By Topf Wells
Please consider participating in the Spring Wisconsin Conservation Congress hearings that begin on April 12 at 7 p.m. and stay open for 72 hours. Visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/about/wcc/springhearing to view the DNR information on the questions the hearings will consider. There are four categories with questions and you will need to open each one.

Because of COVID, the hearings will be on-line, with no in-person sessions.  While this eliminates the discussion among attendees, it makes participation extremely convenient.

The first set of questions concern proposed DNR wildlife and fish regulations the agency is proposing to implement in the near future.  If you have strong opinions about any of these you should register your opinion.  Several trout questions concern regulation on NE WI trout streams and opening more streams in the central part of the state for the early catch and release season.  Possibly of most concern to SWTU members are two proposals to eliminate catch and release fishing on two popular stretches of Mill and Willow Creeks in Richland Counties.

The rest of the questions advise the Conservation Congress and DNR Board on a variety of broader policy issues.