Here is some information on the new proposed DNR rules we will discuss at the NOHVCC workshop on April 14th in Portage.
(From Brigit Brown, state DNR Trails Coordinator)
Hi Folks,
Attached is the announcement of public hearings concerning the proposed changes to Department of Natural Resources' Administrative Code. Proposed changes of interest include: a $5 increase to the cost of a annual state trail pass (from $15 to $20), rules regarding motorcycles and their use on DNR properties, language toclarify the purpose and management of State Ice Age Trail Areas, and rules concerning camping in state parks.
Information about all of the proposals and a link to the text of the proposals are available online:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/other/nr45.html.
Hearings will be held:
April 16 in Madison
April 23 in Milwaukee
April 25 in Wausau
Comments may also be submitted via the internet:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov, and written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Ms. Kate Fitzgerald, Bureau of Facilities and Lands, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments are now being accepted and may be submitted until May 4, 2007.
Please help me get the word out on these proposals and forward this e-mail to others, post it on your websites, etc. This is an opportunity to participate in the process of making rules that may affect you!
-Brigit
Brigit E. Brown
State Trails Coordinator
Wisconsin State Park System
101 S. Webster Street, Box 7921
Madison, WI53707-7921
phone: 608-266-2183
fax: 608-267-7474
BEFORE THE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
LF-17-07
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 23.091, 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.11(1), 23.28(3), 23.293, 27.01(2)(j), 27.01(10)(b) and (f) and 227.11(2)(a), Stats., interpreting ss. 23.091, 23.09(2)(intro.), 23.11(4), 23.17, 23.175, 23.28(3), 23.293, 27.01(2)(i) and (j), 27.01(10)(f) and 28.04(2), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on revisions to chs. NR 1, 45 and 51, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to use of department properties. The proposed rule contains a number of changes for the purpose of improving or clarifying existing rules, creating a few property specific rules and amending a number of rules affecting fees and reservations in state parks and forests.
Seven state parks are being proposed to be added to the list of parks that charge an additional $3.00 per day for camping due to local market conditions and there is also a proposal that the fee be applied year round to all 15 parks that charge this differential. A state trail season pass fee increase of $5.00 is being proposed to meet increasing costs of maintaining and managing the trails. This would increase the annual fee from $15 to $20. Other proposals are aimed at simplifying the fee system in response to requests by the users.
A change in facility reservations would allow reservations to be made 11 months in advance for picnic areas, shelters, auditoriums, amphitheaters, tepees and yurts. The current rule allows reservations to be taken on the first business day in January.
Rules are being proposed for the newly established Lake Shore State Park that will establish hours and prohibit alcohol consumption outside or organized events.
Language has been included in ch. NR 1 to clarify the purpose and management of State Ice Age Trail areas, and to identify allowed uses and activities in order to provide consistency and improve management.
Other miscellaneous changes are proposed.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to s. 227.114, Stats., it is not anticipated that the proposed rule will have an economic impact on small businesses. The Department’s Small Business Regulatory Coordinator may be contacted at
SmallBusiness@dnr.state.wi.us or by calling (608) 266-1959.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department’s consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the hearings will be held on:
April 16, 2007 Gathering Waters Room, DNR South Central Region Hdqrs., 3911 Fish Hatchery Road
Monday Fitchburg at 4:00 p.m.
April 23, 2007 Auditorium, Havenwoods State Forest, 6141 N. Hopkins Street, Milwaukee
Monday at 4:00 p.m.
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Some of the wording on OHM vehicle size and ages needs to be addressed, it looks too similar to the current ATV rules that have kids ATVs by displacement rather than by if they fit on the vehicle properly.
There are also other issues we will discuss at the workshop. Our results will be forwarded to the DNR as a proposal to change their regulation before it is instituted. This is great timing, to have the workshop just before the rules become finalized. The DNR has worked with NOHVCC before and they have said they are looking forward to partnering with a new state OHV association. It makes their job easier having a voice of the OHV community they can go to for input.