Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 46.21

Current through September 30, 2024
Section NR 46.21 - Posting standards
(1) SIGN STANDARDS. Signs designating open and closed managed forest lands shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Are a minimum size of 11 inches by 11 inches.
(b) Are in conspicuous view.
(c) Are a minimum of 4 feet above the ground.
(d) Are at an interval of at least 2 per one quarter mile on the boundary of the designated area or as otherwise approved by the department.
(e) All print is of equal size to other print on the sign, if sign standards are required under sub. (2) or (3).
(2) CLOSED AREAS. Closed areas may be posted with commonly used no trespass signs or signs indicating the land is closed to public access or trespass, in conformance with this section and s. 943.13, Stats.
(3) OPEN AREAS.
(a) Open areas are not required to be posted to identify they are managed forest land unless otherwise required in this section.
(b) Open areas may be posted in conformance with this section and s. 943.13, Stats., against uses other than hunting, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing and cross-country skiing as long as the posted signs indicate the land is managed forest land and the land is open to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing and cross-country skiing.
(c) The method of public access to the land designated as open shall be clearly explained on the managed forest law map required under s. NR 46.25 as a comment. In addition to the explanation, if access to open managed forest land is across lands not open to public access, as provided in s. NR 46.20(1) (b) or (c), the location of the access shall be reasonably and clearly identified on signs meeting the requirements of this section. Signs shall be at locations and in sufficient number to provide reasonable notice to those attempting access. The location of the sign or signs that show the access route or location and that are closest to the access point from a public road or other land open to public access shall be indicated on the managed forest law map required under s. NR 46.25. If the location of the sign indicating the access route or location changes during the order period, the owner shall notify the department.
(4) COMMERCIAL LOGGING POSTING.
(a) Land within 300 feet of a commercial logging operation may not be posted to restrict public access prior to the date cutting commences.
(b) Restricted area signing for commercial logging operations may be continued only if 50% or more of the volume identified in the approved cutting notice or prescribed by the approved management plan is cut within one year of the date cutting is commenced and continues as indicated to the department.

Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 46.21

Cr. Register, October, 1986, No. 370, eff. 11-1-86.
Amended by, Cr. Register, CR 18-086: r. and recr. (1), am. (2) (a), r. (2) (b), am. (3) (c) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20; (2) (a) renum. to (2) under s. 13.92(4) (b) 1, Stats., and correction in (1) (e) made under s. 13.92(4) (b) 7, Stats., Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3/1/2020

This section interprets and administers s. 77.83(3), Stats., which authorizes the department to establish design standards for signs.