Wisconsin Administrative Code › Department of Natural Resources › NR 1-99 - Fish, Game and Enforcement, Forestry and Recreation › Chapter NR 1 - Natural Resources Board Policies › Section NR 1.01 - Management of fisheries and aquatic resources

Current through June 24, 2024
(1) To meet its
				responsibilities established by statute, department programs shall be based on
				scientific management principles which emphasize the protection, perpetuation,
				development, and use of all desirable aquatic species.
(2) The goal of fish management is to provide
				opportunities for the optimum use and enjoyment of Wisconsin's aquatic
				resources, both sport and commercial. A healthy and diverse environment is
				essential to meet this goal and shall be promoted through management
				programs.
(3) Aquatic resources
				include both nongame and game species of fish, other aquatic animals and their
				habitats. Endangered and threatened species form a special group that will be
				managed according to ch. NR 27 and s.
				29.604,
				Stats.
(4) To assure its
				effectiveness, the management program shall be based upon a close working
				relationship among all functions of the department, other governmental
				agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and the public. The department
				will keep interested parties informed of policies, plans and management. To
				anticipate change and meet future demand, the department shall engage in
				long-range planning of management programs.
(5) Financing the department's fish and
				aquatic resource management program through, in large part, user fees,
				particularly license fees and excise taxes on selected equipment purchased by
				sport and commercial fishers, is an established principle. Although user fees
				collected for a specific purpose are targeted at that purpose, they provide
				significant indirect benefits for a wide range of wildlife and users. When
				beneficiaries are a broader or different segment of the public, other funding
				sources will be sought.
(6)
				Wisconsin law enunciates a trust doctrine which secures the right of all
				Wisconsin citizens to quality, non-polluted waters and holds that waters are
				the common property of all citizens. Fish management programs will vigorously
				uphold the doctrine that citizens have a right to use in common the waters of
				the state and these waters shall be maintained free of pollution.
(7) With access to Wisconsin's lakes and
				streams a prerequisite for their use by the public, the acquisition and
				development of public access to waters should be accelerated, particularly in
				the more populous areas of the state.
(8) Wild and wilderness lakes and streams are
				a special and limited resource providing unique settings for enjoyment of
				fishing and other outdoor activities. Additional efforts are required to
				designate lakes and streams for this status. Special management methods that
				increase fishing quality shall be encouraged on these waters. Such methods may
				include trophy fishing, regulated harvest, special seasons, and controlled
				entry.
(9) Sport fishing shall be
				managed in such a way that all have an equal opportunity to safely enjoy the
				aquatic resources, regulated to the extent that:
(a) Fish and other aquatic resources are
				protected and enhanced;
(b) Fishing
				effort does not exceed the capabilities of the resource to sustain desirable,
				quality fish populations;
(c) The
				social, biological and economic values associated with all recreational
				fishing, competitive and non-competitive, are recognized;
(d) A sense of responsibility for the
				resource is inherent in all who participate and enjoy fishing;
(e) User conflicts are minimized;
				and
(f) Aesthetic and cultural
				values associated with fishing are held in trust for future
				generations.