CR 21-038 Hearing Information

Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule FH-08-20 to revise chapter NR 20 relating to fishing guide licenses and reporting requirements for licensed fishing guides in the Great Lakes. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on permanent rule FH-08-20 at the time and virtual location shown below.

Hearing Information

Date:   May 10, 2021

Time:   6 p.m.

Virtual Location Link: Online through Zoom or by phone at 1-312-626-6799, Meeting ID 834 5634 3892

Rule Information: This rule addresses reporting requirements for licensed fishing guides in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Green Bay and their tributaries to make them consistent and clear. Existing reporting rules are too general to provide adequate data for fisheries management decision-making, and lack clarity for fishing guides and the public. Enhanced guide reporting will provide important data on fish harvest that will be used in conjunction with commercial fish harvest reports to develop and monitor sustainable quotas for whitefish, lake trout, cisco and other game fish.

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.wisconsin.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.html. 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 May 10, 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

101 S. Webster Street,

Madison, WI 53707-7921

[e-mail] or [e-mail]

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: 

This rule will have a minimal economic impact, if any, on licensed fishing guide businesses. The types of information required to be reported under the proposed rule would not generate any costs. The method for reporting may minimally impact some guides under mandatory electronic reporting if those guides do not already possess an electronic device such as a computer or cell phone to enter the reporting information. These guides would have to purchase an electronic device to enter their reports, which is expected to be a minimal cost to each guide.

This rule will not contain any design or operational standards, but will contain new reporting requirements that will apply to licensed guides, including those who guide in sport trolling for species other than trout and salmon.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Emma Esch [phone]

[e-mail]