NR 1.52(2) (2) Information submitted to board. Whenever the department seeks to adopt a rule, the department shall provide the board with information regarding the following: the authority for the rule; the conformity of the rule with the requirements of federal or state statutes or controlling judicial decisions; and the need for the rule.

NR 1.52(3) (3) Adoption of environmental quality standard more restrictive than corresponding federal law or regulations. For environmental programs subject to a delegation of authority by the U.S. environmental protection agency, whenever the department seeks to adopt an environmental quality standard more restrictive than a standard provided under corresponding federal law or regulations, the department shall advise the board why the more restrictive standard is needed in Wisconsin to protect public health, safety or the environment. For the purposes of this subsection, any environmental quality standard is not considered more restrictive than a standard provided under corresponding federal law or regulations if the federal government has not enacted a law or regulation establishing a corresponding standard. This subsection is prospective in application; no environmental quality standards adopted prior to August 1, 1996, are affected except under the circumstances described in sub. (4).  

NR 1.52(4) (4) Federal standard relaxed. If the department has adopted an environmental quality standard which has a corresponding standard adopted under federal law or regulations, and after August 1, 1996, that corresponding federal standard is relaxed by promulgation of a more lenient standard in federal law or regulations, the department shall within 120 days of the federal action notify the board and propose a schedule for the department to advise the board whether the current state standard is needed in Wisconsin to protect public health, safety or the environment.

NR 1.52 History History: Cr. Register, July, 1996, No. 487, eff. 8-1-96; correction in (1) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register, September, 1999, No. 525.

NR 1.60 NR 1.60 Master planning for department land.

NR 1.60(1) (1) Master plan development. In addition to the requirements of ss. 23.091 and 28.04, Stats., the natural resources board shall determine whether a master plan will be developed for any department managed property or group of properties. If developed, the plan shall establish management, development and public use.

NR 1.60(2) (2) Local and regional perspectives. Management decisions shall be based on local and regional perspectives.

NR 1.60(3) (3) Property designation. Management of a department property and the master plan applicable to it shall be consistent with and further the purposes and benefits of the property’s designation by statute, rule or the natural resources board.

NR 1.60 Note Note: For example, state forests shall be managed in accordance with s. 28.04, Stats., state recreation areas in accordance with s. 23.091, Stats., and state parks in accordance with s. 27.01, Stats.

NR 1.60(4) (4) Compatible activities.

NR 1.60(4)(a) (a) Management activities shall be compatible with the land’s ability to support and sustain the intended management, development or recreational use.

NR 1.60(4)(b) (b) In planning efforts, the effects of management activities on adjacent management areas are to be considered and, where adverse, are to be avoided whenever practicable.

NR 1.60(5) (5) Tribal treaty rights. Management of a department property within the ceded territory as defined in s. NR 13.02 (1), and the master plan applicable to it, shall recognize the opportunity for tribes with off-reservation hunting, fishing and gathering rights to continue to exercise those rights.

NR 1.60 History History: Cr. Register, August, 1996, No. 488, eff. 9-1-96.

NR 1.61 NR 1.61 Public use of department land. Wisconsin is a state of diverse people with many backgrounds and abilities. Public lands are shared spaces belonging to everyone. The department will consider the needs of all people in decisions about department land and is committed to advancing equal access and opportunity for all people to enjoy the benefits of nature and recreation. To facilitate public use, the department provides: public safety and resource protection; education; information about opportunities; natural resource-based accessible experiences; and access to wild, rural, and urban environments. Except as prohibited or regulated by statute or administrative rule, all department land shall be open for:

NR 1.61(1) (1) Traditional outdoor recreational uses, including hunting, fishing, trapping, walking, nature study and berry picking; and

NR 1.61(2) (2) Other types of recreational uses, including camping, bicycling, equestrian uses, field trials, and snowmobiling or other motorized activities, as authorized on a property by the property master plan.

NR 1.61 History History: Cr. Register, August, 1996, No. 488, eff. 9-1-96; CR 23-060: am. (intro.) Register July 2024 No. 823, eff. 8-1-24.

NR 1.70 NR 1.70 Policy on education.

NR 1.70(1) (1) Wisconsin has a unique abundance of varied and high quality natural resources. The successful stewardship of those resources is largely dependent upon enlightened and responsible decision-making by Wisconsin citizens, government and private interests. The department recognizes the need to develop a coordinated environmental education program. Education is the foundation of effective resource management and environmental protection activities. Natural resources protection and management goals can be more readily achieved and sustained by incorporating education elements in department functions and philosophies. An active educational program is necessary to encourage incorporation of education into department programs, to inform citizens on natural resources issues and to develop alternative solutions to natural resources problems.

NR 1.70(2) (2) Effective environmental education will result in better understanding of the operations and programs of the department and will help meet management goals. The goal of the department’s environmental education program is to assist in developing a citizenry that:

NR 1.70(2)(a) (a) Is aware of Wisconsin’s natural resources;

NR 1.70(2)(b) (b) Understands resource use issues, limits, capabilities and problems;

NR 1.70(2)(c) (c) Analyzes and evaluates personal and public values that affect resource management; and

NR 1.70(2)(d) (d) Acquires the individual and collective skills and purpose to act responsibly in using natural resources in work and leisure.

NR 1.70(3) (3) The department shall assist Wisconsin educational institutions at all grade and age levels by:

NR 1.70(3)(a) (a) Making available supplemental services, education materials, expertise of department employees and volunteers, and facilities and properties.

NR 1.70(3)(b) (b) Cooperating and coordinating with the department of public instruction, University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin board of technical college system in assisting teachers, administrators and others interested in education in understanding the importance of their role in environmental education and in obtaining knowledge, skills and materials in this instructional area.

NR 1.70(4) (4) Department education programs shall follow agency policies, management directives and guidelines. Educational programs should be a means of achieving management goals and objectives; should complement and be consistent with agency priorities; and should focus on the areas of natural resource management and environmental protection. To implement its educational policy, the department shall: