For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on proposed permanent wolf rules relating to gray wolf harvest regulations.

“Using the regular rulemaking process, this rule proposal will achieve two primary objectives,” DNR stated. “First, it will codify provisions of an emergency rule, EmR 1210, which went into effect on Aug. 18, 2012. Non-statutory provisions of 2011 ACT 169 state that this emergency rule remains in effect until a permanent rule takes effect. Second, it will implement recommendations from and update regulatory text in consideration of a new wolf management plan (www.tinyurl.com/2ss45ebb).”

The public comment period will be open through Friday, Sept. 15.

A virtual public hearing (www.tinyurl.com/3ahpn7tn) on the proposed rule will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. The public can provide verbal comments on the draft rule at the hearing.

Registration will take place at the hearing by completing a Hearing Appearance form (www.tinyurl.com/yw6kdrhn). DNR said pre-registration is strongly encouraged for individuals to provide spoken comments during the hearing.

To pre-register, download and complete the Hearing Appearance form and send it to [email protected].

DNR will accept written comments on the proposed rule by U.S. mail, email or online. The public can review the rule and make comments online at www.tinyurl.com/2tce66j6.

DNR said all comments will have the same weight, including the verbal statements presented at the public hearing.

Written comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15. Direct written comments to Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Scott Karel, P.O. Box 7921, 101 S. Webster St., Madison, Wis., 53707-7921; or [email protected].

For more information, view the materials for the proposed rule in the public hearing notice (www.tinyurl.com/yafm7ykp) or visit the DNR’s proposed permanent rules webpage at www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.