Big decisions coming as state DNR Board meets in Mishicot

Posted at 1:10 p.m. on September 23, 2019

The Brillion News

MISHICOT – Requests to consider proposed rules related to increasing the operational efficiency of and simplifying the air permit process, proposed rules related to minor changes to fishing regulations, and proposed rules related to ruffed grouse management are among the topics the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board will consider when it meets September 25 in Mishicot.

The board meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. in the Southern/Northern Pines Room at Fox Hills Resort, 250 West Church St.

The Natural Resources Board will offer remote participation from the Department of Natural Resources Service Center, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg. Remote participation will be for an open forum with the board at approximately 10:15 a.m. following a break. Open Forum is an opportunity for citizens to provide testimony remotely or at the Mishicot meeting location on matters that are not otherwise on the meeting agenda.

Comments generally should address broad general policy rather than the day-to-day operations of the DNR. Opportunities for remote testimony are noted on the meeting agenda. Pre-registration by the posted deadline is required.

Other topics on the September 25 meeting agenda include:

1. a Chronic Wasting Disease Sub-Committee report-out and direction to the department on potential rulemaking scope statements;

2. a request to approve the statement of scope for proposed rules related to storm water discharge permits;

3. a request to approve the statement of scope for proposed rules related to black bear management;

4. a request to authorize a preliminary public hearing and comment period for proposed rules related to targeted performance standards and prohibitions to abate pollution of groundwater by nitrate in sensitive areas.

5. a request to approve the Wisconsin Inland Trout Management Plan;

6. a proposal to rename Peshtigo River State Forest to Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest in honor of former Governor Anthony Earl; and

7. request to accept donations from:

8. the Friends of High Cliff State Park of $135,937 to be used to support a new ADA-accessible playground; and

9. the Andrew F. Bell and Edith M. Bell Charitable Trust of $18,090.25 to support projects managed by the Natural Heritage Conservation Program;

10. Informational reports on: PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, Recreational property law enforcement update, Northeast Sands Regional Master Plan, and CWD Sub-Committee report-out and direction to the department on potential rulemaking scope statements.

At approximately 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, the board may convene in closed session under the authority of s.19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats., to confer with legal counsel regarding current litigation involving: 1) the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area Master Plan; 2) the Upper Wolf River State Fishery Area Master Plan; 3) Kohler Co. and Kohler-Andrae State Park; and 4) a proposed site specific phosphorus criterion for Lac Courte Oreilles in Sawyer County.

On Tuesday, September 24 the board will participate in area tours and presentations including:

1. a lunch presentation of charter fishing at Kinn’s Sport Fishing, 60 Steele St. Algoma;

2. a Lake Michigan boat trip to observe sport fishing and have discussions on how sport fishing relates to fisheries of the Great Lakes; and

3. overview of NR 151 and the new Silurian Bedrock Performance Standard, brief history of Pagels Ponderosa, overview of Peninsula Pride Farms and a tour of the Manure Separation/Treatment System at Pagels Ponderosa, N4893 County C, Kewaunee.

The board will have an informal dinner meeting with the Lake Michigan Commercial Fishing Board at Fox Hills Resort in the Fox Fire Room, 250 West Church St., Mishicot. The board will not discuss business or take any actions. NOTE: The public must pre-register with board liaison to attend scheduled tours and provide their transportation.