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Wisconsin Lakeshore Business Association

Happy Holiday Season to all WLBA members,
The legislative committee would like to give everyone an update on the progress we have made with all your hard work and support as our committee is currently in Madison today meeting with WDNR leadership and legislative on current Lake Michigan issues.
We began working closely with the DNR on the laws that govern lake trout. Areas of focus are the daily bag limit, opening restricted areas and changing the current season. The WLBA is promoting the following:
1. Daily bag limit increased from two lake trout per day to five lake trout per day.
2. Open all previously closed areas to fishing.
3. Open year-round season, with the exception of the Mid-Lake Reef from October 1-December 31
The fisheries department needed to implement what is known an Emergency Rule change in order for this to be accomplished. This allows the DNR to change a rule for one year under the emergency rule. During this one year period, we will work on getting a permanent rule in place. The steps for the emergency rule are as follows:
1. Emergency rule must be signed by the Governor.
2. The DNR prepares a scoping statement.
3. Natural Resource Board approves scoping statement.
4. Statement presented at public hearing.
5. Final draft of Emergency Rule approved by Natural Resources Board.
6. Emergency Rule is effective immediately.
We are currently on step four, awaiting notification of dates for the public hearing. Once the DNR announced the dates we will inform the group. It is an expectation that all members are present at this hearing.
Final approval by the Natural Resources Board must take place before the printing of the 2017 fishing regulations. This is expected to be done by March 10th.
Other items in process are:
1. Changes to the VHS rule;
a. to create ability to get eggs from other locations
b. Open involvement to private hatcheries
2. Grant funding; creating funding to support clubs and organizations
a. Net pens
b. Maintenance of current facilities
c. Kid fishing clinics
d. Etc.
We will do our best to keep members informed of upcoming issues and progress.