Notice of Preliminary Hearing on Statement of Scope
The Department of Natural Resources announces that it will hold a preliminary public hearing on Statement of Scope SS 094-24 (Board Order WY-20-23), which affects ch. NR 107, 109 and 193, relating to aquatic plant management, manual removal and mechanical control regulations, aquatic habitat protection, and surface water grants. In accordance with s. 227.136, Wis. Stats., the DNR is seeking public comment and feedback on the Statement of Scope at the time and virtual location shown below. Hearing Information
Date: October 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM to end of agenda
Virtual Location Link:
- Call in: +1 309 205 3325 US, +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
- Meeting ID: 868 2804 0454
Rule Information
The objectives of the proposed rule are to bring the policies of the state’s Aquatic Plant Management program into alignment with current state law, to remove obsolete language and update outdated sections of the rule, and finally, to expand the protection of native aquatic plants for the benefit of water quality, fish and wildlife, the public interest in navigable waters, and public health. This rule-making action is to repeal chs. NR 107 and 109, Wis. Adm. Code, to establish one comprehensive code, ch. NR 107, Wis. Adm. Code. The new rule will seek to:
- Cross-reference invasive species identification, classification and control in ch. NR 40, Wis. Adm. Code, as well as ch. NR 193, Wis. Adm. Code, t094-24o enhance consistency. - Increase permit fees to account for staff resources to manage the program.
- Streamline the pond permit process and add a waiver.
- Streamline the permitting process by eliminating redundancies and clarifying applicant responsibilities and application requirements.
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. To join via Zoom, please register or pre-register using the link above, which will prompt you to enter information required on the Hearing Appearance form. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to provide spoken comments during the hearing. For those who plan to phone in, please download and complete the fillable Hearing Appearance form and send it to Madison.johansen@wisconsin.gov. Comments on the proposed scope statement must be received on or before October 3, 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 scope statement should be submitted to:
Department of Natural Resources
Attn: Madi Johansen
3550 Mormon Coulee Rd.
La Crosse, WI 54601