I received an interesting email from the Friends of Wisconsin State Park (FWSP), offering an update on the state DNR’s progress implementing a law passed in April 2012 requiring all Wisconsin State Parks to be opened to hunting and trapping.

Anyone who enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, horseback riding, etc. in Wisconsin State Parks should be concerned about these changes.  I have not had the opportunity to review the actual law, but I find this to be a real Catch 22 for the DNR and the Natural Resources Board.

Here are the conflicting requirements:

Act 168 opens hunting/trapping within all areas of all parks, unless 1) the DNR restricts hunting/trapping within 100-yards of a designated use area (e.g. the Ice Age Trail) or 2) the Natural Resources Board, by majority vote, prohibits hunting, fishing, and trapping when necessary to protect public safety or to protect a unique animal or plant community.

Wisconsin Statute 27.01 requires State Parks “to provide areas for public recreation and for public education in conservation and nature study. An area may qualify as a state park by reason of its scenery, its plants and wildlife, or its historical, archaeological or geological interest.”

So basically the DNR must allow hunting/trapping within all State Parks unless they effectively opt-out through significant effort.  And, additionally, they must allow hunting/trapping in a away that does not conflict with their mission as described by Wisconsin Statute 27.01.  Geez…good luck!

How will we figure this one out?  As a dad with a 9-month-old son, I have no doubt this will affect my eagerness to hike/ski/etc. during hunting seasons.  For example, the Ice Age Trail Alliance in a recent post wrote that the 100-yard buffer would “allow hikers and hunters a buffer from each other” and “mitigate safety concerns and user conflicts.”

Really? 100 yards? The IAT is well-marked, but it’s not such an obvious corridor that a hunter could clearly keep him/herself 100-yards away.  I don’t buy it.  But, unless the Natural Resources Board can pass – by a majority vote – that full sections must be closed to hunting to protect public safety, we will have to settle for 100-yards as a best-case scenario.

I’m a huge fan of Ice Age Trail, and I applaud and appreciate their efforts.  However, on this subject, I’m disappointed.  I wish they would take a stronger position in opposition to the law.  Yes, stakeholders must acknowledge and embark upon the best course of action given what the law requires.  However,  if Act 168 is in direct conflict with the best interests of the IAT and their supporters, it’s time to speak out.

Listening sessions have been taking place throughout the state.  Alternatively, you can submit comments directly to the DNR.

Let’s hope for an amicable solution.