Notice of Hearing
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a public hearing on emergency and permanent rules to revise ch. NR 26, relating to fish refuge establishment, at the time and place shown below. Hearing Information
Date: February 5, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Virtual Location Link: Click here to join the meeting; Meeting ID: 248 151 351 86, Passcode: u8dWCK. Join by phone at 1-608-571-2209, Phone Conference ID: 182 298 8# Rule Information: These rules will create fish refuges around fish passages and spawning areas that are expected to lead to increased concentrations of fish, resulting in increased vulnerability of these fish to angler harvest. The objective of these refuges is to protect fish populations from overharvest when they are concentrated, as well as to minimize fishing-related disturbances to spawning fish in these areas. The refuges may also protect public safety in areas where fishing near dams or related structures would present safety hazards. Fish refuges help ensure an adequate population of fish and provide a place for fish to reproduce and replenish the population in adjacent fishable waters.
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: Hearing Appearance form. 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 Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov. Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before Feb. 5, 2024. 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: Fisheries Management
P.O. Box 7921
101 S. Webster Street,
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: This rule is not expected to have a direct economic impact, as it will only restrict fishing from a small area encompassing the fish passage. This rule may have an indirect, positive economic impact since the fish refuge will ensure the perpetuation of game fish species by allowing the fish to safely move across barriers and reach their spawning waters. No impacts to small businesses are anticipated.
Agency Small Business Regulatory Coordinator:
Emma Esch (608) 266-1959
