e), (5) (a), (d) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2020 No. 773.

NR 193.64 NR 193.64 Ineligible activities. Activities not eligible for grant funding under this subchapter include chemical treatment or mechanical harvesting of aquatic plants for the purpose of seasonal nuisance relief, management techniques that are not expected to result in effective control of the target species, or maintenance and operation of aeration systems or mechanical devices used to suppress aquatic plant growth. The department may deny a project if it determines the proposed management poses a significant risk to human health, nontarget organisms, or the environment or is determined to be inconsistent with the principles of an integrated pest management strategy as specified under s. NR 193.65 (1).

NR 193.64 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20.

NR 193.65 NR 193.65 General conditions.

NR 193.65(1) (1) Integrated pest management. Projects funded with a grant awarded under this subchapter shall employ an integrated pest management strategy. Integrated pest management is an ecosystem-based management strategy that focuses on long-term suppression of pests or their damage and considers all of the available pest control practices. Integrated pest management projects shall be informed by current, comprehensive information on pest life cycles and the interactions among pests and the environment. A project that employs an integrated pest management strategy shall include more than one management practice.

NR 193.65(2) (2) Management practices. Practices eligible for inclusion in an integrated pest management strategy include prevention, biological control, biomanipulation, nutrient management, habitat manipulation, substantial modification of cultural practices, pesticide application, water level manipulation, mechanical removal, population monitoring, and other available pest control methods approved for grant-funded projects. Pesticide application may be approved only when other available pest control methods are considered and when pesticide applications are conducted with the goal of removing only the target species.

NR 193.65(3) (3) Monitoring and assessment. The department may require monitoring activities or an assessment of management outcomes as a condition of the grant award.

NR 193.65(4) (4) Public boating access. Management of a prohibited species or a pioneer population under this subchapter is considered a resource protection service and does not require public boating access under s. NR 1.91 (4). Large-scale and small-scale population management projects require minimum public boating access as set out in s. NR 1.91 (4).

NR 193.65 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20; correction in (2), (4) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2020.

subch. VI of ch. NR 193 Subchapter VI — Lake Monitoring and Protection Network

NR 193.70 NR 193.70 Purpose. The purpose of this subchapter is to establish eligible activities, qualifications, and procedures for the administration of contracts and cooperative agreements for the creation and support of a statewide Lake Monitoring and Protection Network. Contracts under this subchapter will be used to support the statewide coordination of lake protection activities, including the collection and reporting of data on the use and condition of lakes and lake ecosystems. Cooperative agreements under this subchapter will be used by network cooperators to coordinate and support the efforts of network participants to protect lakes, including through watercraft inspection, monitoring, and early detection of aquatic invasive species, and other activities related to lake protection and aquatic invasive species prevention.

NR 193.70 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20; correction made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2020 No. 773.

NR 193.71 NR 193.71 Definitions. In addition to definitions provided in s. NR 193.03, the following definitions apply to this subchapter:

NR 193.71(1) (1) “Contract” means an agreement between the department and a contracting entity detailing the activities, compensation, products, term, and conditions that restrict or require certain actions during the life of the agreement.

NR 193.71(2) (2) “Designated agent” means an entity that is designated in writing by a county to implement a project under this subchapter.

NR 193.71(3) (3) “Network” means the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network established by the department under s. NR 193.73 which includes network participants and network cooperators.

NR 193.71(4) (4) “Network cooperator” means an entity that enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with the department to provide cooperative network services as outlined under s. NR 193.74.

NR 193.71(5) (5) “Network participant” means a person who volunteers or receives compensation to conduct network activities under s. NR 193.76 and meets the criteria established under s. NR 193.75.

NR 193.71 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20.

NR 193.72 NR 193.72 Eligible network cooperators.

NR 193.72(1) (1) Eligible cooperators under this subchapter are limited to state or federal agencies, tribal governing bodies, and county governments, or their designated agents. Subject to approval by the department, counties and tribes may designate an agent to implement a project within their jurisdictional boundary. Agent designation shall be in writing on a form designated by the department and subject to department approval. A designated agent that is approved by the department may apply for a contract awarded under this subchapter. A county or tribe choosing to designate an agent shall submit such a request to the department for approval at least 60 days prior to the contract application deadline. A county or tribe may revoke an agent’s designation for the subsequent agreement term by notifying the department in writing at any time.

NR 193.72(2) (2) Eligible designated agents shall have all of the following:

NR 193.72(2)(a) (a) Experience with successful grant or contract administration in the last 10 years.

NR 193.72(2)(b) (b) A history of meeting or exceeding grant or contract performance and accountability standards.

NR 193.72(2)(c) (c) An established presence in the geographic area described in the application.

NR 193.72(2)(d) (d) The ability to provide evidence of their ability to competently perform the activities outlined under s. NR 193.74.

NR 193.72(2)(e) (e) Eligibility as a Surface Water Grant recipient under s. NR 193.02 (1).

NR 193.72 Note Note: Applicant experience and history may be demonstrated through participation in grant programs outside of those covered under this chapter. Would-be applicants that lack grant experience and performance history are encouraged to apply for one or more of the other Surface Water Grant Programs outlined in this chapter.

NR 193.72 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20.

NR 193.73 NR 193.73 Establishing the network. The department may establish and maintain a statewide Lake Monitoring and Protection Network by conducting any of the following activities:

NR 193.73(1) (1) Providing protocols for conducting network activities.

NR 193.73(2) (2) Registering and providing technical support to network coordinators and network participants.

NR 193.73(3) (3) Allocating funds to support the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network, subject to the following:

NR 193.73(3)(a) (a) The total amount of funding for each fiscal year may not exceed 25% of the total amount appropriated under s. 20.370 (6) (ar), (as), and (av), Stats.

NR 193.73(3)(b) (b) The department’s allocation plan will consider factors related to the need for network cooperative services provided under s. NR 193.75, including the quantity, type or condition of surface water resources, the amount of public access available, socioeconomic factors, or factors related to the presence or risk of spread of invasive species.

NR 193.73 Note Note: The allocation plan will be published in guidance on the Surface Water Grant Program website.

NR 193.73(4) (4) Annually assessing statewide lake monitoring and protection needs and entering into agreements with eligible cooperators to perform cooperative network services outlined in s. NR 193.75.

NR 193.73 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20; correction in (3) (a) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register May 2020 No. 773.

NR 193.74 NR 193.74 Network services. A network cooperator shall enter into an agreement with the department to assist with the operation and maintenance of the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network. The agreement will include specification of the services to be rendered and other expectations that apply during the life of the agreement. Network cooperative services that may be provided under an agreement created under this subchapter include any of the following:

NR 193.74(1) (1) Training network participants and coordinating lake monitoring, aquatic invasive species monitoring, watercraft inspection, aquatic invasive species prevention programs, and entry of data into the department’s statewide database.

NR 193.74 Note Note: The department’s statewide database is the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System.

NR 193.74(2) (2) Purchasing and distributing supplies and equipment necessary for network activities.

NR 193.74(3) (3) Providing shipping and handling of samples and specimens.

NR 193.74(4) (4) Entering data, using software or conducting other data management tasks necessary for managing network participants or tracking and reporting network activities.

NR 193.74(5) (5) Analyzing, reporting, and disseminating reports and results.

NR 193.74(6) (6) Providing technical assistance to a grantee or grant applicant for aquatic invasive species prevention and control.

NR 193.74(7) (7) Coordinating communication among network participants.

NR 193.74(8) (8) Increasing network coverage through education and outreach and expanding the capacity of network participants to conduct network activities.

NR 193.74(9) (9) Conducting any network activity outlined under s. NR 193.76.

NR 193.74(10) (10) Providing other services approved by the department.

NR 193.74 History History: CR 19-078: cr. Register May 2020 No. 773, eff. 6-1-20.

NR 193.75 NR 193.75 Network participants.

NR 193.75(1) (1) Qualifications. A network participant is a person who volunteers or receives compensation to conduct network activities listed under s. NR 193.76 and who meets all of the following qualifications:

NR 193.75(1)(a) (a) The person is approved by the department or by a network coordinator to be a network participant. The decision to approve a network participant may be conditional on available resources and department monitoring priorities. A prospective network participant may seek approval by any of the following:

NR 193.75(1)(a)1. 1. Requesting participation in the citizen lake monitoring network from the water quality monitoring coordinator in writing, indicating the waterbody the participant is interested in monitoring and the type of monitoring the participant prefers to conduct, if applicable.

NR 193.75(1)(a)2. 2. Requesting participation in the department-approved watercraft inspection program from the watercraft inspection coordinator in writing, indicating the waterbody the participant is interested in monitoring, if applicable.

NR 193.75(1)(a)3. 3. Requesting participation in a capacity other than the foregoing from a network cooperator or the department in writing.

NR 193.75 Note Note: The water quality monitoring and watercraft inspection coordinators are statewide positions funded by the department and located at the College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897. The coordinators can be contacted by phone at [phone] or email at [e-mail].

NR 193.75(1)(b) (b) The person is registered with the department as a network participant and, if responsible for managing data, is also registered as a user of the department’s statewide database.

NR 193.75 Note Note: The department’s statewide database is the Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System.

NR 193.75(1)(c) (c) The person completes a department-approved training program for any network activities they are approved to carry out, including collecting, reporting, and interpreting water quality, aquatic invasive species, or watercraft inspection data.

NR 193.75(1)(d) (d) The person has completed a release of claims form 3200-101.

NR 193.75 Note Note: Form 3200-101 will be provided by the department at the completion of training.

NR 193.75(2) (2) Restrictions. The department may restrict network participants to include only those that satisfy the following conditions:

NR 193.75(2)(a) (a) Have access to the equipment necessary to carry out monitoring or prevention protocols.