An Act to create 23.176 and 23.47 (1) (e) of the statutes; Relating to: cross-country ski permits, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Summary
SB 961 would create a new cross-country ski permit system for skiing on state-owned land in Wisconsin, in areas where cross-country skiing is otherwise allowed. Under the bill, a skier would generally need to display a valid permit on a ski or carry proof of a temporary receipt showing the permit application and fees were submitted. The bill also exempts skiers participating in authorized organized events and those already covered by a state trail pass, and it makes clear that the permit does not authorize skiing in places where skiing is prohibited.
The Department of Natural Resources would be required to issue the permits and temporary receipts to applicants who pay the required fees, and it could also appoint non-employees as agents to issue them. Permits would be valid for the calendar year issued. The bill sets permit fees at $40 for adults, $20 for children age 12 and older, and no fee for children under 12, plus a 75-cent issuing fee for permits issued to people age 12 or older. Agents could retain 50 cents of that issuing fee as compensation. The bill also grants rule-making authority to DNR to regulate agents and alternative forms of proof.
The bill would amend Wisconsin statutes by creating s. 23.176 governing cross-country ski permits and adding a related reference in s. 23.47(1)(e). It would expand DNR administrative responsibilities, establish a new fee structure, and create a new enforcement mechanism for cross-country skiing on state land. Because the bill includes an appropriation and fee collection provisions, it would also have fiscal implications for DNR operations and permit administration.
Overall sentiment in the available record appears limited and procedurally negative rather than substantive: there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes, and the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. With no discussion record available, there is no documented support or opposition from committee members or stakeholders in the provided materials.
The main points of contention suggested by the bill text are the creation of a new permit requirement for recreational use of state land, the added cost to skiers, and the administrative burden of enforcement and permit issuance. Potentially affected parties include cross-country skiers, families with children, DNR staff and agents, and users of state-owned recreational lands and trails.
Impact
The bill would create a new chapter-level permit requirement in Wisconsin law for cross-country skiing on state-owned land where skiing is authorized, except in vehicle admission areas and certain exempt situations. It would also authorize DNR to issue permits directly or through appointed agents, establish permit and issuing fees, and add a statutory reference recognizing the new permit or temporary receipt as valid proof under DNR rules. The practical effect would be to regulate access to state-managed ski areas and generate revenue for permit administration.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee testimony or vote history, so there is no documented substantive debate in the materials provided. The bill did not advance and ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, which indicates an unfavorable procedural outcome. Based on the text alone, the proposal appears to have been framed as an administrative and fee-based recreation measure rather than a broadly supported policy change.
Contention
Likely areas of contention include whether Wisconsin should require a separate permit for cross-country skiing on state land, the level of the fees, and whether the DNR should rely on agents to issue permits and collect fees. Opponents could view the measure as adding costs and barriers to public recreation, while supporters may see it as a way to fund management and improve compliance. The bill’s exemptions for organized events and trail-pass users suggest an attempt to limit impact, but the new requirement would still affect ordinary skiers on state-owned lands.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 23.176 and 23.47 (1) (e) of the statutes; Relating to: cross-country ski permits, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)