DNR To Host Preliminary Public Hearing On Sturgeon Spearing Regulations

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a preliminary public hearing on July 8 to discuss a scope statement that relates to the sturgeon spearing harvest regulations and the use of technology during the Winnebago System sturgeon spearing season.

This preliminary public hearing will allow the public to comment on the general topics that the rule may encompass, as presented in the scope statement. Only the proposed scope statement will be discussed at this hearing. The DNR will offer additional public input opportunities once a rule is under development.

The proposed scope statement specifies that a future rule may address the use of technology such as underwater cameras, electronic fish finders and other similar devices during the sturgeon spearing season.

Members of the public who wish to speak at the hearing are strongly encouraged to pre-register. To do so, please save and complete the fillable appearance slip and submit to Meredith Penthorn.

This scope statement was developed after several years of public discussion on the use of technology in the Winnebago sturgeon spearing fishery, including public surveys in 2013 and 2018, two Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearing questions in 2019 and a discussion by the Winnebago Citizen Sturgeon Advisory Committee.

The topics included in the scope statement may be considered for future rulemaking. The Natural Resources Board must approve this scope statement before any rule proposals are developed.

Visit the Winnebago System webpage for more information on the Winnebago sturgeon spear fishery.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Public Hearing On Sturgeon Spearing Harvest Regulations
And Gear Use Scope Statement

When: Thursday, July 8, 2021, 6 p.m.

Who: Meredith Penthorn, DNR Policy Specialist

Where: Join via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89845319032 or by phone: 312-626-6799; Meeting ID: 898 4531 9032#

Written comments, which will have the same weight and effect as spoken testimony presented at the hearing, may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on July 8 to Meredith.Penthorn@wisconsin.gov.