CR 22-057 Hearing Information

Notice of Hearing

The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on a permanent rule to revise ch. NR 20, relating to reporting requirements for sport trolling licensees, at the time and place shown below.

Hearing Information

Date:   September 19, 2022

Time:   6 p.m.

Virtual Location Link: Online by Zoom link or by phone at 1-312-626-6799, meeting ID 819 8405 4917

Rule Information: This rule requires sport trolling licensees (charter captains guiding anglers in trolling for trout and salmon on the outlying waters of Lake Michigan (including Green Bay) or Lake Superior) to submit their fishing trip reports electronically, provides for a method of reporting in the unlikely event that the electronic reporting system is not in operation, and includes updated details on the information required on the report form. In addition, this rule establishes reporting timelines that are compatible with reporting through electronic means while also providing a basis for enforcement.

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 September 19, 2022. 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, FH/4

P.O. Box 7921

101 S. Webster Street,

Madison, WI 53707-7921

The rule may be viewed at: https://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.html

Comments can be made at: [e-mail]

The rule may be reviewed, and comments made at: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/chr/hearings.

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: Small charter fishing businesses in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior (those holding sport trolling licenses for outlying waters) may be minimally impacted only if they do not already possess an electronic device capable of entering and submitting the trip reports. In that case, these licensees may need to purchase a basic smartphone and data plan to submit the reports. With the initial cost of a basic smartphone and prepaid data plan estimated at $120 to $240 annually per licensee and 51 licensees or less currently without a smartphone, the total cost of compliance with this rule is not likely to exceed the range of $6,120 to $14,280.

This rule would also adjust the reporting timeline to improve the accuracy of reporting data, requiring trip information to be entered before returning to the dock or shore. This is only a minimal change from the existing reporting timeline, which requires most trip information to be recorded no later than ½ hour after returning to the dock or shore.

Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:

Emma Esch [phone]

[e-mail]