Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
Public Access Administrative Rule

The passage of the state budget in October 2007 included reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. The Stewardship reauthorization includes a provision requiring that lands acquired with Stewardship funds be open to five nature based outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, cross country skiing and any other nature based outdoor activity as designated by rule by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The legislature provided for exceptions if the Natural Resources Board (NRB) determines it is necessary to prohibit one or more of the activities to protect public safety, to protect a unique animal or plant community, or to accommodate other usership patterns as defined by rule. This requirement does not apply to state park properties.

Public Comments from Listening Sessions

The Stewardship Subcommittee held three listening sessions in April 2008 and invited public comment via mail, email, or other methods. Over 130 people commented and the NRB Stewardship Subcommittee received, in all forms, almost 500 communications. DNR summarized these comments into major topics or themes that appeared to emerge from the variety of comments received. [See comments summary [PDF 174KB].]

This summary cannot possibly mention each and every comment received. The following detailed source documents are available either online or by request.

1. Transcripts of the three listening sessions
2. Copies of the audio tapes of each listening session.
3. Copies of the written comments submitted at the listening sessions.
4. Copies of the written comments sent by mail.
5. Copies of the emails [PDF 196KB] received plus attached written comments [PDF 5.1MB]. (available in hard copy and/or email).
6. Copy of the online survey results [PDF 214KB] (available in hard copy and/or email).
7. Copy of the notes of those who spoke about Stewardship Access at the May 2008 full NRB citizen's participation session in Milwaukee [PDF 100KB].

To obtain one or more of these source documents contact:

NRB Stewardship Subcommittee Report

On June 19, 2008, the Natural Resource Board (NRB) Stewardship Subcommittee reported to the full Board the status of the Stewardship Subcommittee's work to date on issues relating to development of administrative rules for the changes to the Stewardship Program required by statutory revisions in Act 20, the 2007-09 State Budget Bill. [See full report [PDF 210KB]]

Citizen Advisory Committee

The NRB tewardship Subcommittee's goal for these listening sessions was to identify issues and concerns to be addressed by the Citizens Advisory Committee in making recommendations for the rules to be developed by DNR staff and eventually brought to the NRB for review and approval. They will address these issues and concerns in meetings from July through November 2008.

See Also

Citizen Advisory Committee

Wisconsin Natural Resources Board

March 20, 2008 News Release [PDF 153KB]

listening Sessions Agenda [PDF 35KB]

Summary of the Reauthorization Provisions

Updated Statute

View the status of proposed NR 52 [exit DNR]

Payments in lieu of Tax (PILT)