Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

Press Release

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 10, 2014

Contact: Ed Golder, 517-284-5815


Natural Resources Commission to meet Thursday in Lansing

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, in Lansing.

The day begins with a 9 a.m. meeting of the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee, which will receive updates on Belle Isle, the Recreation Passport grant process and Recreation Passport marketing. The committee will also review 2014 priorities.

At 1 p.m., the Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries will receive updates from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries and Wildlife divisions. The committee will review the chronic wasting disease (CWD) plan and also discuss winter stress on wildlife. 

The Committee of the Whole follows at 2 p.m., with DNR Director Keith Creagh’s report (which will include an overview of the department’s FY 2015 proposed budget), as well as updates on major department program priorities and legislation.

At 4 p.m., the winners of the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing will be recognized and will receive their prizes. Pure Michigan Hunt offers hunters the opportunity to win elk, bear, turkey and antlerless deer licenses, as well as first pick at a managed waterfowl area and a prize package valued at more than $4,000. This year, hunters purchased 38,080 applications – the most in the program’s five-year history.

Immediately following the presentation, the NRC will hear comments from the public. 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 NRC is scheduled to take action on changes to the state’s Wildlife Conservation Order. The changes will align the order with Michigan’s new hunting and fishing license structure, which takes effect March 1.

Items scheduled for action by Director Creagh include:

• Repealing an obsolete order on motor vehicle permits for accessing state parks;
• Designating sites where the Recreation Passport is required; and
• Finalizing two land transactions in Presque Isle and Schoolcraft counties.

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