Statutory authority
Staff time required
Approximately 15 hours will be needed by the Department.
Natural Resources
Subject
Revision to Chapter
NR 45 which contains the administrative rules for the use of Department properties. Department staff review Chapter
NR 45 every two years and suggest revisions designed to ensure the health and safety of people using Department properties, and propose use regulations necessary for the protection of natural resources on the properties.
Policy Analysis
Many of the proposed changes are for the purpose of clarifying existing rules or increasing consistency between properties. There is also a rule being proposed to protect cultural resources (no sledding, skiing, snowboarding on the Indian Mounds at Aztalan) and a proposed requirement for dog sledders to obtain permits. Fee increases are being proposed for items such as trail passes, group camping and electrical services at campgrounds. An increase in the number of Type “A" campgrounds is being proposed which would result in increased fees. It has been over 10 years since the last camping fee increase. The increases are needed to help offset the continued rising cost of providing quality services and to offset the GPR reductions that all bureaus and agencies are facing. Local market conditions in the public and private sector indicate that such an increase is supportable.
Statutory authority
Staff time required
Approximately 110 hours will be needed by the Department.2002
Natural Resources
Subject
Creation of a permanent rule to eradicate, manage and control Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Wisconsin,
Policy Analysis
In February 2002, the department was informed three deer samples that were collected in Western Dane County during the 2001 November gun season tested positive for CWD. Since this discovery, intensive sampling and special landowner hunts have resulted in the discovery of a total of 31 CWD positive deer in the CWD surveillance area (Eradication Zone). Significant public involvement, discussion with national experts, other states and staff recommendations led to the development of the original CWD Emergency Rule which will expire on September 1, 2003. Since CWD is a disease that the state of Wisconsin will be dealing with for many years, the need for permanent rules to help control and eradicate this disease will be required. This rule package is the department's recommendation to deal with CWD in the state and request the Board approve the package for public comment.
The permanent rule would replace the measures that were approved by the Natural Resources Board in June 2002 as part of the CWD Emergency Rule Package. Components of the permanent rule vary only slightly from the emergency rule and include provisions for the department to establish special deer hunting zones, reduce the deer herd through aggressive hunting seasons, landowner permits and department authorities. Also included are provisions for registration of deer, restrictions on deer baiting and wildlife feeding.
Groups likely impacted will be landowners in close proximity to CWD positive cases, deer hunters, meat processors and other businesses.
Statutory authority
Staff time required
Approximately 246 hours will be needed by the Department.
Natural Resources
Subject
Policy Analysis
The changes are necessitated by changes in federal reference test methods, updates of provisions incorporated by reference, errors in the current chapters and clarification language for existing rules which are not clear.
Statutory authority
Staff time required
Approximately 115 hours will be needed by the Department.
Psychology Examining Board
Subject
Objective of the Rule. To establish rules under which licensees of the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board may engage in psychometric testing.
Policy Analysis
2001 Wisconsin Act 80 authorized the Psychology Examining Board and the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling and Social Work Examining Board to promulgate rules under which licensees of the latter board may engage in psychometric testing. Non-promulgation will bar licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors from performing psychometric testing.
Statutory authority
Staff time required
150 hours.
