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Letter Templates to contact the WDNR re Admin Code changes
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This thread is for your letter templates, for contacting the WDNR. See the background of this letter campaign here. Send your comments to:
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Louis Weiher contributed this one: Dear Wisconsin DNR Administrative Rules Staff, I am writing to oppose the proposed administrative code changes redefining climbing-related terms that would, as written, prohibit bouldering in State Natural Areas such as Devil’s Lake (Burma Road and the Reserve), Rattlesnake Mound / Quincy Bluff, and Castle Mound. These changes are being characterized as minor “housekeeping,” but they are not. The proposed definitions do not clarify existing policy, rely on confusing terminology, and would result in a major and unnecessary loss of long-standing climbing access. Bouldering has been a low-impact, established activity in these areas for decades, and this proposal represents a significant policy shift rather than a clarification. I am also concerned that these changes appear to be moving forward without meaningful collaboration with the Wisconsin Climbers Association (WCA). The DNR should work with the WCA and the climbing community to develop clear, informed rules that protect natural resources without eliminating responsible recreational use. I respectfully urge the DNR to pause or withdraw the proposed changes and engage stakeholders before proceeding. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Sincerely, YOUR NAME HERE CITY, STATE |
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Brendan Hobart contributed this one: [subject] Comment on FWP-22-24 Dear Wisconsin DNR representatives and administrative rules staff, These changes are being characterized as minor "housekeeping", but they are not. The draft rule claims to make "minor, remedial changes...to improve...structure, clarity and accuracy" that "will not substantively affect existing policy, and would have minimal, if any, impact on visitors to department-managed lands". However, in direct conflict with these statements, the proposed redefinition of climbing-related terms (i.e., the creation of NR 45.03 (8f) (c)) are not minor, do not improve clarity, and would have major impacts on visitors. Indeed, as written, the draft rule would prohibit bouldering in State Natural Areas such as Devil’s Lake (Burma Road and the Reserve), Rattlesnake Mound / Quincy Bluff, and Castle Mound. Thus, this proposal represents a significant policy shift rather than a clarification and would carry significant impacts for visitors of DNR-managed areas by restricting bouldering. For these reasons, updating the definition of climbing-related activities in FWP-22-24 is unjustified and inappropriate. Furthermore, the draft rule states that "[no] economic impacts are expected as a result of these rule changes. These changes are minor in nature and will not substantively affect existing policy", and "[no] effects on small business are anticipated as a result of these rule changes". Given the large number of visitors that travel to DNR-managed lands (and surrounding communities) to partake in climbing-related activities (including bouldering), it is likely that the draft rule change would, in fact, negatively impact local businesses and economies, owing to decreased visitation rates. This further highlights that the proposed changes to how climbing-related activities are defined within FWP-22-24 are inappropriate. Finally, I am also concerned that these changes appear to be moving forward without meaningful collaboration with the Wisconsin Climbers Association (WCA). The DNR should work with the WCA and the climbing community to develop clear, informed rules that protect natural resources without eliminating responsible recreational use. I respectfully urge the DNR to pause or withdraw the proposed changes and engage stakeholders before proceeding. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
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