EmR2048 Hearing Information

Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on emergency rule EmR2048 (FH-12-20(E)) to revise chapters NR 20 and 25 relating to fish harvest in Lake Superior. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on EmR2048 (FH-12-20 (E)) at the time and virtual location shown below.

Hearing Information

Date:   February 2, 2021  

Time:   6 p.m.  

Virtual Location Link: Online via Zoom link or by phone at 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 851 4778 5388

Rule Information: This rule addresses cisco and lake trout quotas and harvest limits for Lake Superior sport and commercial fisheries. Adjustments to these quotas and limits are necessary to maintain sustainable harvest levels for a healthy Lake Superior ecosystem and the diverse fisheries and stakeholders it supports. Because commercial, recreational and subsistence fishers all depend on a sustainable Lake Superior fishery, harvest regulations must be analyzed and balanced using updated biological data and public input from the different stakeholder groups.

Accessibility

For the hearing or visually impaired, non-English speakers, or those with other personal circumstances which might make communication at the meeting/hearing difficult, DNR will, to the maximum extent possible and with reasonable advance notice, provide aids including an interpreter, or a non-English, large-print, or recorded version of hearing documents. To access these resources, please contact the email address or phone number listed below as soon as possible.

Appearances at the Hearing and Submittal of Written Comments

The public has the opportunity to testify at the hearing. Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form, which is available here: https://dnr.wi.gov/files/pdf/forms/8300/8300-014.pdf. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. To pre-register, please download and complete the fillable Hearing Appearance form and send it to [e-mail].

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before February 2, 2021. Written comments may be submitted by U.S. mail, E-mail, or through the internet and will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearing. Written comments and any questions on the proposed rules should be submitted to:

Department of Natural Resources

Attn: Meredith Penthorn

P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707

[e-mail] or [e-mail]

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: This rule may have a moderate (from $50,000 to $5 million in total) economic impact on commercial fishing businesses. The methods in the rules for determining harvest restrictions are expected to allow the commercial fishing community to harvest at or near the current total average annual catch amount. However, because the individual quota allotment for cisco will decrease, some individual fishers that harvested their full allotment in the past few years may see a decrease in harvest and corresponding economic impacts under the reduced quota. Outside of the rules, market demand and fuel and other variable expenditures would have a greater economic impact on commercial fishing profits. This rule does not impose any compliance or reporting requirements, nor would any design or operational standards be contained in the rule. The rule does not allow for the potential to establish a reduced fine for small businesses, nor does it establish “alternative enforcement mechanisms” for “minor violations” of administrative rules made by small businesses. Public utility rate payers and local governmental units will not be affected by the rule.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Emma Esch [phone]

[e-mail]