A land use order governing the management, care and use of areas surrounding state forest campgrounds, a fisheries order outlining regulations for warm-water species on select waters, and an update on elk season results are just some of the agenda items for the next meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission Thursday, Jan. 9, in Lansing. The meeting will take place at the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road. 

Scheduled committee meetings include:

• 11 a.m., Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries.
• 11:30 a.m., lunch break.
• 12:30 p.m., Committee of the Whole.

See the meeting's full draft agenda at Michigan.gov/NRC. For more information or to request time to speak at the meeting, contact Cheryl Nelson at 517-284-6237.

Starting out the new year, winter weather has arrived in many parts of Michigan. Whether you’ve been busy skating, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hunting or enjoying the great outdoors in other ways – or just starting to plan your first adventure of the season – please put safety first. Here are some easy things to keep in mind:

• Check the weather before you go out, dress appropriately, stay hydrated and share your plans with friends and family. Watch a video for more cold weather safety tips.
• When snowmobiling, remember to ride sober, ride on the right side of the trail and ride at a safe speed. Read more about snowmobile safety and the DNR's Ride Right campaign in a news release issued earlier today.
• When venturing out onto and around frozen bodies of water, use caution. There is no reliable inch-thickness test to determine if ice is safe, so no ice should ever be considered “safe.” Learn more about ice safety.

For more information about safely enjoying outdoor recreation activities, contact Lt. Tom Wanless at 517-284-6026.