Administrative Code Rule Changes For Management of DNR Lands

The current rule package for the management of DNR lands can be found here: NRB Order Number PR-03-20. It is part of the Proposed Permanent Administrative Rules for the DNR. For details on the scope of this administrative rule package, see the Scope Statement.

To ensure the DNR lands are managed to balance resource protection and outdoor recreation opportunities, department staff are evaluating and updating some chapters of the Wisconsin Administrative Code that deal with how the public uses state land. This process will focus on ch. NR 45 (use of department properties), though the department will also be updating other chapters of administrative code related to department-managed lands. The process for non-emergency, agency-initiated administrative code changes such as this has a long timeline.

Background

The DNR creates and revises administrative rules to implement statutes enacted by the Wisconsin State Legislature. Administrative rules have the full force and effect of law.

Chapter NR 45 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code governs how visitors can use state lands and provides the department authority to protect natural resources. Proposed updates for this review process touch on important topics such as department fee structures, vehicle and boat use regulations, camping rules and hours of operation, technology regulations, rules relating to animals such as pets, general property use rules and property-specific rules. All of the rules under consideration in this rule package are specific to DNR lands only and do not govern non-DNR lands.

Administrative Code rulemaking timeline

There are many steps to agency-initiated administrative code update packages such as this one. The steps for Administrative Code rule changes for Management of DNR Lands can be broken down into four major areas.