DNR Proposes Firearm Restriction On Land Purchased In Merton

MADISON, Wis. – To help ensure public safety, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a firearm restriction on a 6.59-acre parcel located on North Lake in the town of Merton in Waukesha County. The DNR purchased this parcel in 2005 with Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program funds to provide public fishing access.

The DNR cannot prohibit nature-based outdoor activities on lands purchased with Stewardship funds unless it has determined that prohibiting one or more of those activities is justified to protect public safety. The DNR has determined that a firearm restriction on this property is necessary to protect public safety after an examination of several factors, such as:

• Narrow width of the property
• Proximity of private homes to the property
• Local weapon ordinance
• Adjacency to a public waterway

The property includes 233 feet of water frontage and wetland habitat on the northwest side of North Lake and is being developed for carry-in public boating access. The public access site will contain additional infrastructure, including a fishing pier and four trailer vehicle parking stalls in addition to the existing four single-vehicle stalls. The parcel will be open to a full range of nature-based outdoor activities, such as hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking or cross-country skiing.

DNR staff are currently in the process of updating the most recent master plan to reflect the proposed addition of the firearm restriction. The complete analysis of the nature-based outdoor activity allowed on this property is available here.

To obtain a hard copy of the nature-based outdoor activity analysis or to submit written public comments on the proposed hunting season closure through March 19, please contact:  

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
c/o Ben Heussner, Fisheries Biologist
S91W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, WI 53119
Email: Benjamin.Heussner@wisconsin.gov

In accordance with s. NR 52.04 (2) (b), Wis. Admin. Code, objections on the prohibited activities on this property must show the proposed prohibition to be inconsistent with s. 23.0916 (2) (b), Stats. and s. NR 52.05, Wis. Admin. Code.

Learn more about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program here.