Powell Marsh Wildlife Area Planning "Sideboards"

Guiding Statutes

Sec. 23.09(2)(d)3, Wis. Stats. provides the legislative authority and direction for the acquisition and management of wildlife areas. The primary purpose as stated in this statute is to provide "areas in which any citizen may hunt, trap or fish".

Chapt. NR 1.51 reaffirms the statute and further states . . . "fishery, forestry wild-resource and outdoor recreational objectives will be accommodated when they are compatible and do not detract significantly from the primary objective". It also states; "The use of closed areas and/or refuges within wildlife areas is endorsed to provide wildlife with required sanctuary from hunting and to protect property."

NR1.60 - Master Planning for Department Land

(2) - Local and Regional Perspectives: Management decisions shall be based on local and regional perspectives.

(3) - Property Designation: Management of a department property and the master plan applicable to it shall be consistent with and further the purposes and benefits of the property's designation by statute, rule or the natural resources board.

• Management activities shall be compatible with the land's ability to support and sustain the intended management, development or recreational use.
• In planning efforts, the effects of management activities on adjacent management areas are to be considered and, where adverse, are to be avoided whenever practicable.

(5) - Tribal Treaty Rights: Management of a department property within the ceded territory as defined in s. NR 13.02(1), and the master plan applicable to it, shall recognize the opportunity for tribes with off-reservation hunting, fishing and gathering rights to continue to exercise those rights.

NR 1.61 - Public Use of Department Land

Except as prohibited or regulated by rule or statute, all department land shall be open for

(1) traditional outdoor recreational uses, including hunting, fishing, trapping, walking, nature study and berry picking; and
(2) other types of recreational uses, including camping, bicycling, equestrian uses, field trials, and snowmobiling or other motorized activities, as authorized on a property by the property master plan.

Federal Pittman-Robertson Act

In 1937 Congress enacted the Pittman-Robertson Act. This act levied an excise tax on sporting firearms and ammunition. These funds are distributed to the states for wildlife restoration, land acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat. Lands acquired and managed with Pittman-Robertson funds must be managed in ways that are compatible with the act's purpose. Pittman-Robertson funding has been used on the Powell Marsh Wildlife Area.