CR 20-066 Hearing Information

Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule CR 20-066 (FH-25-19) to revise chapter NR 20 relating to Minocqua Chain walleye harvest regulations. In accordance with s. 227.17, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on permanent rule CR 20-066 (FH-25-19) at the time and virtual location shown below.

Hearing Information

Date:   May 24, 2021  

Time:   6 p.m.  

Virtual Location Link: Online by Zoom or call in to 1-312-626-6799, Meeting ID 870 3566 7939

Rule Information: This rule will establish a protective walleye harvest regulation on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes (consisting of Kawaguesaga, Minocqua, Mid, Little Tomahawk and Tomahawk lakes) to replace the existing catch-and-release regulation for walleye. A walleye rehabilitation program has taken place on the Minocqua Chain for the past six years to restore a naturally reproducing walleye population with good recruitment and size structure, which necessitated several years of no harvest. The current catch-and-release regulation is in place temporarily by emergency rule, and a replacement regulation is needed.

This proposed rule continues the catch-and-release regulation for the duration of the 2021 fishing season, which ends in March 2022. Starting with the May 2022 season opener, a limited harvest regulation would be in effect, currently consisting of a slot limit for walleye. The daily bag limit will be set at one walleye. Final regulations will be determined once public input is collected and assessed.

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 24, 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: 

The department anticipates a minimal economic impact, if any, as a result of this rule. Because this rule will allow limited harvest after several years of catch-and-release-only fishing, local anglers and businesses are not anticipated to experience any negative economic impacts, and may experience a slight economic benefit from the rehabilitated fishery.

This rule will mainly affect individual anglers and will not impose implementation or compliance costs on small businesses. This rule applies a limited harvest regulation that may benefit anglers and fishing-related businesses.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Emma Esch [phone]

[e-mail]