NR 1.51(3)(a)(a) Public hunting and trapping. The primary use on all designated wildlife areas shall be hunting and trapping. Legislation and regulations are encouraged to limit numbers of participants utilizing state land where necessary to insure opportunities for a quality recreational experience. The use of closed areas and/or refuges is endorsed to provide wildlife with required sanctuary from hunting and to protect property.

NR 1.51(3)(b)(b) Scientific study. Relatively undisturbed biological systems on wildlife areas provide a unique opportunity for scientific research on natural or near-natural systems. Since a thorough knowledge of wildlife ecology is the basis of a sound wildlife management program, the designation of suitable tracts as scientific areas is encouraged.

NR 1.51(3)(c)(c) Compatible open-space uses. Open-space pedestrian uses, including hiking, nature study, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing are generally compatible with the primary purpose of wildlife areas. These activities will be accommodated but may have to be limited in time and location to avoid interference with wildlife production or survival and public hunting or trapping.

NR 1.51(3)(d)(d) Camping. Limited primitive camping may be permitted on wildlife areas. Camping should not be encouraged nor will developments be undertaken to service campers except at locations designated in the property master plan.

NR 1.51(3)(e)(e) Off-road vehicles. Unrestricted use of off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, will not be permitted on wildlife areas. Agreements may be made with counties, other municipalities, or private clubs for the use and maintenance of designated trails or areas where such use will not be detrimental to wildlife or conflict with public hunting.

NR 1.51(3)(f)(f) Horses. Indiscriminate horseback riding will not be permitted on wildlife areas. Use of horses may be permitted on designated trail systems, specific dog trial and training areas and in other areas where such use will not unduly damage wildlife habitat or conflict with wildlife production and public hunting.

NR 1.51(3)(g)(g) Special use permits. Special use permits may be authorized for outdoor recreational activities such as organized youth group camping, dog trials, etc., but only where such activities do not conflict with each other and where they are compatible with the primary purpose of the property. Sites where such activities are to be permitted and the facilities required shall be designated in the property master plan.

NR 1.52(1)(1) Definitions. As used in this section, “environmental quality standard” means a regulatory measure needed to prevent or reduce environmental pollution as that term is defined in s. 299.01 (4), Stats.

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 1.60(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 NoteNote: 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(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 1.61NR 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.