Title: Trail Mail Bulletin
The attached documents outlines the status of the Wisconsin Deer Hunt rules which may impact xc skiing in some parts of the state.
LEGISLATIVE ALERT ON WISCONSIN DEER HUNT RULES
Wisconsin Nordic Network has been tracking the development of new permanent deer hunt rules (WM-40) has it has wandered through the Wisconsin DNR & Legislature for almost 2 years. It looks like the long trip will be coming to an end in the next few months.
Many Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois skier activists are tuned into
WM-40 because it represents a step-back for winter recreationalists. Included in the new rules is an additional four day mid-December deer firearm season. While it wouldn't have much of an impact on this years ski season, it doesn't take a brain surgeon to determine the impact on skier opportunities. A full-fledged mid-December hunt will have a permanent impact on ski trail preparation, grooming and yes, skiing.
As of press time, WM-40 is headed for a hearing in the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR). This hearing takes place January 10 at 10am in Room 411S at the Capital Building. JCRAR has three possible actions it can take. It can agree: essentially making WM-40 law; it can modify the rule; or send it back to the Natural Resources Board. What JCRAR does is anyone's guess, but a legislative source feels it's likely to go back to the Natural Resources Board for more work.
You ask, what can I do about this? Call, write or e-mail members of the
JCRAR, the Natural Resources Board, or your local legislators. You can tell them you understand the need to trim the herd, but smart people should know when deer hunters are in the woods; winter receptionist including skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers are not. Winter recreation has a significant impact on tourism dollars and the economic impact will affect many areas of Wisconsin.
Attached is contact information for Natural Resources Board and the JCRAR.
NATURAL RESOURCES BOARD
Trygve A. Solberg
PO Box 50
Minocqua WI 54548
715 356 7711
James E. Tiefenthaler, Jr.
W228 N683 Westmound Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262 513 1111
Herbert F. Behnke
N5960 Wolf River Road
Shawano WI 54166
715 524 4423
Gerald M. O'Brien
Box 228
Stevens Point WI 54481
715 344 0890
Howard D. Poulson
1212 Deming Way
PO Box 5550
Madison WI 53705
608 828 5700
Catherine L. Stepp
14520 50th Road
Sturtevant WI 53177
262 835-2609
Stephen D. Willett
PO Box 89
Phillips WI 54555
715 339 2125
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winn article 2002.doc
Description: MS-Word document
