Wild rice and how it should be managed in Wisconsin
Wild rice is part of Wisconsin’s natural landscape, and protecting and managing wild rice will help ensure many wildlife species persevere, for all to enjoy. Beds of wild rice help maintain good water quality, and they provide food and habitat for waterfowl, and many other types of wildlife.
It’s is also a culturally significant plant to Wisconsin’s Native American tribes, which have a personal and longstanding connection to wild rice.
The management of wild rice intersects with several DNR programs, which is why the department is seeking public input on a draft Statewide Strategic Analysis of Wild Rice Management through June 7. The department chose to use the strategic analysis process to evaluate the range of scientifi c, natural resource and socioeconomic factors involved with protecting, and encouraging the growth of wild rice.
The purpose of the strategic analysis is to inform decisionmakers and the public about current wild rice conditions, authorities and management practices, information gaps and alternative approaches.
A strategic analysis does not establish DNR policy or change existing rules; instead, it will assist decision-makers, stakeholders and the public, to better understand wild rice issues and make informed decisions about its management. This strategic analysis is the precursor to the development of a Statewide Wild Rice Management Plan.
“Whether you are familiar with wild rice or not,” said Jon Simonsen, DNR environmental enalysis and review specialist, “this analysis is intended to help anyone interested learn about wild rice and wild rice management.”
The public is encouraged to review and submit written comments to improve the accuracy, clarity and objectivity of the draft strategic analysis document, by June 7, to: Department of Natural Resources, c/o Jon Simonsen, DNR Rhinelander Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501. Or, comments can be sent to Jonathan.Simonsen@wisconsin.gov.
Following the public comment period, the department will review the input and provide a summary of the comments received. The public will be notified once a final version of the Strategic Analysis is available.
To learn more about the Wild Rice Management Strategic Analysis, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov.
