Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on emergency rule FH-16-14(E) to amend NR 20.20 (73)(n) 4. and 25.06 (1)(a) 1. to 3., Wis. Adm. Code, relating to lake trout harvest limits in Lake Superior, at the time and place shown below.
Hearing Information
Date: Monday February 16, 2015
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Ashland High School Auditorium 1900 Beaser Avenue, Ashland WI 54806
Accessibility
Reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Contact Terry Margenau at PO Box 589, Bayfield, WI 54814-0589; by email to terry.margenau@wisconsin.gov; or by calling (715) 779-4035. A request must include specific information and be received at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing. Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments
Comments on the rule must be received on or before February 16, 2015. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, email, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Submit comments to:
Terry Margenau
Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Fisheries Management
PO Box 589, Bayfield, WI 54814-0589
Phone: (715) 779-4035
Fax: (608) 266-2244
Internet: Wisconsin Administrative Rules website: adminrules.wisconsin.gov
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The proposed rule will have an effect on small businesses, as defined under s. 227.114 (1). 1.
Description of the types of small businesses that will be affected by the rule: The rule will impact the harvest of lake trout and other species by state-licensed commercial fishers and Chippewa-licensed fishers. Because of the decline in lake trout populations, all groups that fish in Lake Superior would have a reduction in overall harvest limits, resulting in potential short-term income reduction (compared to prior years) for commercial fishers. However, impact on commercial fishing businesses may be buffered by the ability to transfer individual license catch quotas between state-licensed commercial fishers. Quota transfers are already a common practice that are approved and documented by the department, as authorized by s. NR 25.08. Minimal impact is expected for businesses or business associations that do not rely on harvest of lake trout (e.g., charter fishers that promote catch and release, commercial fishers that use trap nets).
2.
Description of the proposed reporting, bookkeeping and other procedures required for compliance with the rule: The rule does not impose any new compliance or reporting requirements nor would any design or operational standards be contained in the rule. 3.
Description of the types of professional skills necessary for compliance with the rule: NoneAgency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Linda Haddix (608) 266-1959
