At a June 27 news conference  - held by Senator Baumgart, DNR Secretary Bazzell, DATCP Secretary Harsdorf, Senator Schultz and Representative Ott - thanks were repeatedly extended to the environmentalists, conservationists, farmers and other citizens who were part of the decision-making process.  The rule making process was portrayed not only as a major step forward for protecting Wisconsin's waters, but for the cooperative spirit exhibited by the various stakeholders, agencies, and the public.

Final rule changes made by the committee include:

• Expanding the definition of "local regulations" to include standards and specifications adopted by land conservation committees
• Excluding any land occupied by a manure storage facility or other structure constructed from the cost-sharing requirements for land taken out of production
• Clarifying DATCP standards for the approval of a county land and water resource management plan in ATCP 50.12.

After speaking with one of the scientists on the committee, Bill Pielsticker, of Trout Unlimited, said "This research is not just a delay tactic.  There is a clear need for more research.  This group will produce information useful not only to Wisconsin, but to the whole of the Midwest."

The Assembly Ag. Committee will approve the rules at the end of next week.  Representative Ott was clear in the press conference that they do not intend to take any further action; they are content to approve the rules as they currently stand.  So they gather full approval by July 9th and will be published in the state register shortly after that.  The rules will take effect the first of the month following publication, or most likely August 1st, 2002.

For more information, contact Juniper Garver-Hume of the Clean Water Coalition.