Board approves lab fees, rulemaking scopes and trawling rule; donation acknowledged

The Natural Resources Board on April 9, 2025 in Madison approved a series of routine and regulatory items, including a 5.6% fee adjustment for the laboratory accreditation program, adoption of a board order revising trawling rules for Lake Michigan, and scope statements for electronics recycling and groundwater PFAS rulemaking. The board also approved the meeting agenda and accepted a $25,000 donation to Governor Dodge State Park.

Why it matters: The actions put several regulatory changes into motion (or permanent effect) and fund an ongoing program that certifies laboratories. The trawling order replaces a rule that would have expired in October 2025 and clarifies technical gear standards used in the Lake Michigan whitefish fishery; the PFAS and electronics scope statements begin formal rulemaking steps that will include public comment and economic analyses.

Key outcomes

- Agenda approved. Motion to approve the April 9 agenda was moved by Robin (board member) and seconded by Rachel (board member); the board approved the agenda by voice vote.

- Consent agenda approved; donation acknowledged. The board acknowledged a $25,000 donation from the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park to support park operations. Motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Doug (board member) and seconded by Deb (board member); motion carried.

- Laboratory accreditation fee adjustment approved. The board approved the Department of Natural Resources' recommended FY26 laboratory accreditation fee adjustment (5.6% increase) after presentation by the environmental analysis and sustainability program. Motion to approve was moved by Robin and seconded by Marcy; motion carried.

- Adoption of trawling rules for Lake Michigan (Board Order FH01-23). The board adopted the rulemaking package affecting chapter NR 25 that removes a sunset, allows trolling for lake whitefish from Dec. 1–Aug. 31, adds a one-time 14-day camera-exemption when video systems malfunction, and codifies detailed measurements and measurement methods for the trawl net’s ‘cut end.’ Motion to adopt was moved by Marcy and seconded by Patty; vote was taken by voice and the motion carried.

- Scope statements approved for electronics recycling (WA15-24) and for groundwater PFAS numeric standards (DG02-25). The board approved the statement of scope for board order WA15-24 (electronics recycling program changes) on a motion from Doug, seconded by Rachel; and approved the scope statement for board order DG02-25 (PFAS numeric groundwater standards based on DHS recommendations) on a motion from Patty, seconded by Deb. Both motions carried.

What the board recorded about votes: Most votes were taken by voice and recorded as “aye” with no roll-call tallies shown in the minutes. The board’s motions list the members who moved and seconded each action in the meeting record.

Next steps and timeline: Adoption of rule language (FH01-23) means the new trawling rules become board policy per the adopted order; scope approvals start formal rulemaking processes for electronics recycling and PFAS groundwater numeric standards that will include drafting, economic-impact analysis, and public comment periods. The FY26 fee adjustment will be implemented as described in the department’s budget submission for the laboratory certification program.

Ending: The board completed the formal votes in the morning session and continued into informational items and public comment later in the meeting.