Public hearings to be held this October on proposed rules for Deer Trustee Report Implementation
MADISON - The state Natural Resources Board today approved public hearings to be held by the Department of Natural Resources on proposed rules relating to implementation of the Deer Trustee Report.
From Oct. 22 to Oct. 31, DNR will host public hearings on the proposed Deer Trustee Report rules at 35 locations statewide. To find a local hearing and to view a summary of the proposed rules, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “deer trustee report.”
In response, DNR Sec. Cathy Stepp has issued the following statement:
“These hearings mark another important step in the publicly-driven process to implement the Deer Trustee Report, with the aim of enhancing deer management in Wisconsin.
DNR has not allowed the report to collect any dust from the moment it was received in June 2012. We immediately began engaging the public, working with the Deer Committee to categorize the 62 recommendations of the report.
From there we engaged the public, stakeholders, tribes and other partners to form four volunteer-based action teams which met seven Saturdays between March and July of this year, ultimately forwarding implementation proposals for the 62 recommendations. Many thanks go to the dedicated individuals on each action team for their time, hard work, and for their implementation proposals.
Though not every implementation proposal will move forward, the proposed rules are based largely on the action team proposals, combined with input submitted by letters, emails, surveys, and more.
When the action team process completed their work this July, I urged people to stay involved. Now more than ever, we need feedback on what is being proposed. We want to hear from all who have an interest in deer in this state.
This is where the rubber meets the road, where the proposals will become reality on the ground. This is an important opportunity to help shape the future of deer management in Wisconsin.”
The official comment period will run from Oct. 14 to Nov. 8. If unable to attend a public hearing during this time, the public is encouraged to complete the survey and submit comments online by visiting dnr.wi.gov, search keywords “deer trustee report.”
Also available at this site are summaries of the action team proposals, videos, and other information on the implementation process to date.