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 1.51 - Management of state wildlife areas

Current through June 24, 2024
Section
				  23.09(2)
				  (d) 3, Stats., provides 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." Section
				  23.11(1),
				  Stats., provides for the general care, protection and supervision of state
				  lands. Section
				  23.30,
				  Stats., deals with the provisions of the outdoor recreation program.
(1) In order to fulfill the statutory charge
				of providing public hunting and trapping on wildlife areas, the quality of
				their wildlife habitat must be maintained or developed. However, this is not to
				be construed as authority for exclusive single-purpose management of entire
				properties. Wildlife habitat needs and public hunting objectives shall receive
				major consideration in management planning for wildlife areas; however,
				fishery, forestry, wild resource and outdoor recreational objectives will be
				accommodated when they are compatible and do not detract significantly from the
				primary objective.
(2) The concept
				of a general user fee to fund operational activities on wildlife areas which
				require maintenance to keep them safe, functional and attractive is
				endorsed.
(3) The following uses
				will be accommodated on wildlife areas in accord with the priorities and
				constraints of practical and scientific wildlife management principles and
				obligations:
(a)
Public hunting and
				trapping.
The primary use on all designated wildlife areas shall be
				hunting and trapping. Legislation and regulations are encouraged to limit
				numbers of participants utilizing state land where necessary to insure
				opportunities for a quality recreational experience. The use of closed areas
				and/or refuges is endorsed to provide wildlife with required sanctuary from
				hunting and to protect property.
(b)
Scientific study.
Relatively undisturbed biological systems on wildlife areas provide a unique
				opportunity for scientific research on natural or near-natural systems. Since a
				thorough knowledge of wildlife ecology is the basis of a sound wildlife
				management program, the designation of suitable tracts as scientific areas is
				encouraged.
(c)
Compatible
				open-space uses.
Open-space pedestrian uses, including hiking, nature
				study, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing are generally compatible with
				the primary purpose of wildlife areas. These activities will be accommodated
				but may have to be limited in time and location to avoid interference with
				wildlife production or survival and public hunting or trapping.
(d)
Camping.
Limited
				primitive camping may be permitted on wildlife areas. Camping should not be
				encouraged nor will developments be undertaken to service campers except at
				locations designated in the property master plan.
(e)
Off-road vehicles.
Unrestricted use of off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, will not be
				permitted on wildlife areas. Agreements may be made with counties, other
				municipalities, or private clubs for the use and maintenance of designated
				trails or areas where such use will not be detrimental to wildlife or conflict
				with public hunting.
(f)
Horses.
Indiscriminate horseback riding will not be permitted
				on wildlife areas. Use of horses may be permitted on designated trail systems,
				specific dog trial and training areas and in other areas where such use will
				not unduly damage wildlife habitat or conflict with wildlife production and
				public hunting.
(g)
Special
				use permits.
Special use permits may be authorized for outdoor
				recreational activities such as organized youth group camping, dog trials,
				etc., but only where such activities do not conflict with each other and where
				they are compatible with the primary purpose of the property. Sites where such
				activities are to be permitted and the facilities required shall be designated
				in the property master plan.