Contact: Carroll Schaal, Lakes & Rivers Section Chief, DNR Bureau of Water Quality
carroll.schaal@wisconsin.gov or 608-630-3098
DNR Updates Information On Proposed Aquatic Plant Management Rules
An aquatic plant harvester at work in a waterway.
Photo credit: Mark Goehle/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Aquatic Plant Management (APM) Program has completed its final edits to the proposed administrative rule chapter NR 107, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the chemical, mechanical and manual management of aquatic plants. A public hearing was held Feb. 22, and a public comment period concluded on March 1.
The action is a merger and update of two older rules that are intended to improve program administration, native plant and habitat protection and the control of invasive aquatic plants. Some of the more significant updates include:
- Changes to the permit process that incorporate integrated pest management (IPM) principles including planning and monitoring requirements for large-scale activities
- Changes and improvements to the public and property owner notifications for most permits
- Additional permit waivers for wetland and pond activities and opportunities for a five-year permit
- Increased fees to better reflect the cost of administration
There will be an informational briefing at the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) meeting on June 22 that will provide an overview of the public input received on the proposed rule, a summary of the major changes made as a result of the input and an opportunity for the Board to ask clarifying questions. The Board will consider the proposed NR 107 rule for adoption at its August 9-10 meeting. More information for how to watch the board meetings, submit written comments and participate in the meetings is available on the Natural Resources Board webpage.
The DNR will hold multiple workshops and listening sessions throughout 2022 and 2023 to familiarize Aquatic Plant Management stakeholders with the program changes. The program changes are scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2024.
Find educational materials on the contents of the rule package and an explanation of the changes made based on public comments on the Aquatic Plant Management Rules webpage.
Learn more about aquatic plants and management on the DNR’s Aquatic Plants webpage.
