Last Updated: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 3:15 PM CDT
Northwoods residents comment on DNR rules
By Daily News Staff
Northwoods residents had an opportunity Tuesday to weigh-in on proposed permanent DNR rules created to protect the environment while easing the permitting process for shoreland projects.
In stark contrast to a meeting on similar rules, held by a joint legislative committee in June, only about 30 people showed up for the public hearing portion of the session.
The June meeting on the temporary DNR rules was attended by hundreds.
Following a brief review of the rules, on such subjects as the waters designation list, fee schedules and timelines, fish and wildlife habitat structures and boathouses, by DNR staffers those in attendance were allowed to voice their opinion.
Among the first to speak were a pair of Northwoods county supervisors who said county government should play a greater role in the implementation of new rules.
"Leave the permitting up to the county, the county is most accessible to the people," said Vilas County Supervisor Jay Verhulst. "The county is the very best authority, the very best opinion, the very best process," he added.
Along the same lines, Oneida County Supervisor Gary Baier said the agency should take another look at its fee schedule.
He said he believes it's outrageous that citizens have to pay a fee up to $2,000 to have a permit processed within 90 days.
"That's not a reasonable charge," he said, "That's extortion."
On the other end of the spectrum, Rebecca Katers of the Clean Water Action Council said she's worried the state's builders and developers have too much control over the rules process.
She claimed the builders and developers are "micromanaging the DNR and dictating to them about what they can and cannot do."
"Who's calling the shots in this state?" she asked.
Another public hearing on the permanent rules is set for this evening in Wausau. Citizens have until August 9 to send the DNR written comments on the rules.
A second slate of proposed changes is set for public hearing in late August and early September.
A third public hearing on rules governing piers is set for October.
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