Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
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Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
Public Access Administrative Rule
The passage of the state budget in October 2007 included reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. The Stewardship reauthorization includes a provision requiring that lands acquired with Stewardship funds be open to five nature based outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross country skiing, and any other nature based outdoor activity as designated by rule by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The legislature provided for exceptions if the Natural Resources Board (NRB) determines it is necessary to prohibit one or more of the activities to protect public safety, to protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate other usership patterns as defined by rule. This requirement does not apply to state park properties.
The NRB Stewardship Subcommittee held three listening sessions in April 2008 where they invited public comments, and reported the results to the full Board. Also, a 29-member Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), met from July 2008 through January 2009 providing input on developing the Stewardship recreational access rule. All of the information gathered from these sources has been reviewed by the DNR to assist with the drafting of administrative rules. The proposed rules are now available for comment through public hearings, mail, and email.
Public Hearing & Comment Period
DNR will hold public hearings and receive public comments on the proposed Chapter NR 52 administrative rule through October 31, 2009. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings.
Documents and Comments
The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted through the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website [exit DNR].
Written and Email Comments
Written comments on the proposed rule may also be submitted to
Bureau of Facilities and Lands
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P. O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-2136
Public Hearings
Hearings begin at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:
DNR West Central Region Headquarters (Room 158/185)
1300 West Clairemont
Eau Claire, WI 54702
(see map [PDF 1.2MB])
October 15, Thursday
Nicolet Area Technical College (Learning Resources Center Theater)
5364 College Drive
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(see map [exit DNR])
October 20, Tuesday
Madison Area Technical College (Student Lounge - 142C)
3550 Anderson St.
Madison, WI 53704
(see map [exit DNR])
October 21, Wednesday
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Room CB213 C&D)
2740 W. Mason Street
Green Bay, 54307
(see map [exit DNR])
October 22, Thursday
UW Washington County (Lecture Hall 201)
400 S University Dr
West Bend, WI 53095
(see map [exit DNR])
Hearing Agenda
- 6:00 p.m. — 30 minute informational briefing on the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
- 6:30 p.m. — official hearing begins with an overview of s. 23.0916, Wis. Stats., and an overview of the proposed rule
- 7:00 p.m. — public comments accepted
2008 Listening Sessions
The Stewardship Subcommittee held three listening sessions in April 2008 and invited public comment via mail, email, or other methods. Over 130 people commented and the NRB Stewardship Subcommittee received, in all forms, almost 500 communications. DNR summarized these comments into major topics or themes that appeared to emerge from the variety of comments received. [See comments summary [PDF 174KB].]
This summary cannot possibly mention each and every comment received. The following detailed source documents are available either online or by request.
- Transcripts of the three listening sessions
- Copies of the audio tapes of each listening session.
- Copies of the written comments submitted at the listening sessions.
- Copies of the written comments sent by mail.
- Copies of the emails [PDF 196KB] received plus attached written comments [PDF 5.1MB]. (available in hard copy and/or email).
- Copy of the online survey results [PDF 214KB] (available in hard copy and/or email).
- Copy of the notes of those who spoke about Stewardship Access at the May 2008 full NRB citizen's participation session in Milwaukee [PDF 100KB].
To obtain one or more of these source documents contact:
Bureau of Facilities and Lands
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P. O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
608.264.8993
Stewardship Subcommittee Report
On June 19, 2008, the Natural Resource Board (NRB) Stewardship Subcommittee reported to the full Board the status of the Stewardship Subcommittee's work to date on issues relating to development of administrative rules for the changes to the Stewardship Program required by statutory revisions in Act 20, the 2007-09 State Budget Bill. [See full report [PDF 210KB]]
Citizen Advisory Committee
The NRB tewardship Subcommittee's goal for these listening sessions was to identify issues and concerns to be addressed by the Citizens Advisory Committee in making recommendations for the rules to be developed by DNR staff and eventually brought to the NRB for review and approval. They addressed these issues and concerns in meetings from July 2008 through January 2009.
See Also
- Citizen Advisory Committee
- Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
- Summary of the Reauthorization Provisions
- Relevant Statutes and Administrative Code
- View the status of proposed NR 52 [exit DNR]
- Payments in lieu of Tax (PILT)
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