Section
23.09(2) (d) 3, Stats., provides legislative authority
and direction for the acquisition and management of wildlife areas. The primary
purpose as stated in this statute is to provide "areas in which any citizen may
hunt, trap or fish." Section
23.11(1),
Stats., provides for the general care, protection and supervision of state
lands. Section
23.30,
Stats., deals with the provisions of the outdoor recreation program.
(1) In order to fulfill the statutory charge
of providing public hunting and trapping on wildlife areas, the quality of
their wildlife habitat must be maintained or developed. However, this is not to
be construed as authority for exclusive single-purpose management of entire
properties. Wildlife habitat needs and public hunting objectives shall receive
major consideration in management planning for wildlife areas; however,
fishery, forestry, wild resource and outdoor recreational objectives will be
accommodated when they are compatible and do not detract significantly from the
primary objective.
(2) The concept
of a general user fee to fund operational activities on wildlife areas which
require maintenance to keep them safe, functional and attractive is
endorsed.
(3) The following uses
will be accommodated on wildlife areas in accord with the priorities and
constraints of practical and scientific wildlife management principles and
obligations:
(a)
Public hunting and
trapping. The primary use on all designated wildlife areas shall be
hunting and trapping. Legislation and regulations are encouraged to limit
numbers of participants utilizing state land where necessary to insure
opportunities for a quality recreational experience. The use of closed areas
and/or refuges is endorsed to provide wildlife with required sanctuary from
hunting and to protect property.
(b)
Scientific study.
Relatively undisturbed biological systems on wildlife areas provide a unique
opportunity for scientific research on natural or near-natural systems. Since a
thorough knowledge of wildlife ecology is the basis of a sound wildlife
management program, the designation of suitable tracts as scientific areas is
encouraged.
(c)
Compatible
open-space uses. Open-space pedestrian uses, including hiking, nature
study, wildlife viewing and cross-country skiing are generally compatible with
the primary purpose of wildlife areas. These activities will be accommodated
but may have to be limited in time and location to avoid interference with
wildlife production or survival and public hunting or trapping.
(d)
Camping. Limited
primitive camping may be permitted on wildlife areas. Camping should not be
encouraged nor will developments be undertaken to service campers except at
locations designated in the property master plan.
(e)
Off-road vehicles.
Unrestricted use of off-road vehicles, including snowmobiles, will not be
permitted on wildlife areas. Agreements may be made with counties, other
municipalities, or private clubs for the use and maintenance of designated
trails or areas where such use will not be detrimental to wildlife or conflict
with public hunting.
(f)
Horses. Indiscriminate horseback riding will not be permitted
on wildlife areas. Use of horses may be permitted on designated trail systems,
specific dog trial and training areas and in other areas where such use will
not unduly damage wildlife habitat or conflict with wildlife production and
public hunting.
(g)
Special
use permits. Special use permits may be authorized for outdoor
recreational activities such as organized youth group camping, dog trials,
etc., but only where such activities do not conflict with each other and where
they are compatible with the primary purpose of the property. Sites where such
activities are to be permitted and the facilities required shall be designated
in the property master plan.