Hearings that offer the public the opportunity to help guide natural resource management in Wisconsin get underway in all 72 Wisconsin counties tonight.
The annual spring fish and wildlife hearings are held in conjunction with county Conservation Congress meetings and feature nonbinding votes and testimony on proposed rule changes as well as advisory topics relating to fish and wildlife management.
Kari-Lee Zimmerman is a DNR and Conservation Congress liaison. She says there are a number of rule proposals that are being moved forward by the DNR.
"....some are related to invasive species or unprotected species. Other questions are related to simplifying weapon and ammunition restrictions, just to simplify regulations. Fisheries has a number of questions for a variety of species applicable to a number of water bodies in numerous counties...."
One question centers on establishing permanent rules for motor trolling. The proposal would allow for up to three lines per person in most counties with one line per person but three per boat allowed in Iron, Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas and other counties.
Lee-Zimmerman says there are dozens of other questions...
"....the spring hearing questions are posted on the DNR website...dnr.wi.gov....search the keywords 'spring hearings' you'll come up with (information) on how the hearings work. If you have an idea you want to present, some idea for change. There's information on how to write a resolution and present it at your local hearings...."
All the hearings begin at 7:00 p.m. Check the DNR website for the hearing closest to you.