14 April 2014

Dear Friend,

 

The 2013-14 Wisconsin legislative session came to a close recently. While we focused our efforts on economic stability and job creation, the legislature also addressed some longstanding issues in conservation and outdoor sports that may be of interest to you.

 

This session, I supported, and the governor signed into law, the following pieces of legislation to keep Wisconsin moving forward on environmental and conservation issues:

 

Stewardship Program Funding (Act 20 - State Biennial Budget)

The Legislature preserved the stewardship program while reducing the overall bonding authority by $63.5 million through 2020. The budget limits land acquisition to be within current Department of Natural Resources (DNR) project boundaries. The goal is to focus on developing and improving the land already owned by investing $7 million per year in property development. The budget also allows stewardship dollars to go to ATV/UTV/snowmobile trail aids projects and specifies money for recreational boating aids.

 

Snowmobile Registration, Trail Use Sticker Requirements, and Funding for Supplemental Snowmobile Trail Aids (Act 142)

Act 142 will generate millions of dollars in extra revenue for trail funds by requiring all snowmobiles to display an annual trail use sticker, with limited exceptions. Previously, this sticker had been required only for snowmobiles not registered in Wisconsin. The bill also encourages trail volunteers and new rider recruits by providing a discounted trail pass for members of a local snowmobile club. Under the bill, snowmobile registration will transition to a 3-year cycle, remaining at the current $30 amount. The additional revenue will help volunteers to maintain 18,000 miles of trails.  Act 142 garnered the support of both the Governor’s Council on Snowmobile Recreation and the statewide Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. The tavern and restaurant industries, along with lodging groups and other tourism organizations, also voiced support for this bill.

 

Public Access to DNR Lands (Act 20 - State Biennial Budget)

Lawmakers directed the DNR to map and inventory all roads on public lands. The DNR will then help develop a motorized vehicle access plan for each DNR-owned property.  The state currently owns more than 1.5 million acres of land and public access is essential.

 

Phosphorus Reduction (Senate Bill 547 – Governor’s approval pending)

Our Wisconsin waterways contribute to the aesthetic, recreational and economic value of our communities, and reducing phosphorus is essential to keeping our waterways healthy. This legislation allows for an additional option for point sources to partner with nonpoint sources and counties with the goal of overall phosphorus reduction. The result will likely be a greater return on investment for each pollution prevention dollar invested.

 

Walleye Initiative/ Fish Hatchery Funding (Act 20 - State Biennial Budget)

The Walleye Initiative is an historic investment in Wisconsin’s walleye fisheries that benefit fishermen as well as the economy. The initiative funds infrastructure improvements and operating costs to expand production at state fish hatcheries, increasing walleye fingerlings to more than 500,000 by 2016. It also provides one-time funding for a competitive grant program for municipal, tribal and private aquaculture facilities.

 

Deer Management Initiatives (Act 20 - State Biennial Budget)

The budget includes the implementation of several deer management initiatives.  It mandates an update of land cover data and a standardized statewide citizen trail camera research and monitoring project.  The budget funds a disease response plan, a baiting and feeding study, and a deer population assessment. Most importantly, there will be a Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) to help participating landowners.

 

Veteran Hunting and Fishing Licenses (Act 20 - State Biennial Budget)

The budget included a provision that allows a qualified veteran, honorably discharged during the Wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, who is a Wisconsin resident to receive a one-time small game, archery, gun deer or annual fishing license for free.  Veterans who are interested must contact DVA to determine eligibility and receive a voucher that must be redeemed for the license within one year. 

 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your representative. If you have any questions about these topics or ideas to consider next legislative session, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Sincerely,

State Representative

67th Assembly District

State Capitol Room 18 West- PO Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-1194
Email: Rep.Larson@legis.wi.gov