FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 8, 2015

Contact: Ed Golder, 517-284-5815

Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing.

The day begins with a 9:30 a.m. meeting of the Marketing, Partnership, Youth and Outreach Advisory Committee. The committee will review a number of Department of Natural Resources’ educational efforts, including an overview of K-12 programs and goals and the importance of DNR visitor centers; a teacher’s perspective on Salmon in the Classroom; the Academy of Natural Resources’ impact on the classroom, and teacher-training programs including Project WILD and Project Learning Tree. The committee also will hear a presentation, “Lessons Learned from the Bald Eagle,” highlighting the value of partnerships. The session will wrap up with the opportunity for committee members to ask questions of all K-12 presenters.

At 1 p.m., the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will discuss the DNR’s Wildlife Action Plan and the Wildlife Division’s Strategic Plan, and hear updates on coyote management and proposed fishing regulations.

The Committee of the Whole meets at 2:30 p.m. to receive DNR Director Keith Creagh’s report, which will include an update on shooting ranges, information about this season’s wildfires, a discussion of the proposed draft Drummond Island Comprehensive Resource Management Plan, and a presentation by Güd Marketing on the findings of the Michigan Wildlife Council's research on residents' awareness and perceptions of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan. A legislative update will follow Director Creagh’s report. Additionally, two veteran hunter safety volunteer instructors – James Russell and Edward Becker – each will receive awards for contributing 40 years of service to the program.

At 4 p.m. the DNR will present a Partners in Conservation Award to Meridian Township officials for the township’s ongoing efforts to control its urban deer population, as well as for cooperation and vigilance in helping the DNR manage and contain chronic wasting disease.

Immediately following the awards presentation, the NRC will receive public comments. Those wishing to make public comments before the NRC should contact Cheryl Nelson, executive assistant to the NRC, at 517-284-6237 or nelsonc@michigan.gov to register.

Following public comments, the commission will consider specific hunting regulations for the new Cornish State Game Area, removal of the spawning closure on the Betsie River in Benzie County, and adjustment to some designated trout stream boundaries.

Director Creagh is scheduled to announce the October oil and gas lease auction, clarify administrative issues involving commercial fishing, and issue an order banning gasoline engines on watercraft at Cornish State Game Area. In addition, he will consider several land transactions.

For more information about the Natural Resources Commission, including full agendas and meeting minutes, visit www.michigan.gov/nrc.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.